TABLE OF CONTENTS

AR TICLES

PAGES

DG Education and Culture - Culture

The impact of migrations

on cultural identity in Europe

Interfaith dialogue as a means for

intercultural dialogue

Urban culture in Europe:

promoting diversity and inter-city exchange

An original transnational cooperation

for the production of films about
the unique character of European expansion

DG Education and Culture - Civil Society

New dimensions for European culture

10

A new way of thinking about Europe

12

Diversity in libraries

14

DG Eucation and Culture - Youth

Dilemmas of democracy

16

Folks tales: images of diversity

18

A meeting of cultures

20

A platform for European cooperation

in the fight against racism

22

Young volunteers work for social integration

24

DG Education and Culture - Comenius

European cooperation between schools

to fight against exclusion and promote
the concept of tolerance

26

Fairy Tales in modern environment

28

ICT and artistic creation as the focal point

of the intercultural dimension

30

Networks for change in schools

32

A partnership between Comenius schools

to promote the notion of respect

34

DG Education and Culture - Leonardo da Vinci

The clothing industry faces the challenges

of intercultural differences

36

The contribution of European cooperation

in the training of cultural organisers

38

Intercultural management: a key element

in company strategy development

40

A network to promote social inclusion

42

Preserving Romanias cultural heritage

44

Member of the European Commission

responsible for Education, Training,
Culture and Multilingualism

n a world which is constantly shrinking due to globalisation, and

a European Union which is growing through the process of enlargement,
intercultural dialogue is a subject that is increasingly touching the lives of
European citizens on a daily basis. Recognising this, the European Commission
has decided to declare 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue,
underlining the important contribution of intercultural dialogue to the European
Unions strategic priorities. Through its policies and programmes, it has always
supported this important subject, which lies at the heart of European Union
policies. This catalogue showcases some results of the programmes and initiatives on this theme supported by European programmes up to the present day.

Disseminating and building upon the achievements of project results, whether

they are products, processes or practices, to meet the requirements of new and
existing users is now recognised as a priority. This means getting the most out
of projects so that their results have a longer shelf life. There is a real demand
for innovative materials and best practice and more and more stakeholders are
recognising the need to build on the vast experience and material available.
Investment in projects is investment in Europes future and the future of its
citizens, and it is therefore important to invest wisely. My service, the
Directorate-General of Education and Culture, is therefore actively promoting
a strategy for the exploitation and transfer of results from its programmes in
order to ensure that we draw the maximum benefit from the projects we finance.

46

The projects featured in this catalogue show examples of best practice in

the workplace, in educational contexts and in daily life. They were selected by
a panel of independent experts drawn from the various programmes of the
European Commission. They highlight how intercultural dialogue - a subject
which is sometimes viewed as intangible - can be translated into concrete
actions that can inspire others and be adapted to different contexts. They show
a variety of methods that have been used to get the message of intercultural
dialogue across to people at all levels. These tangible results show how intercultural dialogue can be integrated throughout society.

48

I hope that these examples will inspire you and encourage you to incorporate
intercultural dialogue in your educational systems, workplaces and daily lives.

DG Education and Culture - eLearning

Media texts and contexts for young people

around the world

Jan Figel

DG Education and Culture - eTwinning

Budding young reporters shape

the journalism of tomorrow
DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

A company policy for inclusion and

the fight against discrimination

50

DG Enterprise and Industry

Engaging migrants in science

52

DG Justice, Freedom and Security

Comic strips: a common language

to promote common values

54

DG Research

Building Europe with new citizens

56

Migrants: a model for successful integration

58

The impact of migrations

on cultural identity in Europe
The aim of the project 'Born in Europe' is to examine what it means to be born in Europe. Through
many different activities (conferences, exhibitions, seminars, videos, etc), the project deals with
the issues of birth and migration in Europe, especially with regard to children of immigrants.
The project examines their belonging to Europe while discussing their outward cultural identity,
thus opening the debate to include issue of the integration, mutual understanding and acceptance
of everyone in Europe.

WHAT IS THE CULTURAL IDENTITY OF SECONDGENERATION MIGRANTS IN EUROPE?

The new face of Europe is determined by the different member states which are becoming more and
more cosmopolitan, particularly in major cities.
We are currently witnessing a new generation of
young people who are redefining their cultural
identity in a changing Europe. Many children of
migrants were born in Europe, went to school in
Europe and would like to work and start a family
in Europe.
How is the process of finding one's own identity
affected by the experiences of different nationalities and the ethnic, religious and cultural influences? The project 'Born in Europe' was developed in
this context, by five European museums. The project features an exhibition, with photos and
videos by twelve artists from ten European countries. These elements were chosen to reflect the
hopes, desires and worries of people who live in
Europe and see it as part of their future.
AN EXHIBITION PRESENTING THE EXPERIENCES OF
MIGRANT FAMILIES
The portraits of 25 migrant families with their newborn babies in Berlin, Gothenburg, Lisbon,

