Planting the Spirit of Democracy in Russia

The “Spirit of Democracy” project spearheaded a joint Canadian-Russian venture from 2000-2002 that centered on introducing democratic principles and traditions into the curriculum of Russian schools in the post-Soviet era.  The project’s website has highlighted major themes to be taught including the values of diversity, due process, civic responsibility and other forms of fundamental justice.  The project described its mission statement as a desire to move beyond the teaching of the mechanics of political science but rather to impart its fundamental underpinnings – to avoid teaching about “sterile mechanisms such as how elections are conducted or bills passed, but on the ideas and principles which underlie these mechanisms and infuse them with vitality. To develop an approach which will foster the democratic spirit.”

In a letter of support sent by the Russian Ministry of Education in August of 2002, Minister Vladimir Philippov said that the joint project “promotes the solution of a very important goal – to help Russian teachers of Social Studies and Civic Education in mastering ideas of democratic development and using active methods of teaching … The Ministry of Education of Russian Federation supports the Russian-Canadian project "Spirit of Democracy" and hopes the project will be continued.”.  The initiative has led to lead to numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and political dialogue, including the teaching of issues on Russian politics in New Brunswick schools and various visits and teaching workshops involving Russian teachers visiting Canada and Canadian teachers visiting Russia.  The project has led to lasting international connections and links between New Brunswick and Russian educators.

For more information:

Consult the Spirit of Democracy Project website

Left: Russian students at work on a group activity

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