Values, education and democracy : manifesto or myth?

The purpose of this qualitative study was to ascertain, firstly, how different participants in schools understood and interpreted the different values in the Manifesto on Values, Education and Democracy and secondly whether the values in the Manifesto were being implemented at their schools. Data was collected from a variety of participants through questionnaires, individual and focus group interviews. The results indicate that there are discrepancies and inconsistencies in the understanding and interpretation of the different values as well as in the implementation of the Manifesto. As such we argue that currently the Manifesto is more likely a myth rather than a manifesto in reality. On the basis of the findings several recommendations are made for the successful implementation of the Manifesto to become a reality in schools.