Step 4: Freedom of Expression deliberation



We had “Should our democracy permit hate speech?” deliberation lesson on 4 February. There were 9 pupils of 10 present. Our teacher’s name is Nataliya Byzova. Before the one and half an hour work in class we had read the text “Freedom of expression”. At the beginning of the lesson we answered some questions. The most important among them were: 1)What is hate speech? 2)What documents protect freedom of expression? 3)How do democratic countries support freedom of expression? 4)Why is freedom of expression limited in democratic countries?
After that we worked in groups presenting points of view of those who are supporters and opponents of hate speech and at the same time we were listeners.
In the second part of the lesson we gave our own arguments on this issue and tried to find areas of agreement. They turned out to be the following:
1)Hate speech is not a crime.
2)Governments should have laws limiting hate speech which incourages hatred to people of different races and beliefs.
The most interesting thing during the deliberation was presenting our own attitude to the topic. Though it was not very easy, it was thrilling to conduct the deliberation in English. We also had to make some effort to translate the text for reading, but it was worth doing it. This work looks more serious and important than the one we did before in class.


Mykola Romashkin, Grade 9"Б"

Step 3: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

May this year bring you lots of love and happiness!!! Be healthy, wealthy and wise!


Best wishes to you and your families, Nataliya Byzova


Hey New Kids, check this out! Japan (Kurisumasu Omedeto!): The Japanese people borrowed Christmas and made it their own. Hoteiosho, a kind old man, carries a huge pack with gifts for children. (With eyes in the back of his head, he sees who is naughty or nice.) Many Japanese embrace the Western traditions that were introduced by Christian missionaries. Others take the secular festivities over the top with massive light displays, decorations seemingly everywhere, evergreens and mistletoe hanging and almost anyone and anything dressed for the season (as shown). Come Christmas, families present gifts and sing carols, and some people also enjoy turkey dinner.


Best regards, Robert Leifels


P.S. The photo was sent by Robert Leifels, the USA

Step 2: Pupils of the 9th "Г" Grade and the teacher after deliberating compulsory voting

Voting Should Be Compulsory.

First, I think that every democratic country should have compulsory voting. It increases voter turnout. Second, it removes socioeconomic difference in electoral participation. Elections are for the people to choose the candidate whom they want. Many governments do not have compulsory voting and people refuse to vote. That's why these countries are not democracies.

In countries with compulsory voting people who do not want to vote can vote "against all" in the ballot. At elections people's thoughts are very important. If people choose not to vote without a valid reason, they will have to pay a small fine.

If people do not come to the polls, elections will be senseless. So I think voting should be compulsory.

Iryna Oleshchenko, 9-"Б" Grade