WHY IS WICKLOW DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL IMPORTANT?

We are at a crucial juncture in Ireland that could decide the future of the Irish education system. Wicklow Democratic School is part of a larger movement to create an education system that listens to students and supports their mental and emotional health instead of damaging it. As the first democratic school in Ireland, our organisation is a vital resource for understanding democratic education in Ireland and helping other democratic schools establish themselves.

Irish students are calling for changes to the education system. At the 2017 Dail na nOg, the youth parliament of Ireland highlighted not being listened to in school as a major problem. And a related study of Irish young people, 'So How Was School Today? ', demonstrated that student want more active learning and more control over their education. It showed that exams are a massive source of stress, and students become more dissatisfied the longer they are in school. Learning to the test is not only damaging for students' mental health, but it also means they aren't learning the critical thinking skills and intrinsic motivation that are so highly valued in today's work force.

It is clear that change is needed, and Wicklow Democratic School offers young people the option to explore their interests and spend their time immersed in their passions. We're not expecting all schools in Ireland to become democratic, but just the existence of democratic schools shows people that the traditional education system is not the only way.

WHY ARE WE FUNDRAISING?

There's a large demand for spaces in our school, but we're reaching capacity in our current location. Since we are not eligible to receive money from the state, expanding our student body will be the primary way that we can be financially sustainable.

It's in our long-term plans to change the policies that exclude democratic schools from state funding, but, in the meantime, we want to be able to pay our staff living wage (they are all currently working half paid and half unpaid) and offer free spaces in our school to low-income families.

Please donate to Wicklow Democratic School and be a part of Ireland's Learning Revolution!

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