Partnerships between Schools and Community Organisations in the training of citizens: The case of the Redes na Quint@ Project

Abstract

The school is one of the institutions responsible for preparing tomorrow’s citizens, promoting skills for a democratic culture and learning that has an impact on civic life, i.e. interpersonal and intercultural relationships. By establishing partnerships with other community social organisations, the school promotes the creation of synergies and resources, finding complementary solutions in the preparation of more aware students. Along these lines, Agrupamento de Escolas de Marrazes - Leiria is a partner of various civil society organisations, specifically the Redes na Quint@ project, whose main aim is to develop the intellectual, personal and social skills of the children and young people who take part in it. The partnership between the School Group and the Redes na Quint@ project demonstrates that it is possible to develop practices that promote democracy through plural and responsible participation, where everyone has a decisive role to play in building fairer and more inclusive societies, within a framework of respect for diversity.