Educators on the Frontline of Ukraine’s Democracy

How do we convince young people of democracy’s value when populists trade responsibility for easy promises and dictators ignore international law? Participants looked for practical answers through the new #Teach4Dem — Teaching for Democracy initiative.

The Academy is an initiative of the Progressive&Strong NGO. Its goal is to change approaches in formal education so that the basics of democracy, participation, and critical thinking are taught not as theory but as lived practice—and so young people are genuinely involved in decision-making at the local level.

Ukraine faces a double challenge: rebuilding what war destroyed and renewing democratic culture. Reconstructing cities and schools matters—but no less vital is forming a generation able to think critically and take responsibility for our common future. That is why educators are at the forefront: they must not only deliver knowledge but also mentor, inspire, and build spaces of trust.

Teachers have a unique chance to shape conscious, active citizens prepared to participate in decisions and strengthen democracy. In this sense, educators are guardians of freedom—the freedom to think, to act, and to shape Ukraine’s future.

The Academy brought together proactive educators under the motto “Teach! Inspire! Change!” The event was made possible thanks to cooperation with partners, in particular the Porticus Foundation. Participants represented many subjects and disciplines—because democracy is not “just for political scientists.”

Learning was hands-on: teamwork across preschool, school, vocational/college, and university tracks; wide-ranging discussions; a “Live Library” peer-experience exchange; and a parliament simulation so immersive that a new “minister of education” was elected. Teams concluded by presenting their own initiatives for embedding democratic practice in education.

Thoughtful logistics—comfortable accommodation, good meals, timely transport, and dedicated spaces for reflection—helped participants fully engage. They also recharged together (including rejuvenating water sessions) before the new academic year—an essential reset.

One participant captured a shared view: conscious, progressive teachers become not only sources of knowledge but true mentors and role models. They show how to think critically, choose responsibly, and act to improve the world around them. Every class becomes a small platform for practicing civic engagement and social responsibility. With this support, young people gain confidence and understand that one person can make a real difference.

Together we clarified a shared definition of mentoring: a voluntary, structured partnership between a more experienced professional and a developing professional, aimed at accelerating learning, decision-making, and professional/civic growth.

Day Two became an intellectual marathon—from a SWOT analysis of integrating democracy into curricula to a discussion of the PROmentoring format. We concluded that the current system still falls short on embedding democracy and participation—and must change. A highlight was a conversation with Dmytro SHERENGOVSKY, Vice-Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University, whose perspective on the university as a space for service and leadership for Ukraine’s reconstruction added depth—pointing to the “third mission” of higher education beyond teaching and research.

Day Three placed participants in the Verkhovna Rada’s education committee roles—deputies, journalists, and civil society—negotiating the allocation of €300 million in EU funds to raise educators’ salaries. They practiced on-camera messaging about democracy and the value of civic education, and advanced team projects to weave democratic learning throughout the educational process.

On the final day, teams presented their work. Each participant received a personalized certificate—and, more importantly, new ideas, partners, and momentum.

The Mentoring Academy was more than a training—it was a starting point for a movement. This is a new wave of civic education in Ukraine, where democracy is not imposed from above but lived together. Democracy is not an abstract term from a textbook; it is responsibility, participation, freedom of choice, and the capacity to change reality.

Next comes implementation: turning team ideas into action and helping young people understand that democracy begins with each of us.