The workshops were part of the second edition of the European project "Démocra’quoi", which aims to introduce Generation Z to the principles of democracy. They were held during Democracy Week, organised by the French Embassy and ARTE and funded this year by the European Parliament. Kouchner led discussions rather than traditional lessons.
"The main challenge is making students realise that this is not a lesson, but a discussion about the very framework in which they already live," he said. "What is both interesting and difficult is to shift away from thinking of democracy as simply a subject to learn, and instead to see it as something to experience and keep alive."
Social sciences teacher Karolina Markiewicz said three fifth-year classes used the day to discuss with Kouchner what democracy means, what it offers and why it matters.
The participants reflected Luxembourg’s diversity. "Our lycée is an integration school, offering education in French," Markiewicz said. "Many of our students come from all over the world, especially from countries facing hardship. Here, they have the opportunity to study in a regular school system, but in French."
For some, the subject was personal. "In my country, there is a dictatorship," said 17-year-old Nahom Gebrezaber. "I learned about democracy here in Luxembourg. I grew up here, and I have learned a lot from my teacher, Ms Markiewicz."
Armandinho Monteiro, also 17, said: "What I learned is that democracy is fragile. It can be undermined for many reasons."
Enzo Vilaça, 17, noted that classmates held very different views. "There are several people in my class whose opinions are very different from mine, really very different. But I think that is normal when you live in a democracy; people have the right to think differently from me."
Solange Varela, 17, said: "I really learned that we, the people, have a voice, that there are rights. That really interested me, so I asked questions that were on my mind."
Zina Mnasri, 15, thought about activism in Luxembourg. "Here in Luxembourg, there are not many demonstrations, so we do not really have much to say about school or other issues. But even so, I think we still share the same mindset."
Kouchner, the son of humanitarian Bernard Kouchner and journalist Christine Ockrent, said he was struck by how well informed the students were. "I find it fascinating how informed this generation is. They have their own views, can articulate them, and are able to communicate their opinions. It is extremely reassuring to hear so many students taking ownership of complex issues during these workshops."
He linked the discussions to young people speaking out across Europe. "What is fascinating is to see that all across Europe, whether in Milan, Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, or Paris, a whole generation is saying that perhaps it is time to update our social contract."