Copenhagen and Aarhus are presented in this exhibit. The photographers who participated documented the daily life of these young families from
twenty different countries with the curators of the
museums involved in the project. In addition to
these portraits, a number of videos deal with the
problem of the integration of families in the
suburbs of big cities. In addition, a series of photographs entitled 'The Doors of Europe' by a Spanish
photographer show the harsh reality of refugees
trying to enter the fortress of Europe.
A publication entitled 'Born in Europe' (Neuklln
Museum, Berlin 2003, ISBN 87-7602-001-0) also
presents portraits of immigrant families. This 186page book is published in German, English,
Portuguese, Danish and Swedish.
The aim of this exhibition is to provide an idea of
what Europe means to people with a different cultural heritage. It attempts to underline the emotions of these people who live in Europe, as well as
encourage visitors to explore these new aspects of
our cultural diversity.

DG EAC - Culture
Programme

DG EAC - Culture

Promoter
Organisation Museum Neuklln
Address

Ganghoferstrasse 3
12040 Berlin

Country

Germany

Name

Udo GOESSWALD

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 49 30 68092535
00 49 30 68093811
goesswald@ipn.de

Partner Countries: Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Sweden

Interfaith dialogue as
a means for intercultural
dialogue
This project brings together a network of partners in the field of architecture in Austria, Germany
and Poland who have worked on religious architecture in Europe since 1989 and its role in our
contemporary societies with regard to the concept of European cultural identity.

RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE IN EUROPE AND

CULTURAL IDENTITY

ANOTHER APPROACH TO INTERCULTURAL

DIALOGUE

Since the fall of the Berlin wall, religion has acquired a renewed importance, which is expressed in
architecture. New urban constructions affect the
construction of current religious buildings. The
objective of this project, which is supported by
Culture Programme 2000, is to work on a number of
churches in Germany, Austria and Poland and to
explore the main issues related to religious architecture.

The exhibition was held from November 2005 to

February 2006, presenting the results of this project supported by the research which was conducted. The exhibition presents the different architectural concepts applied to the construction of religious buildings. It also examines the role of churches in our contemporary societies.

This project, which is coordinated by the ORTE

architecture network based in Austria, organised an
exhibition on the theme of religious architecture in
Europe since 1989 with its German and Polish partners. This exhibition presents contemporary developments in the construction of churches and above
all deals with their role in our society, thus opening
the discussion and debate to include the notion of
cultural identity in Europe.

The exhibition also welcomed schools, and invited

young people to reflect on the existing connections
between interfaith dialogue and intercultural dialogue. The project favours intercultural dialogue
through interfaith dialogue and thus contributes to
the discussion on cultural identity in Europe.
In addition to this exhibition, the project also
released a book presenting twelve churches in
Germany, Austria and Poland and discussing the
principles of construction in relation to contemporary architectural debates.

DG EAC - Culture
Programme

DG EAC - Culture

Promoter
Organisation ORTE Architekturnetzwerk
Niedersterreich
Address

Steiner Landstrae 3
3504 Krems-Stein

Country

Austria

Name

Marcus NITSCHKE

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 43 2732 78374
00 43 2732 78374-11
office@orte-noe.at

Partner Countries: Germany, Poland

Urban cultural in Europe:

promoting diversity
and inter-city exchange
Current migrations and diasporas create new challenges in terms of cultural differences. Europe has
a long tradition of cultural plurality, but with current developments, societies have no alternative
but to manage these new forms of interaction with newcomers. The concept of cultural diversity
must therefore be reconsidered not only at national level but also at the level of our metropolises,
which are true laboratories for new multicultural and intercultural approaches.

INTERCULTURAL PROCESSES IN THE HEARTS OF

OUR CITIES
Multi- and intercultural processes are becoming
more and more complex. This research project deals
with the issue of cultural diversity in six major
European cities. The project examines the existing
interactions and cooperation in these different
cities in order to draw attention to all aspects of
the concept of cultural diversity. For example,
issues such as the establishment of cultural diversity policies in cities, the use of urban space in an
attempt to favour better multi- and intercultural
cooperation, the development of different artistic
or cultural activities at local and international
level, respect for local identities while preserving
cultural diversity, the new elements created by globalisation in terms of active multicultural practices,
and collaboration between major European cities
are all dealt with in this project.

A NECESSARY EXCHANGE OF GOOD PRACTICES

A THREE-YEAR RESEARCH PROJECT
LINKING SIX MAJOR CITIES

Six major cities have taken action in order to

conduct comparative studies about these different
subjects and issues: Barcelona (Spain), Budapest
(Hungary), Paris (France), Tallinn (Estonia), Rome
(Italy) and Warsaw (Poland).
Throughout the project, the research conducted by
the different participants has provided answers to
many questions, such as ways to deal with cultural
areas (the duality between inhabitants/tourists),
the diversification of new cultural practices and
industries, the most recent trends in cultural
exchanges between major cities, and relations between the local community and multiculturalism.

