Moral Education in Belgium

Abstract

Each year Belgian parents must choose between four courses based on religious principles and one based on non‐confessional ethics. Due to our historical past, only ‘official’ schools offer this choice, whereas denominational schools do not; and teachers of religious education are nominated by denominational authorities, whereas teachers of moral education are not nominated by Freethinkers’ authorities!

Teachers of moral education get a specific training according to the different school levels at which they will teach. They get guidance from working groups and a published journal. Their course is always based on the principles of free research, though topics vary with the pupils’ ages. The course is chosen by a constantly growing number of pupils.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Luc Devuyst

Luc Devuyst is inspector of moral education in secondary and non‐university high schools in Belgium. Address for correspondence: Luc Devuyst, Inspecteur Zedenteer T.Q., Vredestraat 22, 2650 Boom, Belgium