6 Minute English What makes a good citizen?
Oct 9, 2025
What defines a good citizen? Neil and Georgie explore this intriguing question, highlighting kindness and community involvement beyond mere law adherence. They discuss the importance of youth engagement in democracy, illustrated through the Mypolis program, which allows children to voice their ideas. There's also a focus on the erosion of trust in government institutions and how Mypolis aims to bridge that gap. Plus, listeners learn key vocabulary around citizenship that can empower civic discussions.
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Citizenship Balances Rights And Duties
- Citizenship pairs rights with responsibilities within a society.
- Being a good citizen often includes following laws and contributing positively to the community.
Founder Started Mypolis From Frustration
- Mypolis began when Bernardo Gonsalves, then in his 20s, felt disappointed by political interactions with young people.
- He started the project to reconnect children and youth with democratic processes in Portugal.
Schools Mirror Real Political Processes
- Mypolis runs council assemblies where children propose improvements and local politicians respond.
- The programme mirrors adult political activities like voting and holding politicians accountable.