RECOMMENDATIONS AIMED AT BOOSTING

THE CULTURAL SECTOR
Research results have produced a series of
recommendations aimed at encouraging the
mobility of organisers in the cultural sector, in
particular those involved in cultural industries
and developing synergies and multi- and intercultural dialogue.

DG EAC - Culture
The research conducted in these six metropolises
was discussed during a presentation at a conference entitled 'Metropolises of Europe urban cultural life and inter-city cultural interactions for cultural diversity in Europe' organised by the CIRCLE
network ('Cultural Information and Research
Centres Liaison in Europe') with the Warsaw
Research Institute and Pro Cultura in September
2005.
A book entitled 'Metropolises of Europe Diversity
in Urban Cultural Life' was published in two languages (Polish and English) by Pro Cultura Publishing
in Warsaw, and includes recommendations for all
stakeholders involved in the elaboration and implementation of cultural policies in European metropolises, in addition to each city's national reports
and the description and analysis of cultural phenomena and trends.

Programme

DG EAC - Culture

Promoter
Organisation CIRCLE, Pro Cultura Foundation
Address

Pro Cultura Foundation ul.

Mazowiecka 11 m. 12
00-052 Warsawa

Country

Poland

Name

Dorota ILCZUK

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 48 22 826 60 21
00 48 22 826 60 21
mkulikowska@procultura.pl

Partner countries: Hungary, Italy, Spain, Estonia,

Germany, Finland, Russia, Croatia

An original transnational
cooperation for the production
of films about the unique
character of European
expansion
LARGE is a film celebrating the unique character of the expansion of the European Union.
By gathering producers from old and new member states, the aim is to share the concept of
expansion and cultural diversity with the widest possible audience. LARGE will also enable
the creation of networks of young producers in Europe.

SHORT FILMS PAINTING A CONTEMPORARY

PORTRAIT OF EUROPEANS
In 2004, the CICEB (Consortium des Instituts
Culturels Europens Bruxelles) initiated the
LARGE film project. LARGE is composed of 8 short
films lasting 8 to 15 minutes, each the product of a
collaboration between 3 young and talented professionals a producer, a director and a scriptwriter from a different country in the new European
Union, where they were selected. They met each
other and began their collaboration during a preproduction seminar organised in Brussels.
The series paints a contemporary portrait of
Europeans, reflecting the diversity of cultures
without over-simplifying, with respect to the chosen
themes as well as the original production process.
In digital format and subtitled in 19 languages, it
can be programmed as 8 short films or a long 90minute programme, and offers a good way to rediscover Europe.

A PROJECT BASED ON TRANSNATIONAL COOPERATION

The Danish scriptwriter Mogens Rukov (Festen, Its

All About Love), promoter of the collection, coached these young professionals. The project's
concept, realisation and promotion received support from three producers/mentors: Despina
Mouzaki (CINEGRAM, Greece), Olivier Guerpillon
(DFM, Sweden) and Ales Hudsky (SYNERGIA, Czech
Republic).
LARGE captured the interest of the European
Commission, which financed it via Culture 2000,
and several non-financial partners including the
Coordination Europenne des Festivals de Cinma
(Pierre Duculot), Cineteca di Bologna (Guy Borle),
Alternativ in Barcelona (Tessa Renaudo) and
Premiers Plans in Angers (Frdric Lavigne), who all
played an advisory role throughout the project.
The European dimension of the different productions encompasses 24 countries including all of the
new member states. Each short film brings together directors, producers and scriptwriters from different countries, thus enhancing the intercultural
dimension in the production of the different works
as well as in the subjects treated.

DG EAC - Culture
Programme

DG EAC - Culture

Promoter
Organisation Alliance Franaise
de Bruxelles-Europe
Address

26, rue de la Loi

1040 Brussels

Country

Belgium

Name

Marie-Aude MATIGNON

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 32 2 788 21 51
00 32 2 736 47 00
ma.matignon@alliancefr.be

Partner countries: Germany, Czech Republic, France,

Denmark, Spain, Italy

New dimensions for

European culture
The enlargement of Europe in 2004 offered new opportunities for culture which the European
Cultural Foundation was keen to advance. It organised a two-year programme, Enlargement of
Minds, in the run-up to 2004, with debates, advocacy campaigns and a range of collaborative
projects. To disseminate what had been achieved, a thought-provoking book was published at
the end of the programme. The Blue Book on the road to a cultural policy for Europe includes
personal views from prominent European artistic and political figures about the importance of
cultural diversity and a manifesto offering guidelines for the implementation of cultural cooperation.

ENLARGEMENT OF MINDS
The entry of ten new member states to the
European Union on 1st May 2004 was the biggest,
but not the only, event of major significance for
Europe at that time. The European Parliaments
first enlarged elections were held, a new
Commission appointed and a new generation of EU
cultural programmes prepared.

each conference focused on a different theme and

produced a manifesto offering guidelines for
policy. Various practical projects were also set up,
including measures to support mobility, research
into the cultural implications of enlargement and
an online forum on cultural cooperation with South
East Europe.

