Involving students in budget allocation decision-making
In 2019, the Lithuanian branch of “Transparency International” (TI) launched an initiative to introduce participatory budgeting in schools across the country. The aim was to involve students in decision-making processes related to their school’s budget allocation and improvement projects, in order to develop their financial literacy and civic engagement skills. This work was inspired by participatory budget programmes in other parts of the word, including Brazil and France.
A multi-step process generates ideas, develops proposals, opens for voting, and supports implementation
The participatory budgeting initiative in Lithuanian schools involves a multi-step process that is designed to be inclusive and foster a sense of ownership within the school community.
- Idea Generation Workshops: School staff introduces students to the school’s budgeting process. The students then take part in workshops to brainstorm ideas for potential projects, with the aim of encouraging students to think critically about their school’s needs and priorities.
- Project Proposal Forms Submission: Students then submit detailed proposals using designated forms. These forms include information on the idea’s objectives, budget calculations, visualisation of the idea, implementation plans, and potential impact on the school community.
- Voting procedures: Students and staff vote for the proposals. The school itself determines the rules and format of the voting procedure.
- Implementation: The most popular proposal is then implemented by the school with support from teachers, staff members, and sometimes parents or students themselves.
Throughout the process, students learn how an organisation’s budget is drawn up, how to participate in decision-making, and how to be responsible for the decisions made.
Schools that have been selected to test participatory budgeting are awarded partial funding from municipalities or organisations. Participating schools are encouraged to also contribute with their own funds. Representatives from the initiative provide trainings and implementation consultations for the participating schools.
7 out of 10 students would like to decide on the use of the school budget every year
The participatory budget initiative in Lithuanian schools has increased student engagement in decision-making processes, improved financial literacy, and fostered a sense of community and trust between students and school administration.
Since the launch of the initiative, 98 participatory budgets have been implemented in 62 schools across Lithuania.
Some ideas that students have voted for include:
- Motivational notes on the stairs
- Chess board on the floor of the school
- “Storks Nest” swing
Watch our interview with Unė Kaunaitė, director of EDU Vilnius:
Read more:
- Participatory budgeting – Transparency International (Lithuanian)
- Participatory budgeting – EDU Vilnius (Lithuanian)
- Participatory budgets increase students’ civic and financial literacy – Transparency International (Lithuanian)
- Video – Participatory budgeting. The experience of Vilnius Gabija pro-gymnasium (Lithuanian)