Information

International Symposium on Anarchist and Libertarian Principles of Education: Current Challenges in Education "What Can Anarchist and Libertarian Principles Offer Today?"

General Information

The International Symposium on Anarchist and Libertarian Principles of Education is conceived as an open space for dialogue, reflection and exchange on educational practices and ideas grounded in anarchist and libertarian traditions.
The symposium aims to bring together diverse perspectives —academic, practical and experiential— in a shared environment where contributions are welcomed and respected, provided they are aligned with the core principles of non-coercive, democratic and socially responsible education.
At the heart of the symposium lies a set of educational principles that guide both its content and its format. The central principle is freedom, understood not as licence, but as responsible and conscious agency. Alongside this, the symposium promotes:

• Equity, as fair and inclusive access to educational opportunities
• Mutual aid and cooperation, as the basis for collective learning and social development
• Critical consciousness, as the capacity to question, understand and transform reality
• Self-governance, as active participation in decision-making processes 

These principles are complemented by pedagogical approaches such as non-coercive guidance, experiential and embodied learning, and the promotion of creativity and expression.
The mission of the symposium is to foster meaningful dialogue between theory and practice, contributing to contemporary educational debates from a critical and constructive perspective. Its vision is to consolidate a sustainable, accessible and internationally recognised forum where alternative educational approaches can be explored, shared and developed over time.

Special Focus 2026 – In Memory of Antonio Benaiges

The first edition of the symposium is dedicated to the memory of Antonio Benaiges, marking the 90th anniversary of his murder in 1936.
Benaiges was a Freinetist teacher who developed his work in a rural school in the province of Burgos, very close to where the University of Burgos stands today. His educational practice embodied a profound commitment to freedom, dignity and the transformative potential of education, bringing innovative and participatory methodologies into a highly constrained social context.
His work was characterised by student voice, creativity, cooperation and a deep respect for childhood, in line with Freinet’s pedagogical principles. At a time of social and political tension, his approach represented a bold and hopeful vision of education as a space for emancipation and collective growth.
His assassination at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War reflects the risks faced by those who challenge authoritarian structures through education. Remembering Benaiges today is not only an act of historical recognition, but also a way of reaffirming the relevance of the principles he embodied.
In this context, the 2026 edition will place a particular emphasis on Freinet-inspired pedagogies, exploring their contemporary relevance and their contribution to addressing current educational challenges.