SHARING CULTURES
The Enlargement of Minds programme was intended to inform policy-making at this key moment in
the development of European culture. The ultimate
goals were to create in Europe a sense of belonging to an open and diverse community, a sense of
solidarity and a new creativity to reshape the
European project and to achieve an enlargement
of minds which will not only counteract the kind of
preconceptions which lead to prejudice, but which
will also build on the emergence of a renewed
European civic society.
Three major conferences brought together prominent artists, politicians and many other individuals
and organisations active in the area of culture:

10

To disseminate the results of this two-year programme, ECF organised a major conference,
Sharing Cultures, in 2004. Blue Book on the
road to a cultural policy for Europe was published
to coincide with the conference. The introduction
establishes the innovative format of the book: This
publication is not a report, is not a reader, is not a
summary of proceedings. This publication states
and illustrates, seeks to inspire and to convince.
It argues for the urgency of making culture the
basis of European integration, of stimulating
genuine cross-border cultural cooperation, of shaping comprehensive cultural instruments and policies for Europe of Sharing Cultures.

DG EAC - Civil Society

The book contains personal views from prominent
artistic and political figures about cultural policy
and the importance of cultural diversity. It also
offers guidelines on European cultural policy in the
form of three manifestos produced from the three
seminars in the Enlargement of minds programme.
The first is on cultural and educational cooperation
between the enlarged EU and its new neighbours;
the second on enhanced Euro-Mediterranean cultural cooperation; the third on cultural cooperation
within South East Europe.
The book was aimed at policy makers involved in
cultural cooperation, cultural organisations and
individuals involved in the field. 5000 copies were
distributed and the book was reprinted because of
popular demand. It is also available online. The
policies outlined in the book are now a guiding
principle for the work of the European Cultural
Foundation.

Programme

DG EAC - Civil Society

Promoter
Organisation European Cultural Foundation
(ECF)
Address

Jan van Goyenkade 5

1075 HN Amsterdam

Country

The Netherlands

Name

Gottfried WAGNER

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 31 20 5733868
00 31 20 6762231
gwagner@eurocult.org

11

A new way of thinking

about Europe
We think of the EU in terms of different countries and different nationalities, but there are many
diverse communities within these countries. It is important for young people to be aware of this
diversity and to value people from different cultures. To achieve this, 29 schools in the city of Leeds
(UK) took part in a scheme to incorporate new ideas into the curriculum. The scheme involved
200 teachers and reached over 5000 students: it is now being disseminated in other parts of Europe.

HIGH-PROFILE LAUNCH

BRINGING NEW IDEAS INTO THE CLASSROOM

The Leeds Development Education Centre wanted to

help young people think about Europe and their
role as European citizens in a completely new way.
As well as educating them to understand how the
EU operates and their rights and responsibilities
within it, the Centre wanted to teach them what it
means to be a European citizen in todays diverse
society, learning about justice and equality in
Europe and the wider world.

To promote schools interest in the project, awareness-raising workshops and a showcase event for
teachers were organised. These were followed by
training sessions for teachers who could then deliver in-service training to their colleagues on ways
of integrating the new ideas within the curriculum.
Teachers in 29 schools attended the training sessions and they were given a Trainers Manual specially produced to help them roll out the training in
their schools. A package of teaching resources was
also provided to schools taking part in the programme; this included details of further training on
specific topics available through the Development
Education Centre and other bodies.

The Centre devised a programme to equip teachers

with the skills and resources needed to bring the
new ideas into the classroom. The project was launched with a high-profile conference attended by a
government minister, delegates from NGOs and
education authorities, members of black and ethnic
minority groups and interested schools. Under the
theme of EU citizenship in a multicultural Union,
they discussed the best ways of engaging young
peoples interest in the issues. A seminar for NGOs
then looked at how to deliver recommendations
from the conference within the curriculum.

12

MORE THAN A LOCAL SCHEME

200 teachers implemented the new teaching ideas,
which reached 5400 students. To mark the success
of the project, a day-long conference and debate
took place at Leeds Civic Hall, with 180 students
taking part in workshops and debates with repre-

DG EAC - Civil Society

sentatives from Germany, Nicaragua, Senegal and
South Africa.
In order to sustain the life of this significant but
local project, a network of civil society organisations was set up around Leeds and international
partners were established to continue the work in
other parts of Europe. The structure of the project,
the careful coordination of the promotional and
training events and the support materials developed
- all offer a model which can easily be transferred
to other contexts and countries.

Programme

DG EAC - Civil Society

Promoter
Organisation Leeds Development
Education Centre
Address

233 Roundhay Rd
Leeds LS8 4HD

Country

United Kingdom

Name

Adam RANSON

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 44 113 380 5660 / 5655

00 44 113 380 5656
adam@leedsdec.org.uk

Partner countries: Germany, France

(Nicaragua, Senegal, South Africa)

13

Diversity in libraries
Public libraries can offer a lot more than just a place to read or borrow books. They can play an
important role in raising awareness of different cultures and promoting the integration of minority
groups. This was the starting point of a three-year project coordinated by the Multicultural Centre
in Prague and now in its second phase, which aims to disseminate the experience more widely in Europe.

