Impacto del programa Voto Estudiantil en la percepción de los estudiantes de la media vocacional del Liceo Normandía en Bogotá sobre la participación política

Abstract

This research examined the impact of the Voto Estudiantil program on the perception of students from a private school in Bogotá, Colombia, regarding politics and political participation in Colombia. It was found that students had a negative perception of politics and the effectiveness of participation in electoral spaces before implementing the program. Additionally, some characteristics of the student’s political culture and influencing factors were identified. A qualitative research methodology with a case study approach was used, which included participant observation, field diaries, and semi-structured interviews as research instruments. The program was conducted over a period of three months and included training on political ideologies, government systems, and forms of political participation for the students. Additionally, the students participated in a mock election where a group of ten students assumed candidate roles, while the rest of the students exercised their right to vote to choose their representatives. After the implementation of the program, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight students and analyzed using grounded theory analysis technique. The results indicated that the program had a positive impact on students' perception of political participation. Students showed a greater willingness to participate in democratic spaces and a better understanding of the functioning of a democratic government system and different forms of political participation. The mock election allowed them to understand the importance of their vote and participation in the electoral process. However, the need to strengthen ethical education and include it in the political formation of students was also evident. Thus, the Voto Estudiantil program is found to be a program that allows for strengthening the formation of political participation among students and provides theoretical 15 tools that positively influence students' perception of politics and political participation. Additionally, it has proven to be an effective tool for promoting civic and political culture among young people, contributing to the development of their community. These results suggest that similar programs could be implemented in other contexts to promote political participation among young people and strengthen democracy. An analysis of the program's content and dynamics was also conducted to propose alternatives that would strengthen the program, particularly regarding civic education related to empathy, knowledge of Colombia's history related to violence and armed conflict. As a result, the proposal for a citizenship education curriculum to be implemented in the educational institution was put forward.