More information
Description
The project “MODUS” aims at addressing specific challenges in the implementation of civic education in Croatia. Regardless of the implementation model, there is a lack of systematic cooperation between schools and CSOs, who can significantly contribute to the quality of CE because of the contents they cover, the non-formal educational methods they use, and the support they can provide to teachers. In addition, teachers’ professional development in this field is not adequate and systematic, which often leads to lack of content and methods in line with the students’ needs.
The main objective of the project is to strengthen democratic culture, civic awareness and civic engagement through the establishment of a systematic cross-sectoral cooperation model between educational institutions and civil society organizations in order to improve the implementation of civic education. The specific objectives are: increasing the quality of civic education and strengthen the cross-sector cooperation in its implementation. This will be achieved through the following activities: research on the needs of the target groups; education of the target groups; development of a new Model of cooperation between educational institutions and CSOs; pilot implementation of the Model in Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, and Osijek-Baranja counties; publishing and dissemination of the Model and a catalog of CSO activities.
Partner organizations from Croatia will have equal roles in conducting project activities, while the lead organization will be responsible for the administrative and financial management of the project. Partners from Norway will contribute with their expertise in teaching CE and their specific knowledge and experience from a culturally diverse background.
Summary of project results
The project “MODUS – civil society and the public sector supporting civic education” aims at addressing specific challenges in the implementation of civic education in Croatia. Regardless of the implementation model, there is a lack of systematic cooperation between schools and CSOs, who can significantly contribute to the quality of CE because of the contents they cover, the non-formal educational methods they use, and the support they can provide to teachers. In addition, teachers’ professional development in this field is not adequate and systematic, which often leads to lack of content and methods in line with the students’ needs.
The main objective of the project is to strengthen democratic culture, civic awareness and civic engagement through the establishment of a systematic cross-sectoral cooperation model between educational institutions and civil society organizations in order to improve the implementation of civic education. The specific objectives are: increasing the quality of civic education and strengthen the cross-sector cooperation in its implementation. This will be achieved through the following activities: research on the needs of the target groups; education of the target groups; development of a new Model of cooperation between educational institutions and CSOs; pilot implementation of the Model in Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, and Osijek-Baranja counties; publishing and dissemination of the Model and a catalog of CSO activities.
The target groups are: elementary and high school teaching staff, CSO employees and elementary and high school students. The teaching staff will benefit from a better connection with the community and will be able to meet certain needs in the implementation of CE. CSOs will strengthen their visibility and influence in the community and build capacities to further promote CE. Students will be empowered for participatory lesson planning and their civic awareness and engagement will increase.
Partner organizations from Croatia will have equal roles in conducting project activities, while the lead organization will be responsible for the administrative and financial management of the project. Partners from Norway will contribute with their expertise in teaching CE and their specific knowledge and experience from a culturally diverse background.
Research Execution: Data was collected to identify needs and obstacles in the collaboration between schools and NGOs for civic education. While the goal was to gather responses from 40 NGOs and 100 educators, 45 NGOs and 108 educators participated. Additionally, more participants joined focus groups than expected (27 educators and 17 NGO representatives).
Regional Events: Three regional events, attended by 63 participants (exceeding the goal of 60), collected 10 proposals for developing the Collaboration Model.
Innovative Methods Training: A two-day training on innovative methods for civic education, initially planned for 60 participants, was attended by 41, allowing for more focused work in smaller groups.
Collaboration Model Development: Six meetings were held for creating the Model (instead of two), due to the volume of collected data and extra materials (e.g., annexes and three NGO activity catalogs). Additionally, six regional working group meetings were conducted, including an extra meeting for NGOs in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
Student Consultation: A new consultation session with 14 students was introduced since students couldn''t attend regional events due to the pandemic.
Model Implementation Training: Three training sessions on implementing the Model took place in three counties with 73 participants (more than the planned 60). Networking was also emphasized.
Model Piloting: Nineteen schools (instead of 12) and 12 NGOs (instead of 15) participated in the pilot. Additionally, 17.5 hours of mentoring support were provided, surpassing the planned 15 hours due to increased demand.
Supervision Meetings: Three supervision meetings were held, as planned, but were adjusted based on needs, with one in Primorje-Gorski Kotar and two in Osijek-Baranja County.
Study Trip to Norway: The trip took place as planned, producing a set of guidelines and recommendations based on Norwegian best practices.
Model Evaluation Report: One evaluation report was completed as scheduled.
Final Event: A concluding public event had 70 participants, matching the revised implementation plan.
Collaboration Model Publication: A total of 400 copies of the Model were printed as planned.
NGO Activity Catalogs: Three activity catalogs (instead of one) were created to facilitate better communication with local governments and make dissemination more efficient.
Online Promotional Campaign: A 20-day campaign on social media reached 179,178 people, with 117,174 seeing posts and 5,513 engagements.
Recommendations for Policymakers: Recommendations for improving school-NGO collaboration were sent to 92 addresses (instead of the planned 10), with additional distribution to 19 municipalities, cities, and over 20 schools in Istria County.
The project''s most significant achievement is strengthening the cross-sector cooperation between schools and organizations in implementing civic education. This was achieved on two levels: through a well-received and reviewed Collaboration Model and participatory activities that enhanced networking on both regional (Istria, Osijek-Baranja, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar counties) and national levels. Schools and organizations from across Croatia participated in a final event, connecting with the SKOCKANO project.
Several steps contributed to this outcome, each a notable achievement. The project conducted the first research on school-NGO cooperation in civic education, with results gathered in 2021 proving relevant throughout the project. The findings were presented at regional events in early 2022, including public panels and conferences, such as "Hrvatska može bolje" in June 2022, and a final public event in May 2023.
Through working groups comprising school and NGO representatives, a participatory methodology inspired by best practices (e.g., the Rijeka model) and Norwegian examples was used to create a Collaboration Model. This model includes practical guidelines for easing cooperation and tools to reduce administrative burdens for NGOs. Agreements and templates fostered systematic collaboration at leadership levels, improving the visibility and relevance of school-NGO partnerships.
The model''s pilot project strengthened local networking, especially in Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar counties, coinciding with the introduction of civic education in Istria and the "Schools and Communities" extracurricular program. Promotional campaigns further increased the model’s visibility nationwide, and an external evaluation confirmed its value. A catalog of NGO activities in civic education improved visibility, facilitated communication, and provided a sustainable platform for future NGO efforts.
Additionally, bilateral cooperation with Norwegian partners enriched all organizations involved. A study trip to Norway provided inspiring guidance, and education by Norwegian partners in Osijek-Baranja County strengthened the field of human rights, linking educators and NGOs across different regions.
Finally, based on research findings, pilot project experiences, and public discussions, recommendations were developed for policymakers to enhance school-NGO collaboration in civic education. These, along with the Collaboration Model, were sent to decision-makers as a starting point for continued advocacy post-project.
Summary of bilateral results
Partners from Norway contributed with their expertise in teaching CE and their specific knowledge and experience from a culturally diverse background. Incorporating examples from Norway added an international dimension and provided inspiration and guidance to those striving for further progress.