The state of development education in Spain: Initiatives, trends and challenges

Abstract

In this paper I analyse the state of development education (DE) in Spain, considering the specific context of the country, its history and the challenges it currently faces. I provide a review of the overall policy framework, highlighting the Spanish Cooperation Strategy on DE as a significant turning point in the consolidation of DE. Theoretical development is explained and the role of the main stakeholders, such as public bodies, non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) and schools are discussed. I evaluate the roles that all of these organizations have played in promoting DE in compulsory education. The conclusions assess some of the strengths and weaknesses of DE in Spain as well as some of the current challenges.