Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all

The Council of Europe believes that education for democratic citizenship is a factor for social cohesion, mutual understanding, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, and solidarity, that it contributes to promoting the principle of equality between men and women, and that it encourages the establishment of harmonious and peaceful relations within and among peoples, as well as the defence and development of democratic society and culture. A variety of activities have been organised within the Council of Europe education programme that pertain to SDG means of implementation 4.a on Effective learning environments. A project organised with the European Union focuses on fighting bullying in Albania. Pilot schools started putting in place mechanisms to prevent bullying and to respond to the ideological challenge of extremism. Pupils have reported experiencing a safe and supportive learning atmosphere. Moral values of inclusion and respect are taught as a part of the school culture. In 2018 the Council of Europe Education Department will launch a new education campaign: “Free to speak, Safe to Learn: Democratic schools for All”. The good practices highlighted in the campaign will reflect safe learning environments, free from any violence and fear, and the promotion of freedom of speech in schools.