70YoungMagazine | Page 44

Democracy In Our Daily Lives I experience democracy at home when I‟m discussing something with my family or friends, when I‟m at school. My duty is to go to school and study until I‟m 16 years old, listen to my parents until I‟m 18 years old, and respect my country and follow the law. I have a right to get a good education, freely express my opinion, have a citizenship, get medical treatment, and have my personal life.To be an active democratic actor, I can take part in church groups, or local community organisations. My experience in real democracy is when our school needed to elect a school president. We all voted for that person that we wanted to be the president of our school. That is democracy. As a young citizen, I have my rights and responsibilities to go to school and study, I have the right to express my opinion and responsibilities to follow the established rules. To be an active democratic actor, you can take part in events that raise money, which helps people that don‟t have it. You also can volunteer and maybe help older people or just people in need. Gabriele-Lithuania 44 My Rights and Responsibilities I mostly experience democracy at school. For example, I vote for the new president of the school, together with my class I choose the date of a test. I also face democracy at home when with my family I choose what to eat, what to do and so on. As a young citizen, I have my rights and my responsibilities. The key to live with them is a good balance. For example, you have the right to the treatment but also the responsibility to take care of your health. You can‟t go every time to hospital because of the slightest illness and wish the doctors heal you magically without you doing anything. It is important to know the limit of your rights and responsibilities. If you want to be an active democratic actor, you need to participate in charity events, protests, and flashmobs. In short, don‟t miss peaceful, community events where ideas for a better life are suggested. Don‟t forget about laws, and the standards of conduct too. Then you can confidently say “I am an active democratic actor”. Andželika Lithuania Democracy at school takes place in many places. For example, the head of the school elections. At the beginning of each semester, several students become candidates and make some promises to win. Other students also choose one by voting. The winner is also the best president. Another example is club choices at school. At the beginning of each semester, classroom teachers determine the clubs in the classroom according to their student preferences. Distribution is done according to their interests. Class heads, class and school representatives are also elected democratically by voting method. The elected class president treats everyone equally and fulfills his responsibilities. It is always fair. Each student is free in his choice. We also have responsibilities. We are trying to fulfill them. In summary, democracy occurs in many parts of my school. Every student acts as an active citizen and can express his ideas freely. If there is no democracy, an environment of peace cannot be provided at school. Elif –Turkey