This spring, the renowned Belgian magazine Knack went in search of organizations that strengthen democracy. In april the winners were announced: Beste Burger (Zuidpoort) won the jury award and Djapo won the audience award! *proud*
Our democracy is under pressure. 56 per cent of the Belgian population feel unrepresented by the federal and/or regional government. 51 per cent feel that their vote does not count. 70 per cent feel that politicians in Belgium put their own interests above those of the people. These are just some of the results of an exclusive Knack poll that exposes how our democracy is under pressure.
In response of this, Knack went in search of individuals, collectives and organisations that strengthen democracy: original, motivating and inspiring projects that bridge the gap between different voices, visions and opinions. It involved a contest, which Knack organized together with the Belgian organizations Hannah Arendt Institute, Socius, De Federatie and De Ambrassade.
From 125 entries, the jury shortlisted five wonderful projects and organisations: Afromedica, Beste Burger, Coop Centraal, Djapo and Woonzaak. They stood a chance to win two prizes: a jury award and an audience award.
The jury chose 'Beste Burger', Zuidpoort's project that builds bridges between worlds that seem to be increasingly far apart: the government and people living in poverty.
The audience award went to Djapo. We were awarded for our efforts to empower children and young people to help shape the world.
Education is an essential factor in stimulating global citizenship. However, it is not always easy to reach teachers from special education. That’s why in 2024 - with the support of the province of West Flanders - we started Buitengewone wereldburgers (Extraordinary global citizens): a pilot project in which we want to stimulate teachers of special primary education (focus: autism spectrum) in West Flanders to get started with Global Citizenship Education.