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Education and Youth |
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VISIONS, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES
Education contributes substantially to the creation of a stable and prosperous civil society. THE GRAZ PROCESS was initiated by Austria in order to promote democratic and peaceful development in the region by supporting and co-ordinating educational co-operation projects in South Eastern Europe.
PRIORITY AREAS
The long-term objective is the incorporation of South Eastern Europe into a European Area of Education, based upon the willingness of all the parties involved to pro-actively promote this process. This requires both long-term programmes as well as short-term initiatives and bridging measures.
In order to make the vision come true, a number of steps will be necessary: The creation of structures for a constant flow of information; the employment of the existing regional expertise in order to encourage regional ownership and initiative; networking and co-operation across all institutional, cultural and national borders.
Apart from the international community and the national governments, civil society actors (e.g. NGOs) are to play an increasing role.
For funding, innovative mechanisms and partnerships have to be found. In the long run, however, money from external donors will not be sufficient. The governments concerned will also have to increase their educational budgets.
A feasibility study of the European Commission for a ”Southeast European Educational Co-operation Centre” has been carried out. The Centre is envisaged as a focal point for information exchange, co-ordination and networking between existing regional initiatives and other European partners as well as for inter-institutional educational co-operation. Innovative pilot projects should give quick and flexible impulses and provide experience for systemic reform.
The present platform of communication is a virtual one: the SEE-homepage set up by KulturKontakt Austria, an organisation supported by and acting on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. It offers news and background information on the Enhanced Graz Process, a data base comprising more than 300 educational projects, a newsletter with information on forthcoming conferences and meetings, ongoing programmes and other news from the world of education.
It has been expanded through the Southeast European Educational Co-operation Network in co-operation with the University of Ljubljana, which facilitates access to information on education from the region in regional languages.
STRATEGY FOR 2001
The thematic focuses as established at the Sofia conference have resulted in a division into
six Working Groups:
General Education: Policy Development and System Improvement (Co-ordinating institution: OECD)
The main objectives are the promotion of sustainable educational reform, an enhanced flow of information, political support for the opening of programmes of European and international institutions for educational reform in South Eastern Europe, improvement of educational management at all levels and of teacher training.
History and History Teaching (Co-ordinating institution: Council of Europe)
The emphasis is on the development of cross-border and multilateral initiatives for teaching and research in order to learn to understand the history of the region from a multitude of perspectives and to deconstruct national stereotypes. The projects include pre- and in-service training of history teachers in new methodology, the development of teaching material and curricula, the support of networking and exchange programmes.
Higher Education (Co-ordinating institution: CRE – European Rectors’ Conference)
Higher education plays a vital part in the development of a functional civil society through the promotion of equal opportunities, life-long learning and encouragement of participation in political and social life. Reforms in Higher Education should also counteract brain drain, which is dramatic in some areas. Among the main objectives are the development of new forms of educational management, methods of quality assurance, mutual recognition of diplomas and curriculum development. Here cross-border activities, networking of projects and exchange programmes are planned.
Vocational Education and Training (Co-ordinating institution: European Training Foundation)
Vocational education and training is an essential prerequisite for economic reconstruction and the development of civil society. Equal opportunities and the fight against social exclusion are among the main objectives. Curriculum development and teacher training should help to acquire social skills such as conflict management. Active participation of all key actors (principals, teachers, parents) is essential. Vocational schools and institutions should be encouraged to develop their potentials as community centres but also to pro-actively participate in cross-border/international co-operation.
Education for Democratic Citizenship and Management of Diversity (Co-ordinating institution: Council of Europe)
The Working Group promotes a concept of diversity which goes beyond ethnicity. It focuses on the diversity of the identities of every human being (nationality, religion, gender, age, …). Every person is different and has the right to be different. A democratic school climate and multicultural perspectives instead of nationalistic myths and prejudices are as important as education for democracy at all levels (politics, schools, society) – a process in which regional and local actors including NGOs should take an active part together with international organisations like the Council of Europe or UNESCO.
Young People (Co-ordinating institution: Council of Europe)
Due to the importance of youth issues a special Working Group has been set up, which defined its task as ”connecting young people in South Eastern Europe”. Top priority is given to the development of new policies for children and young people, confidence-building measures and networking. Especially young people show great interest in wider information on the Stability Pact and readiness to participate in activities such as campaigns for greater tolerance and cross-border co-operation.
Sponsors
Austria
Key Contacts
Mr. Anton Dobart represented by Mr. Gerhard Kowar,
Country: Vienna, Austria
Organization: Ministry of Education, Science and Culture
Tel: +43 (1) 531 20 44 50
Fax: +43 (1) 531 20 99 44 50
Email: gerhard.kowar@bmbwk.gv.at
Ms. Kanita Kovacevic,
Country: Vienna, Austria
Organization: KulturKontakt Austria
Tel: +43 (1) 523 87 65 - 72
Fax: +43 (1) 524 66 55
Email: kanita.kovacevic@kulturkontakt.or.at
Ms. Tatjana Pirc, Expert
Organization: Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe
Tel: +32 (2) 401 87 42
Fax: +32 (2) 401 87 12
Email: Tatjana.Pirc@stabilitypact.org
Documents
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