Education reimagined: When students lead the conversation

The FutureEd project is built on the foundation that those within the educational system are the best equipped to innovate it. Recently, a focus group with students from Keerpunt provided a profound look into how the next generation perceives human rights, democracy, and the digital landscape within their schools.

These young leaders didn't just share opinions; they provided a blueprint for an educational experience that prioritizes dignity, transparency, and trust.

‍

Human rights: "Ensuring we can be human"

In the eyes of these students, human rights are far more than legal definitions. They are, as one participant put it, "the rights that ensure we can be human... so that everyone gets all the basic necessities for life."

• Defining the essentials: Their list of core rights includes "the right to education, shelter, food, gender equality, and freedom of expression."
• The advocacy gap: While rights exist "officially" in school, students noted that "practically, I don't always know" if they are followed.
• Biological autonomy: A striking example involved the right to water and sanitation. Students shared stories of having to repeat, "Sir, I really have to go to the toilet," multiple times before being heard, particularly during menstruation when it feels like "it's raining death down there" (het regent dood vanonder).
• Proactive support: They argued that schools should actively uphold the right to food by "offering meals at school... to ensure that everyone can start their day" regardless of their home situation.

‍

Democracy is a verb, not a rulebook

One of the most powerful takeaways was the students' view on School Democracy. For them, true democratic practice goes far beyond a student council; it requires a "foundation of trust between the school and the students."

• Beyond "Hup, a new rule": Transparency is a democratic necessity. Students expressed that schools "must be transparent when they introduce new rules... so it doesn't just come across as 'hup, a new rule, follow it.'" They want to know why a rule is necessary.
• Real influence: They value "class councils where we decide things ourselves," such as where to go on school trips or how to organize their learning environment.
• Dialogue over authority: In progressive environments, students appreciate standing on more equal footing. They described an "open debate culture" where everyone can be who they are and say what they want, provided it is done with respect.

‍

The digital frontier: "The right to be offline"

As education becomes increasingly digitized, the group raised vital concerns regarding Digital Rights and personal autonomy.

• Privacy and control: There is a deep awareness that "as soon as something is online... you lose your rights to privacy." They feel once data is shared, you are "a bit screwed" because it can never truly be removed.
• The right to disconnect: Amidst the push for digital modules, students strongly advocated for the "right to be offline" and the "right to remain analog."
• Bans vs. skills: Regarding phone bans, one student made a sharp comparison: "It’s like you would forbid Artificial Intelligence. Later, it will be used anyway." Instead of banning, they suggest schools should teach "digital literacy" and how to manage mental health in a connected world.
• The value of paper: Many still prefer physical materials, noting that "on paper, it's just: I write it here," without the distractions or technical hurdles of a screen.

‍

The path forward

The Keerpunt focus group serves as a reminder that youth are the most important stakeholders in education. They aren't asking for a lack of rules; they are asking for a system where rights are vibrantly practiced, democracy is built on transparency, and technology serves the human experience rather than replacing it.

The FutureEd project continues to integrate these perspectives to ensure that the evolution of our schools is guided by the lived experiences and "digital literacy" of those who inhabit them every day.

‍

Which student quote resonated with you the most?

#FutureEd #YouthVoice #HumanRights #SchoolDemocracy #EducationInnovation #Keerpunt #CollectiveUP