EMPOWERING YOUTH VOICE IN THE “EDUCACIÓN PARA LA CIUDADANIA” CLASS IN SPAIN

This article will outline the importance of allowing for youth voice in the education process to promote democratic citizenship, especially in the mandatory “Educación para la Ciudadanía” class in Spain. In order to enrich the democratic process, education for citizenship classes should not only teach “responsible citizenship” but also give the tools and provide space for youth to experience the responsibilities of citizenship. Youth who become involved in the local community through social action are able to experience what it means to be a responsible citizen by doing. When youth are able to express their voice and generate a real plan of action towards a social issue relevant to their lives, it empowers them to address real community needs, become civically engaged, and affect change. Youth voice occurs when young people engage in dialogue with adults about the issues they face and are given meaningful roles in the decision-making process in order to create change. In order to ensure education for citizenship, students should be afforded opportunities to take ownership of social issues and the skills they need to do something and make a difference. When youth become civically engaged, they ultimately become empowered to make positive change in their communities and learn what it means to truly participate in the democratic process.