On this page

1. Policy framework

2. Formal learning

3. Non-formal and informal learning

4. Quality assurance/ quality guidelines for non-formal learning

5. Educators' support

Policy framework

In Luxembourg, the promotion of young people’s social and civic competences is anchored in both formal and non-formal education and is supported by a clear legal and institutional framework under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENJE).

In the field of formal education, the Law of 20 July 2023 on compulsory schooling (Loi du 20 juillet 2023 relative à l’obligation scolaire) reinforces the educational mission of schools by requiring all teaching to promote democratic values, respect for pluralism and responsible participation in society. Civic and citizenship education are implemented within the school curriculum, and support structures such as the Psycho-social and Scholastic Assistance Centre (CePAS) contribute to fostering participation and student engagement within schools.

In the non-formal sector, the 2008 Youth Law defines participation as a core principle of youth policy. Youth work activities are based on voluntary engagement and everyday participatory practices, through which young people develop social and civic competences. The National Youth Service (Service national de la jeunesse – SNJ), as the main public actor in the youth sector, supports and coordinates non-formal education structures and promotes participation as an integral dimension of youth work.

In addition, the Centre for Political Education (ZpB), created by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, plays a transversal role in strengthening civic and political education across both formal and non-formal settings (see: 5.8 Raising political awareness among young people). 

Formal learning

In Luxembourg, participation and citizenship education are integrated into formal education through both dedicated subjects and cross-curricular approaches.

In primary and secondary education, civic and citizenship education are embedded in the curriculum in line with the national legal framework governing compulsory schooling, which frames education around democratic values, human rights, pluralism and responsible participation. Participation is addressed both as a transversal objective across subjects and through specific teaching units.

The revised national primary school curriculum, which will be progressively implemented starting in September 2026, places greater emphasis on a range of cross-cutting themes that will be addressed in a more systematic manner, reflecting an evolving and increasingly complex global environment. These themes include, among others, democratic citizenship and human rights.

Citizenship education is notably delivered through the compulsory subject Life and Society (Vie et société), taught in primary and lower secondary education. In upper secondary education, additional subjects such as Citizenship Education (Éducation à la citoyenneté) further develop students’ understanding of democratic institutions, rights and civic engagement.

Beyond formal subjects, participatory practices are encouraged within schools through class councils and other school-level initiatives that promote student involvement in school life and decision-making processes.

Non-formal and informal learning

In Luxembourg, non-formal and informal learning play a central role in fostering young people’s participation and civic competences. Within the youth sector, participation is embedded in everyday youth work practices based on voluntary engagement, collective decision-making and project-based learning.

Youth centres and youth organisations provide structured environments in which young people take responsibility, initiate projects and engage in dialogue. National participatory initiatives such as the Youth Parliament and the Jugendkonvent offer additional platforms for experiential learning and democratic participation.

The National Youth Service (Service national de la jeunesse - SNJ), as the main public actor in the non-formal education sector, supports and coordinates youth work structures and ensures that participatory approaches remain a core principle of youth work. It develops and implements educational programmes, accompanies youth centres and youth organisations, and promotes experiential learning opportunities that strengthen democratic dialogue and civic reflection. This includes dedicated initiatives such as the Centre Cinqfontaines, operated in cooperation with the Centre for Political Education (Zentrum fir politesch Bildung - ZpB), which offers educational activities focusing on democratic values, human rights and historical awareness.

The Centre for Political Education (Zentrum fir politesch Bildung - ZpB) further contributes to non-formal civic education through cooperation with youth sector actors and the development of educational resources (see: 5.8). Other cultural and educational institutions complement these efforts through participatory learning initiatives targeting children and young people.

Quality assurance/quality guidelines for non-formal learning

In Luxembourg, quality assurance in non-formal learning in the youth sector is primarily based on the national reference framework for non-formal education. This framework provides a common working basis for youth organisations and services and defines pedagogical principles, quality expectations and educational objectives. It serves in particular as a reference for the requirements linked to conventions concluded with the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. For the youth sector, the framework is managed by the National Youth Service (Service national de la jeunesse - SNJ), which supports its implementation through guidance, monitoring and professional support.

In line with its pedagogical approach, the reference framework explicitly promotes citizenship education as a core dimension of youth work. It emphasises participation, democratic learning, empowerment and the development of social and civic competences as key objectives of non-formal education. A revision of the national reference framework for non-formal education is planned for 2026. 

Educators' support

In Luxembourg, teachers, trainers and youth work professionals have access to training opportunities aimed at strengthening social and civic competences and promoting participatory practices.

In the formal education sector, the Training Institute of National Education (IFEN) provides continuing professional development for primary and secondary school staff. Training offers include modules on citizenship education, democratic school culture and participatory practices, such as the organisation and facilitation of class councils.

In the non-formal education sector, professional development opportunities are available for youth workers and other professionals working with children and young people. These trainings support the implementation of the National Reference Framework for Non-Formal Education and promote participatory, inclusive and competence-based approaches in youth work.

Training provision in the youth and non-formal education sectors is coordinated at national level by the Agence pour le développement de la qualité dans les secteurs de l’enfance et de la jeunesse.

In addition, the National Youth Service (Service national de la jeunesse – SNJ) deploys regional correspondents who are locally based and provide direct support to youth structures at municipal level. They advise youth centres and other youth services on quality development, implementation of the National Reference Framework and the promotion of participatory practices, thereby strengthening the link between national policy objectives and local youth work practice.