Democracy education is theme for 2012 International Day of Democracy

The fifth United Nations International Day of Democracy falls on 15 September 2012. This year the theme is democracy education. A range of educational programmes are provided at Parliament for student groups, public servants, and others who want to learn about our democracy.

Customised seminars are provided for groups who wish to engage in the parliamentary process, including news media, businesses, tertiary students and non-governmental organisations. The seminars include information about the functions and processes of the House and select committees. More specialist needs can be met by arrangement, including distance information sessions for groups who are not based in Wellington.

Nearly 15,000 school students took the opportunity to visit the New Zealand Parliament last year. The education services staff at Parliament actively promote democracy through education and help students to make the link between voting in a general election and the work of Parliament.

Trained educators tailor visits to the level of the students and assist teachers to use Parliament as a context for a variety of studies linked to the social sciences curriculum. Visits also include a chance to meet with the group’s electorate MP and ask questions about the work they are doing on behalf of the electorate. Students spend time in a specially designed classroom as well as going to some key places in Parliament such as the debating chamber and a select committee room.

New developments are currently under way which will make the experience more interactive and engaging for students as well as providing better resources for teachers and students who cannot make it to Wellington.

Further information on education and visitor services is available from the related links on this page.