A NETWORK WITH LOCAL IMPACT

Libraries have an obvious role in offering free information about other cultures and ethnic groups. As
they are used by many sections of society, they also
have the potential to provide a natural meeting
place for people of different cultures. The success
of libraries in promoting intercultural understanding depends on the books and information available and the resources to fund activities. Library
staff need to be committed to raising awareness of
intercultural issues and able to organise events
promoting this. As libraries operate on a local
level, they can have a very direct impact on the surrounding communities.

EXPLOITING THE POTENTIAL

In 2002, the Multicultural Centre in Prague coordinated a project, Diversity in Libraries, aimed at

14

developing the role of public libraries in promoting

intercultural understanding and dialogue. Free
literature was distributed to 500 libraries in the
four countries of the project partners the Czech
Republic, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.
The literature included information about the history, traditions and present-day situation of countries and communities represented locally, as well
as books about general issues related to migrant
and minority groups.
Competitions were organised by libraries to encourage children to think about the valuable features of
their own and other cultures. In the Czech Republic,
cultural events took place to promote use of the new
resources. Librarians attended specially-created training sessions to develop their intercultural awareness and discuss practical ways of promoting understanding and inclusion. A website was created to help
librarians, with practical guidance and information,
including a multicultural books acquisition service.

DG EAC - Civil Society

BUILDING ON SUCCESS
To disseminate the results of the Diversity in libraries
project more widely across Europe, a second stage
is now underway. Libraries as gateways sets out
to engage new libraries in implementing the most
successful activities from the first stage. Market
research amongst both Czech libraries and users
from minority groups will help inform the implementation. The aim is to produce guidelines which
distil the experiences of the partners, with examples of best practice and ideas for promotional
activities.
The guidelines will be made available not only to
libraries but also schools and local authorities,
which can inform policy at a higher level. On a
more European scale, this will help libraries realise
their potential as a unique space for the meeting of
cultures.

Programme

DG EAC - Civil Society

Promoter
Organisation Multicultural Center Prague
Address

Vodickova 36 (Palac Lucerna)

116 02 Prague

Country

Czech Republic

Name

Radka NEUMANNOVA

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 420 296325345
00 420 296325345
projekt@mkc.cz

Partner Countries: Germany, The Netherlands

15

Dilemmas of democracy
Anne Frank House, one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam and a monument to personal bravery in the face of fascism, has created a touring exhibition based on its permanent displays. Anne
Frank a history for today will be visiting five cities in each of 11 countries to remind
people of the importance of protecting human rights and democracy.
Supplementing the touring exhibition, a new section, Free2choose, has now been added to bring
these issues right up to date. This exhibition within an exhibition uses very topical examples
to show the tensions between defending human rights and protecting democracy. It is targeted at
youth and aims to provoke thought and debate on a complex but vital issue.

WHEN HUMAN RIGHTS CONFLICT WITH

DEMOCRACY
In every democratic society, citizens are guaranteed certain basic human rights such as freedom of
speech, the right to privacy and religious freedom.
But what happens when these rights conflict with
each other or if the security of a democratic
society is threatened?
Free2choose was originally created as a temporary
exhibition for Anne Frank House in 2005. Now,
thanks to EC funding, the exhibition can accompany Anne Frank a history for today on its extensive tour round Europe. The project has also
enabled the adaptation of the original materials
catalogue, manual for guides, audio-visual materials, website into the ten languages of the project partners. In this way, a local project is being
disseminated on a truly European scale.

16

dom of speech, religious freedom, freedom of the

press, the right to demonstrate and the right to privacy. Each clip focuses on a concrete issue illustrating these themes from different parts of the world:
examples include the banning of an ETA-affiliated
newspaper in Spain and a law to prohibit the burning of the US flag. National project partners have
been given the budget to produce up to three additional video clips showing issues of local and national relevance.
The video clips are designed to appeal to young
people, with an animated figure presenting the
case studies and the questions arising from them.
Visitors are asked to give their views on electronic
voting consoles. They can then compare their responses with those of other visitors in the room at
the time and over the course of the exhibition.

EXHIBITION AIMS TO BE PROVOCATIVE

SPARKING PUBLIC DEBATE

The Free2choose exhibition consists of fifteen

short video clips, dubbed into the ten languages of
the partners. The clips highlight five themes: free-

To ensure maximum public awareness and participation in the exhibition, debates are being organised in each city visited by the exhibition any-

DG EAC - Youth
thing from a large public event to one involving just
a few school groups. Reports from the debates will
be published on the national project websites.
Partners will receive funding to maintain and
update their website and will be supplied with guidelines for running debates and publicity materials
in their own language.
In May 2007 an international conference will enable
all partners to share the results of the project, with
the participation of 22 young debaters two from
each partner country to give feedback and attract
media attention. There may be no clear answers to
the questions raised, but the project will have raised
awareness of some vital human rights issues.

