The Office Central de la Coopération à l’École (OCCE) is dedicated to promoting cooperative learning and civic engagement in secular educational institutions. Our mission is to encourage the creation of school cooperatives and student-led groups, empowering young people to take active roles in managing projects, making decisions, and collaborating with peers.

By guiding students in organizing and running joint activities, OCCE fosters cooperation, civic and moral education, and active participation. We aim to cultivate a philosophy of collaborative learning, where every pupil gains practical experience in responsibility, solidarity, and democratic principles. Through this approach, students are prepared to become engaged citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

Our Vision

We envision schools as dynamic communities of learning and cooperation, where students are not only learners but active participants in shaping their educational environment. In our vision:

• Students experience hands-on democracy, making decisions, debating ideas, and managing projects collectively.

• Schools cultivate solidarity, responsibility, and social awareness through cooperative activities.

• Educators serve as mentors and guides, supporting student initiatives while fostering autonomy.

• Communities benefit from youth empowered to act, collaborate, and contribute positively to civic life.

OCCE seeks to create a future where education is not just academic achievement, but a foundation for responsible, collaborative, and socially engaged citizens.

Our Values

OCCE is guided by a set of core values that shape every initiative:

1. Cooperation – Encouraging students to work together and share responsibility for collective outcomes.

2. Responsibility – Instilling accountability through practical project management and decision-making.

3. Solidarity – Promoting empathy, mutual support, and collaboration among pupils and educators.

4. Democracy – Providing opportunities for students to engage in democratic practices and decision-making.

5. Active Citizenship – Preparing young people to participate meaningfully in their communities and society.

6. Collaborative Learning – Emphasizing learning by doing, with peers, under guided mentorship.

These values form the backbone of our programs and activities, ensuring that students develop both personal and social competencies.

What We Do

OCCE supports schools, teachers, and communities to implement programs that bring cooperative learning to life:

• School Cooperatives – Assisting in the creation and management of student-run cooperatives that organize projects, events, and initiatives.

• Student-Led Groups – Encouraging students to form teams and clubs that practice teamwork, leadership, and collaboration.

• Educational Guidance – Providing tools, resources, and mentorship to help educators facilitate cooperative learning.

• Civic Engagement Projects – Promoting student involvement in community service, environmental projects, and social initiatives.

• Workshops and Training – Offering practical training on project management, democratic processes, and collaborative skills.

• Community Partnerships – Linking schools with local institutions and organizations to enhance learning and civic engagement.

Through these initiatives, OCCE ensures that students are actively involved in their education, learning essential life skills while contributing to their communities.

Our Impact

OCCE has a measurable impact on schools, students, educators, and communities:

• Students develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Schools experience a more collaborative and participatory culture.

• Teachers are supported in implementing innovative, student-centered teaching methods.

• Communities benefit from youth projects that foster solidarity, civic responsibility, and active participation.

By embedding cooperative learning into everyday school life, OCCE cultivates values and skills that last a lifetime, preparing young people for both personal success and societal contribution.

Why We Exist

Traditional education often focuses primarily on academic achievement, but life skills, civic engagement, and social responsibility are equally vital. Many young people leave school without experiencing democratic practice, collective responsibility, or practical leadership.

OCCE exists to fill this gap. By promoting school cooperatives and student-led initiatives, we ensure that education:

• Encourages active participation and decision-making.

• Fosters solidarity, cooperation, and empathy.

• Develops practical skills such as project management and teamwork.

• Prepares students to become engaged citizens, capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

Our work ensures that youth are not just taught about democracy—they live it.

Looking Ahead

OCCE is committed to expanding cooperative learning in schools across the country:

• Increasing the number of school cooperatives and student-led initiatives.

• Enhancing teacher training and resources to support innovative, student-centered learning.

• Expanding partnerships with community organizations and local authorities to strengthen civic engagement.

• Encouraging projects that address current social challenges, such as sustainability, inclusion, and community development.

• Continually innovating our approach to ensure that cooperative learning remains relevant, engaging, and effective.

Our long-term goal is to make collaborative, democratic education a standard in every school, preparing students to thrive personally, academically, and socially.