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Description
The aim of the project is to raise the awareness of adult population on the principles of a democratic society and on sustainable development. As a result of the project implementation, the participants'' awareness of the functioning of a democratic society will increase. To this end, 15 community study circles are organized, in which participants gain knowledge about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, the responsibilities of the state and local government and their opportunities to influence decisions, understand the nature and importance of sustainable development goals.
Folk high schools have a thoroughly tested and updated curriculum and competent instructors/trainers for civic education. Community or study circles are preferred as the form of conducting civic training.
The main target group of the project is members of communities who have participated less in civic training and/or lifelong learning. Also people who participate in lifelong learning and who want to have a say in the activities and problems of the community but lack the skills and knowledge of how to participate.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to tackle several key challenges related to people’s understanding of society and their ability to participate in democratic processes. Many Estonians struggle to grasp how society functions, the roles of state and local governments, and the foundations of democracy and the rule of law. There is often confusion about why the separation of powers is necessary and what civil society is and why it matters. As a result, many people feel that their voices do not matter or are unsure how to engage in decision-making—whether by addressing the president, parliament, or local government. This lack of awareness also hinders civic engagement and the development of a culture of open discussion.
Although participation in adult education has been growing in Estonia, and the country ranks among the top in lifelong learning within the EU, there is an imbalance: those who already have a strong learning habit (mainly people with higher education) tend to participate more. Estonians, women, and younger individuals are more likely to engage in learning, while adults with lower competitiveness in the job market are often left out. In Estonia, around 200,000 adults—about a third of the working-age population—have only basic or secondary education and no formal professional training. Many communities, therefore, have low participation in learning activities.
A key reason for this low participation is previous negative learning experiences, leading to reluctance toward education. Encouraging these individuals to learn requires additional efforts in outreach and engagement. It is essential to create a safe and supportive learning environment where they feel comfortable participating actively. One effective method planned in the project is the study circle approach (referred to as "community circles"), which fosters a welcoming and interactive setting.
The project''s goal is to create a community-based learning opportunity for people who want to take part in societal discussions but lack the necessary knowledge and skills.
The project aimed to establish community-based learning opportunities, including the development of a network of community circle leaders, a framework curriculum, and a handbook to support organizations in organizing similar civic education study circles.
The project activities included the following:
- Establishing and Training a Network of Community Circle Leaders
A network of 14 community circle leaders was created. Training activities included two in-person seminars, two online webinars, and peer-support meetings. - Developing a Framework Curriculum
In spring 2023, the framework curriculum was co-created by the leaders with the support of an expert. During the implementation of the community circles, the curriculum was improved and finalized in March 2024. - Organizing and Conducting Community Circles
A total of 15 community circles were conducted across all counties. Each study circle had a duration of 16 hours. In total, 233 participants took part, including 29 men. The project met and slightly exceeded its target, which aimed for 8–15 participants per circle, totaling between 120 and 225 participants. Additionally, more than 40 experts, specialists, and politicians were involved in the study circles, sharing their knowledge and expertise. - Compiling a Community Circle Handbook
The handbook provides an overview of study circles, experiences of community circle leaders, key insights, learning points, and recommendations for organizing community circles. It also includes the framework curriculum. - Organizing Awareness-Raising Seminars
Three outreach events were conducted during the project: 1st Inspiration Day: "A Smarter Citizen, A Smarter State" – focused on introducing the project and exploring the concept of civic education, 2nd Inspiration Day: "A Smarter Citizen, A Better Society" – highlighted project results, sustainability, and the way forward. Partners’ Roundtable “Kitchen Table Talks” facilitated discussions on the importance of civic education and potential future collaborations.
The project aimed to increase Estonian adults'' awareness of how a democratic society functions, thereby fostering greater civic awareness and engagement.
Key project results include:
- Increased Civic Knowledge: Participants in the community circles gained a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities, the roles of the state and local government, and how they can influence decision-making. They also developed an awareness of sustainable development goals and their significance.
- Enhanced Capacity for Civic Education: Participating folk high schools now have a well-tested and updated curriculum for civic education, along with a structured methodology for community circles and trained facilitators. A community circle handbook that was developed explains the study circle methodology and its suitability for community-based civic education. It includes best practices and recommendations from project facilitators, supporting future similar initiatives.
- Open Access to Learning Materials: The developed framework curriculum was made publicly available and shared among non-formal education and civic education providers, laying the groundwork for expanding civic training opportunities.
Folk high schools that participated in the project gained valuable experience, increasing their capacity to provide civic education. Cooperation between members and the organization was strengthened, and the network of available trainers and experts grew. Participants in the community circles also represent a potential new learner base for folk high schools.
Impact on Participants and Local Communities
Community circle participants not only gained new knowledge and skills but also took concrete actions in their communities. In their feedback from participants noted among benefits or results of their learning the following:
- Some participants became actively involved in local development and started organizing new civic gatherings.
- People gained confidence in making collective petitions.
- Participants learned that even those with different opinions and worldviews could engage in constructive discussions on important community issues.
- One participant emphasized the development of a stronger sense of ethics and civic responsibility.
Beyond individual learning, the project participants high-lighted positive local-level changes that occurred as a result of their learning and participation in community circles, for example:
- Proposals for municipal development plans, some of which were incorporated.
- The municipality taking action on neglected buildings.
- Installation of benches for elderly residents and adjustments to bus routes to better serve the community.
- The initiation of a new kindergarten project by one municipality.
These outcomes helped break the common misconception that "my voice doesn’t matter," directly addressing one of the core challenges identified at the start of the project.