CLADES Project Kick-off: Promoting Civic Engagement and Sustainability

This October, the University of Groningen launched an exciting new project: CLADES (Critical Language Awareness, Democratic Engagement, and Sustainability).

Running from October 2024 to August 2027, CLADES is funded by Erasmus+ and involves five partner organizations: Comenius University (Slovakia), the University of Ghent (Belgium), the University of Gloucestershire (UK), the University of Groningen (Netherlands), and the SOLIDAR Foundation (Belgium).

What is CLADES About? 

The project focuses on increasing civic engagement and sustainability literacy by promoting Critical Language Awareness (CLA). Through CLA, participants will learn how language shapes our understanding of social issues and how it influences democratic engagement. The project’s key goals are:

1. To raise awareness of how language affects society in different educational contexts.

2. To improve analytical skills for critically evaluating language and media, increasing media and visual literacy.

3. To encourage ethical communication and using one's voice to foster positive social change.

Why is this important? 

Challenges like declining civic engagement, distrust in political institutions, and the spread of populist and extremist narratives threaten democracy. Education plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, but there is often too little focus on the role of language in shaping social and political realities. By increasing awareness of how language influences society, CLADES aims to equip future professionals with the skills to understand and challenge these dynamics.

How will CLADES achieve its goals? 

1. Increasing Critical Language Awareness (CLA)

   - CLADES will create and share educational materials, including a university course and two online courses: ‘CLA for Educators’ and ‘Econarrative and Ethical Leadership.’ These resources will be available for teacher training, science, and business subjects.

   - Two staff training events will be held to help educators integrate CLA into their teaching practices. 

2. Empowering Students

   - CLADES will organize three congresses, inviting students and the wider community to participate. These events will include focus groups and storytelling sessions, encouraging students to reflect on their learning and share their experiences.

   - Students will have opportunities to express their voices and take action, using CLA principles to make a positive impact. 

3. Supporting Educators

   - The project will provide tools and strategies for educators to incorporate CLA into their teaching.

Save the Date! 

CLADES’ first major congress will take place in Groningen, the Netherlands, on February 24-25, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!