The Office Central de la Coopération à l’École (OCCE) is dedicated to enriching education by promoting cooperation, democracy, and responsibility among students. Rooted in the belief that schools should prepare children not only academically but also socially and civically, OCCE encourages the creation of school cooperatives—student-led initiatives guided by educators in public educational institutions.

These cooperatives transform classrooms into vibrant communities where students learn to manage projects, take responsibility, and work collectively toward shared goals. By giving children and young people the chance to participate in real decision-making, OCCE nurtures the values of cooperation, solidarity, and active citizenship.

Our mission is clear: to strengthen democratic values, encourage collective learning, and empower students to contribute to the progress of all.

Our Mission

At the heart of OCCE lies the conviction that education must prepare individuals for life in a democratic society. Beyond academic achievement, young people need to learn how to collaborate, respect others, and take part in shaping their communities.

Our mission is to:

• Encourage the creation and growth of school cooperatives that foster student initiative and shared responsibility.

• Promote cooperation as a guiding principle in both education and daily life.

• Strengthen democratic values by providing students with opportunities to practice decision-making and collective governance.

• Support educators with tools, resources, and guidance to facilitate cooperative learning.

• Empower young people to become responsible, active citizens who contribute to human progress.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every school is a cooperative community, where students are not passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in shaping their learning environment.

In our vision:

• Children grow up with the skills and confidence to act as responsible, caring citizens.

• Schools serve as democratic laboratories, preparing students for real-life participation in society.

• Education emphasizes solidarity and cooperation as much as individual success.

• Communities benefit from generations of young people who value inclusion, respect, and civic engagement.

Ultimately, OCCE aspires to contribute to a society where democracy and cooperation are lived realities, not just abstract ideals.

Our Values

The work of OCCE is guided by enduring values that shape our programs and define our vision for education:

1. Cooperation – We believe in the power of working together toward common goals, where every individual’s contribution is valued.

2. Democracy – We ensure that students experience participation, debate, and decision-making firsthand.

3. Responsibility – We encourage children to take ownership of their actions and to act for the common good.

4. Solidarity – We promote mutual aid, empathy, and inclusion in school life and beyond.

5. Equality – We are committed to secular, public education that is accessible to all and respects the dignity of every individual.

6. Human Progress – We see education as a path toward collective advancement, preparing students to face the challenges of tomorrow.

What We Do

The OCCE supports schools and educators by making cooperative education a reality. Our activities include:

• Creation of School Cooperatives – We help schools establish and manage student-led cooperatives that operate democratically under the guidance of educators.

• Training and Resources for Teachers – We provide educators with the tools, workshops, and support needed to integrate cooperative methods into teaching.

• Democratic Practice in Schools – We encourage student assemblies, elections, and collective decision-making, ensuring that students learn democracy by practicing it.

• Support for Student Projects – We guide children and young people in creating cultural, social, and community initiatives that they design and manage themselves.

• Partnerships with Communities – We connect schools with local organizations to extend the values of cooperation and solidarity beyond the classroom.

Through these initiatives, OCCE transforms education into a collaborative and participatory experience that prepares students for life.