Programme

DG EAC - Youth

Promoter
Organisation Anne Frank House
Address

P.O. Box 730

1000 AS Amsterdam

Country

The Netherlands

Name

Levien ROUW

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 31 20 5567173
00 31 20 6238765
l.rouw@annefrank.nl

Partner Countries: Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France,

Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, UK

17

Folk tales:
images of diversity
Folk tales were the focus of a ten-day youth exchange bringing together participants from five countries.
The youths, aged 17-19, were selected from underprivileged or disadvantaged backgrounds and the
exchange offered them an opportunity to spend time with their counterparts from other countries.
Researching, discussing and presenting folk tales was used as a vehicle for understanding cultural
values and the importance of diversity in Europe. The experience of living and working together was
itself a significant step towards gaining intercultural awareness.

YOUNG PEOPLE EXPLORE INTERCULTURAL

DIVERSITY

nised. Day trips, entertainment and games completed the exchange programme.

Becoming more European does not mean forgetting our national cultural heritage, but sharing it
with other European nations. These words, from
former EC ambassador Michael Lake, served as the
inspiration for this exchange.

Care was taken to ensure that every participant

mixed with people from other countries at all stages of their stay together.

PROCESS, NOT PRODUCTS

Folk tales were chosen as the main focus of activity
because they are expressions of the culture within
which they were born. Their very survival indicates
that their significance and power is still alive and
relevant.
Working in multi-national groups, participants had
to research folk tales and discover historical and
cultural values in them specific to the country or
ethnic group which the tales came from. Each working group then presented their findings, demonstrating to all participants the values embodied in
the tales and the cultural diversity of Europe.
This message was reinforced by national evenings
in which youths from the same country presented
their national traditions and tested other participants general knowledge about their country in a
quiz. A forum to discuss stereotypes was also orga-

18

At the end of the exchange, participants produced

a sample of their work to be published on the project website a Polish folk tale scripted, designed
and digitalised by themselves. It has been used in
schools and language clubs by some of the partners
as a way of stimulating discussion. But the purpose
of the exchange was not in concrete end-products.
What mattered was the process of youths meeting,
exchanging views and experiences and making
friends. In this way, they had a unique opportunity
to gain intercultural understanding.
The project had other lasting effects. The exchange
is part of an ongoing annual series and each year
new partner nations are involved, so that a network
of partners is gradually developing. Links to other
networks have also been established and offer
potential for further exchange.

DG EAC - Youth
Programme

DG EAC - Youth

Promoter

,,
Organisation Angol Muhely Kulturlis Egyeslet
,,
(Angol Muhely Cultural Association)
,,
Address
38. Petofi Street
4220 Hajdbszrmny
Country

Hungary

Name

Zsolt KRS

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 36 30 349 0450
00 36 52 280 763
okros_zsolt@freemail.hu

Partner countries: Poland, Slovakia, France, Finland

19

A meeting of cultures
Youths from three northern European countries and three non-EC Mediterranean countries came
together for a two-week exchange on the theme of the fight against racism and xenophobia.
The exchange raised participants awareness of cultural diversity through a wide range of seminars
and debates, cultural workshops and visits. Feedback from the youths, a video diary and local press
coverage all indicate the success of this project.

NORTH MEETS SOUTH

In July 2005, 36 youths met in Strasbourg to take
part in a project designed to change their outlook
on many important issues. Six participants came
from each of three EC countries Germany, Sweden
and France and six from each of three Mediterranean
countries Turkey, Lebanon and Algeria.
The programme was coordinated by the Association
Migration Solidarit et Echanges pour le Dveloppement, drawing on its links with local organisations to help create a programme of activities which
had strong connections with the local community.

20

different angle - the personal experience of the

students each national group spent one afternoon preparing a presentation of aspects of their
traditions and culture. Participants were struck by
the cultural differences in the way the presentations had been produced as much as in the content.
Visits to local places of interest included some of
particular relevance to the theme of the exchange:
a guided tour of the European Parliament; a tour of
a concentration camp, where a war veteran reinforced lessons about extremes of intolerance and the
rejection of diversity.

Four half-day workshops were organised, each presented by a local figure active in the relevant area,
followed by a debate amongst participants. One
workshop examined migration and inequalities in
equality between north and south, a second looked
at issues of identity and cultural diversity amongst
minorities, a third at religion as a potential obstacle to integration and a fourth at how Europe
should deal with immigrants rights.

AN EXCHANGE ROOTED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

To approach issues of intercultural diversity from a

Interaction between the participants and the local

The themes raised during the exchange had many

points of relevance to the community in which it
was held. Alsace has a large migrant population,
especially Turks, and it has seen a big growth in the
extreme right over the past 15 years. So the
experts who led workshops were discussing very live
issues from their own day-to-day working experiences.

