PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP IN EARLY CHILDHOOD IN A MULTICULTURAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Fostering democratic citizenship is a fundamental foundation for sustainable social development, particularly in early childhood, which is a critical period for the formation of essential characteristics and values. Early childhood education should therefore aim to develop children’s appropriate understanding of democratic governance under a constitutional monarchy, while promoting their ability to live in society with respect for rights, freedoms, equality, and human dignity. This article presents the role of early childhood teachers in integrating citizenship education through learning experiences embedded in the six core learning activities, alongside cooperative learning and language development activities. These approaches provide opportunities for children to develop self-awareness, understand others, and learn to live together in a culturally diverse society. The article emphasizes the integration of democratic principles into early childhood learning processes in order to strengthen social skills, participation, respect for others, and responsibility for the common good within a multicultural context. This integration serves as an essential foundation for nurturing children to grow into morally grounded citizens with a sense of public consciousness and social responsibility, leading to peaceful and sustainable coexistence in a democratic society.