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

The following policies and targets under the main policy field “Democratic Participation and Civic Consciousness” in the National Youth and Sports Policy Document aim to strengthen democracy education and participation learning processes for young people.

Policy 1. Pursuing the goal to expand democracy consciousness among young people while designing education and training policies.

Targets

• To arrange the education curriculum so as to include basic human rights documents for improving democracy and citizenship consciousness.
• To carry out activities that promote a tolerant, participatory and transparent approach among young people, preventing discrimination and adopting a culture of democracy and responsibility.
• To encourage young people to benefit from printed, visual and social media content on democratic participation.

In line with curriculum decisions and subsequent programme updates, “Human Rights, Citizenship and Democracy” has been placed in the primary school curriculum (Grade 4). The weekly course schedule decision of the Board of Education (TTKB) is referenced as Decision No. 69 (25.06.2012). 
The course curriculum is also available publicly via the Ministry of National Education’s curriculum portals (e.g. the programme page for the course).

Formal learning

From a historical perspective, elements of civic consciousness and participation have been included in education curricula since late Ottoman reforms, and in the Republican period civic education has been a key component of national education policy.

Human rights and democracy education has been delivered through courses such as Civics/Social Studies/Citizenship-related courses, and later as specific courses including “Human Rights, Citizenship and Democracy” in primary education. The current course framework and learning outcomes are defined in the published curriculum documents (e.g. Human Rights, Citizenship and Democracy Course Curriculum).

Non-formal and informal learning

In addition to formal education, non-formal and informal learning contributes to participation learning through seminars, meetings and awareness-raising activities implemented by public institutions, local administrations and civil society organisations.

Youth centres and youth work activities can also contribute to learning to participate by creating environments where young people engage in group work, volunteering, peer learning and local participation practices (see the Ministry’s youth centres information: Youth Centres).

At secondary level, elective learning materials related to democracy and human rights are also available through official Ministry channels (e.g. interactive textbooks for the elective “Democracy and Human Rights” course hosted by the Ministry’s Secondary Education General Directorate platform: OGM Material – Democracy and Human Rights (interactive books)).

Quality assurance/quality guidelines for non-formal learning

The General Directorate of Lifelong Learning of the Ministry of National Education is a primary public authority in the field of non-formal and informal learning and provides policy direction through strategy documents and action plans. Within the framework of the Türkiye Lifelong Learning Strategy Document and Action Plan (2014–2018), objectives include strengthening active citizenship and participation awareness.

In addition, project-based youth work supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (e.g. through youth project mechanisms) may include components that promote civic awareness and participation in democratic life.

Educators' support