DG EAC - Youth
community was an important feature of the
exchange. Students stayed in a hostel where many
residents were Turkish and North African. They performed their national cultural presentations in the
evenings to local people. They also hosted an intercultural dinner, for which each national group
contributed one part of the meal, inviting as guests
people from the local community who had helped in
the exchange and also journalists.

AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN

For the students, this was an intense learning experience, living, working and relaxing with people
from different cultures and religions. Feedback
from local residents was also very positive and
there was some press coverage of the exchange.

Programme

DG EAC - Youth

Promoter
Organisation Association AMSED
Address

Espace Nord / Sud 17,

rue de Boston
67000 Strasbourg

Country

France

Name

Djilali KABECHE

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 33 3 88 61 71 67
00 33 3 88 61 71 67
amsed@wanadoo.fr

Partner Countries: Germany, Sweden, Algeria, Lebanon,

Turkey

One participant summed up the experience: To be

open is really important! Such a project is the best
thing you can do! It changes you, you learn about
people, cultures And you also change others!.

21

A platform for European

cooperation in the fight
against racism
The aim of this project is to reinforce youth organisations in Europe and beyond in their effort
to fight against discrimination, racism and xenophobia. It provides tools and training for youth
professionals in order to promote activities in the fight against discrimination and also offers
a wide-ranging platform including awareness-raising events, information campaigns, conferences
and publicity materials.

THE NEED TO SUPPORT AND REINFORCE YOUTH

ORGANISATIONS IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST RACISM
AND XENOPHOBIA

the different youth organisations in their efforts to

fight against discrimination, racism and xenophobia.

Racism, nationalism, fascism, discrimination and

asylum policies are subjects which appear to serve
national interests above all, but which also have a
European dimension. A large number of studies
have underlined the difficulties encountered by
immigrants, refugees and ethnic minorities everywhere in Europe.

A WIDE RANGE OF TOOLS AND ACTIONS

FOR ORGANISATIONS IN THE FIELD

Created in 1992, the UNITED network (European

network against nationalism, racism and fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees) offers a
platform for volunteer cooperation between more
than 550 organisations in 46 European countries
who work together in the biggest anti-racism network. The objective is not so much to coordinate so
many different organisations, but rather to
increase the effectiveness of campaigns and the
exchange of information throughout Europe, which
has become an imperative.
This is the context of the project 'A European youth
vision', supported by the European Youth
Programme. Its aim is to support and accompany

22

The project includes the organisation of a series of

European conferences as well as specific actions
such as the International Day Against Racism and
the International Day Against Fascism and
Antisemitism.
This involves fieldwork to identify and document
youth organisations at local level in their actions
against racism. All of the work carried out by youth
organisations in this field may be accessed through
an information point (by telephone and internet).
Information materials (poster, postcards, stickers,
brochures, etc) were published during the different
information campaigns and were also widely distributed across Europe.
Throughout these activities, the project promotes
understanding and cooperation between different
communities and nationalities, thus contributing to
true intercultural dialogue in the field.

DG EAC - Youth
Programme

DG EAC - Youth

Promoter
Organisation UNITED for Intercultural Action
- European Network Against
Nationalism, Racism, Fascism
and in Support of Migrants and
Refugees
Address

Postbus 413
NL 1000 AK Amsterdam

Country

The Netherlands

Name

Geert ATES

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 31 20 6834778
00 31 20 6834582
info@unitedagainstracism.org

Partner Countries :
All European Countries

23

Young volunteers work for

social integration
In 2004, fifteen volunteers made a big commitment which has changed their lives as well as those
of the communities within which they worked. The volunteers, aged 18-25, gave 6-12 months of
their time to work abroad in centres for refugees and migrants and with human rights organisations.
As well as their time, volunteers contributed ideas and experience from a different cultural perspective.
In return, they gained first-hand knowledge of the problems of disadvantaged and marginalised
groups, intercultural understanding and a lasting commitment to support human rights.

COUNTRIES EXCHANGE VOLUNTEERS

As the third and final phase of its major Youth and
European Solidarity programme, the International
Cultural Youth Exchange coordinated volunteer
activities under the ECs European Voluntary Service
action. This action aims to motivate young people
to contribute to human rights and reconciliation in
each others countries, facilitating inclusion and
the integration of marginalised groups.
Fifteen volunteers were selected from different
national and cultural backgrounds: eight from EU
member states in western and northern Europe
went to centres for migrants and refugees and
human rights organisations in countries of South
East Europe; seven volunteers from Balkan countries went to the EU member states.

PREPARING FOR CULTURE SHOCK

Living in a foreign country for 6-12 months, the
first time many volunteers had been away from
home, working with people from different cultures

24

and speaking different languages it all adds up to

a big culture shock. The volunteers were given training to help them prepare for this. A three-day
course in Berlin gave an overview of the host countries and covered practical aspects of the visit. On
arrival in the host country, volunteers received a
further three-day training in the details of local life
and the situation of migrants and refugees in the
country. Language lessons were also available
where needed.

