Providing civic education that promotes critical thinking to empower civil society and democratic change

«Is it possible to know what you have not studied and what you have not thought about? About a state that can inspire respect, not by fear or hatred by its arbitrariness. About the power that achieves its goals not because of fear of the people, but thanks to the knowledge and understanding of how to maintain public peace. About the importance of freedom — in all aspects of life, to openly use your mind. For this, schools of civic education are needed.» — Lena Nemirovskaya, co-founder of the School of Civic Education

The School of Civic Education was launched in the turbulent times of Soviet collapse. From these beginnings, our mission has been to provide civic education that promotes the values of the rule of law, democracy, human rights and civic engagement, as well as to build and empower a network of civil society actors.

Freedom and democracy do not make themselves. For our founders Lena Nemirovskaya and Yuri Senokosov, these central concerns of the School rest on people — who take individual responsibility for their actions, and who learn what is for many a new kind of literacy — a civic literacy, one which sees the individual as part of a society for which all have responsibility to maintain and improve. The School of Civic Education is dedicated to developing the understanding of fundamental democratic principles, human rights and a rules-based international order among all those who participate in its programmes.

The School’s core activity is our educational programmes, including award-winning online content, and a library with over 100 volumes of books on political philosophy, problems of democracy, humanitarian issues and civil rights. Our alumni network represents all parts of society across Russia, Eurasia and countries in Central Europe and western Asia. The School is independent and seeks to create a platform for exchanges between different groups within society and, increasingly, within the émigré community.

The School is not just a place for debate and study, essential though these are. Our students and alumni are expected to create and manage civil society projects. We connect local civil society actors with western and international experts and academics, as well as policy makers. We work with young professionals in all areas: journalists, academics, activists, human rights defenders, teachers/educators, entrepreneurs, artists and environmentalists. We strive to maintain networks inside Russia that continue to function despite the many difficulties and we partner with universities and think tanks in many countries. The School is supported by foundations, NGOs and educational institutions. We are both a centre for learning — and for doing.

Soon after the School began its work, we began to inspire others. Today there are similar schools in 22 countries of Eastern Europe, Asia, and North Africa under the auspices of the Council of Europe. The ideas and understanding gained at our seminars are being shared and implemented throughout the wider region, as empowered young leaders apply and disseminate new knowledge, information and progressive ideas among friends, colleagues and the wider public.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

With the prospect of long-term confrontation between Europe and an increasingly authoritarian and expansionist Russia, the School’s mission stands out as even more crucial and relevant. Assisting Ukraine in its struggle to regain its independence and sovereignty is a priority for the West and for democratic Russians alike — a priority the School shares: we have adapted our seminars to include the role of human rights defenders, war and international law, culture and empire, transitional justice.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the School has made special efforts to ensure continued Ukrainian participation in our activities. We devote time not only to analysing current realities on the ground in both Russia and Ukraine, but also to leaving the door open for exchanges on the region’s postwar future.

The outcome of the war in Ukraine and, in the years to come, Russia’s internal development, will weigh heavily on the future not only of Ukraine and Europe but on the possibilities for global peace and stability. It is already playing a critical role in determining what kind of society we will all live in, and — whatever the outcome — will do so more in the future. Clearly, in the midst of worsening carnage, only a Russia based on democratic norms and the rule of law could overcome the murderous, imperialist forces let loose on the region. This has ceased to be a regional issue: the achievement of peace and democracy within and between these two nations is now a global necessity. As with many of the millions of Russians opposed to this war, the School strives to find a base not just to end the war, but for stability in the future.

Listen/watch some members of our community of experts and alumni (podcasts and video)

Find out more about our seminar programme

Find out more about our multimedia programme

Find out more about our publishing programme

Download a book on the history and origins of the School

Forced from Russia after being added to the register of ‘foreign agents’ in 2014, the School of Civic Education has been a UK registered charity since 2016.