Abstract
This paper reports an explorative case study of a Hong Kong secondary school that works to promote participatory citizenship on an experimental basis. Guided by the school’s civic mission and supported by civic-minded leaders and teachers, the school values students’ participation rights. The students are empowered to take part in dialogues, engage in various kinds of school activities, and participate in decision-making over such matters as school rules and dress codes. An atmosphere supportive of active participation is emphasized: mutual respect, trust, fairness, willingness to voice opinions, and open-mindedness etc. The school is definitely atypical in Hong Kong where the majority of schools are examination and career oriented. This paper argues that viewed from a broadened conception of politics and citizenship, the school is a political community where the students were empowered to participate as active ‘here and now citizens’, influencing the communal affairs. This paper examines how the students’ engagement in school affairs are related to the promoting of participatory citizenship and examines how such efforts may have impact on the students. Copyright © 2009 citizED.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 18-34 |
| Journal | Citizenship Teaching and Learning |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2009 |