The Democratic Education Network Summer School (2025), Visiting Journey and Eighth Conference was an extremely successful and insightful experience for not only me as an individual but as an organisation and group. It helped really understand how and why community is important. This for me was especially demonstrated in the conference held on the 9th...
On the 9th May, I had an amazing opportunity to present and attend the DEN conference as a student representing Capital City College. The event brought together different students from different backgrounds, like Vietnam, Thailand, the Czech Republic and more. It was such a privilege to be part of such an inspiring and vibrant experience....
All I can remember from the night before the conference is how ferociously I had been readingthrough my presentation notes, hoping and praying to whoever is out there that everythingwould be just fine. The second years had warned me that the Uzbek students had a reputationfor delivering stellar presentations and I was hoping to follow...
On 9 May, I had the privilege of taking part in a student-led academic conference in London, co-organised by the DEN, an extra-curricular initiative I proudly belong to. We welcomed international students from Thailand, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan, and created a space where young minds from diverse backgrounds came together to share their research, their questions,...
The DEN conference of the 9th of May 2025 was a truly invaluable extracurricular experience for me and my higher education. Full of ambitious young, educated voices from around the world, this conference consisted of numerous presentations by students who had written articles for DEN’s book, ‘Just futures: sustainability, inclusivity and education’, and other academic...
Interview with Lee KennedyThe special feature presents Lee Kennedy, who works as a lecturer at Capital City College Group in North London, to discuss his teaching and community engagement efforts that positively affect young people. Lee participates in a local initiative which guides students through academic obstacles before helping them find internships and employment opportunities....
When I first heard about the DEN Conference, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. It was described as an inclusive, student-led space where people would share their ideas and research on topics that mattered to them. That sounded interesting, but I had low expectations—I thought I’d just show up and see what it was...
The power of a microphone (and who gets to hold it). Before arriving at the DEN 8th International Student Conference in London, I had my doubts. “Inclusive education for global change” sounded important, yes – but would it be yet another space where adults talk about what young people need, without ever asking them? I...
I arrived at the DEN Conference without expectations about what the event would deliver. I had never attended such an occasion before. I expected to meet people while learning about global education yet I didn’t predict the profound inspirational experience that awaited me. The moment I entered, I felt the energetic atmosphere of being part...
The DEN Conference – to outsiders and onlookers, it was just another event where studentscame to share ideas and have snacks but to me and my colleagues, it was a culmination ofmonths of hardwork and dedication. To me, I hoped that everything went to plan and mostimportantly, everyone felt it was a good environment to...
Joining the Democratic Education Network (DEN) project has been by far one of the best decisions. I have taken as a young adult trying to figure life abroad. This voluntary student driven initiative made me understand the power of togetherness and dedication through the different projects I had the opportunity to take part in. From...
What began as a formal academic space at the DEN Summer School quickly revealed itself to be something far more valuable—a warm, inclusive community where every voice mattered. Beyond structured presentations, the conference created room for spontaneous dialogue, teaching me adaptability in ways that will resonate throughout my career. This wasn’t just an event; it...