Around 50 teachers from pilot schools from the northern region of Montenegro gathered in Berane on 26-27 February for a peer learning workshop “Learning about democracy and human rights through lesson planning, teaching and learning methods”. Participants learned how to identify school activities to develop competences for democratic culture, primarily in the teaching process, but also through extracurricular activities.

Angela Longo, Head of Operations in Podgorica Council of Europe Office said at the opening that learning about democracy “is a necessity nowadays when democracy and human rights are endangered on daily basis by xenophobia, hate speech and hostility toward diversity” thus making “the role of educators crucial in raising young generations in a spirit of tolerance”. Milica Pajovic from the Ministry of Education spoke about the importance of the teaching vocation, emphasising the challenge of coping with current tendencies in society and accordingly “motivating students to become democratic citizens equipped with tolerance toward diversity”.

Experienced national and international trainers provided a set of interactive learning sessions with active involvement of all the participants.

The event was organised within the framework of the European Union/Council of Europe Horizontal Facility Action “Fostering a democratic school culture in Montenegro”.