Students Who Have a Voice: Stories of Real Participation in Schools

What happens when 6–15-year-olds have real power at school? Through stories from students and adults, we explore the surprising, funny and sometimes difficult reality of sharing decision-making with children and ask what we, as adults, actually need to let go of for it to work. If children really have power, why does the school still work? This session shares concrete stories of meaningful student participation in schools in Slovakia and Central Europe. Participants will explore what genuine student voice looks like in practice, the conditions that enable it, and how educators and school leaders can move beyond tokenistic consultation toward real co-creation with young people. What are the challenges and benefits of such an approach?