International Training on Democratic Education and Social Innovation Held in Leiria

From 17 to 19 March 2026, the Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal, hosted a three-day international Short Advanced Programme (SAP) focused on strengthening democratic education and social innovation.

Rooted in core European values such as freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights, the programme brought together participants to explore how education can effectively respond to contemporary societal challenges. The training emphasized the role of education in fostering democratic engagement, critical thinking, and social responsibility.

Delivered in English and in a face-to-face format, the SAP combined interactive and participatory methods, including hands-on workshops and collaborative learning activities. Throughout the programme, participants developed key social and democratic competences, engaged in intercultural dialogue, and critically reflected on the concept of democratic citizenship.

More than addressing values at a theoretical level, the training focused on education for social justice and active participation, supporting participants in transforming principles into concrete practices, ideas into initiatives, and knowledge into active citizenship.

By the end of the programme, participants left not only with new insights and renewed professional motivation, but also with a ready-to-use project plan aimed at fostering democratic participation and social innovation within their own educational contexts.