VOLUNTEERING A TWO-WAY EXCHANGE

The host communities benefit from the time,
energy and practical ideas brought by the volunteers, as well as their personal skills and a different
cultural perspective. For the volunteers, as well as
gaining unique insights into issues of social inclusion and human rights, they also developed their
intercultural understanding through working in a
different ethnic, cultural and religious environment. For many, the experience proved enriching
and maturing.

DG EAC - Youth
At the end of their visits, volunteers had a chance
to meet up at a debriefing workshop in Berlin.
Here they exchanged experiences, found out about
the possibilities of further involvement in human
rights work and discussed their future plans.
A volunteer from Macedonia reported: The whole
project was a very life-enriching experience for me,
during which I learned a lot not only about the
country where I stayed but also about myself.
Volunteering projects like this have a long-term
impact on the volunteers as well as the local communities in which they work. It is a way of gaining
the commitment of a new generation of ambassadors
to the values of social inclusion and human rights.

Programme

DG EAC - Youth

Promoter
Organisation International Cultural Youth
Exchange International Office
Address

Groe Hamburger Str. 30

10115 Berlin

Country

Germany

Name

Andreas SCHWAB

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 49 30 28390550
00 49 30 28390552
icye@icye.org

Partner Countries: Austria, France, Italy, Lithuania,

Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia,
Serbia, Montenegro

25

European cooperation
between schools to fight
against exclusion and
promote the concept of
tolerance
This partnership between schools supported by the SOCRATES/COMENIUS programme deals with
the issue of tolerance and exclusion of the most underprivileged, by making students aware of other
cultures and other countries through the organisation of activities for exchange and dialogue as well
as cultural and sports events in four different countries.

A TEACHING PROJECT INVOLVING FOUR PRIMARY

SCHOOLS

ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATING SOCIAL AND CULTURAL

EVENTS

The transnational partnership developed between

four schools in Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania and
Turkey allows each school to organise a cooperation
project in the framework of regular classroom activities on a common theme, in this case the integration of underprivileged youth and awareness-raising
about the concept of tolerance. This cooperation
between schools allows an exchange of experiences,
a discovery of different aspects of cultural, social
and economic diversity in each country, an increase
in general knowledge and a better understanding
and appreciation of other people's points of view.

The main objective of this project is to promote the

values of friendship beyond borders and help integrate underprivileged youth in our society.
Activities are aimed at raising awareness about
tolerance among all those involved (students, teachers, parents) and allowing them to discover the
cultures and religions of partner countries, thus
creating open-minded attitudes of towards other
nations.

This COMENIUS project also offers students and teachers an opportunity to improve their skills, not
only regarding the subject or focus of the project,
but also in terms of teamwork, social relations (student-student, student-teacher) and the organisation and implementation of collaborative actions, as
well as a chance to become familiar with the use of
information and communication technologies. This
project also associates school heads and local representatives of different cities involved in the project.

26

Throughout the project, the schools prepare various

activities such as photo exhibits, presentations
about the history, traditions and cultures of each
partner country, theatrical performances, charity
concerts and sports competitions for the different
European gatherings organised.
Each partner organises publicity for all of these
activities with the different local media (press,
local TV, local radio, etc) as well as on a website
allowing access to a large number of these events.
(www.friendshipwithnolimits.com).

DG EAC - Comenius

DG EMPLOI

Programme

DG EAC - Comenius

Promoter
Organisation Secondary School 'Iordan Radichkov'
(renamed by decree of the
Ministry of Education,
formerly 'Ivan Peitchev')
Address

10 'PARTA' Str
3400 Montana

Country

Bulgaria

Name

Boyka SIMEONOVA

Tel
E-mail

00 359 96300665
ivan_peitchev@ abv.bg

Partner countries: Poland, Lithuania, Turkey

27

Fairy tales in a modern

environment
This partnership project between schools supported by the Comenius action of the SOCRATES
programme associates two countries (Slovenia and Finland) in an effort to favour intercultural
dialogue. The students write tales and poems together in their mother tongue and in English and
prepare theatrical performances of their productions.

A TEACHING PROJECT WITH STUDENTS IN

THE SPOTLIGHT

AN ACTIVE TEACHING METHOD ALLOWING THE

DISCOVERY OF ANOTHER LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

This transnational partnership developed between

two schools in Slovenia and Finland allows 9-yearold students an opportunity for exchange, dialogue
and exposure to culture in another country. Each
school organises the project in the framework of
regular classroom activities based on a common
theme- fairy tales in a modern environment.

This exchange between students and teachers

enabled the discovery of the language and culture
of another country. The Slovene students were able
to benefit from exposure to the Finnish language
and culture during 20 sessions organised specifically in the framework of this project. This approach
also involved email exchanges between students
from the two classes in Slovenia and Finland.

The Slovene students created a modern version of

the traditional tale of Snow White (first in Slovene
then in English). This work culminated in the organisation of two theatrical performances, one in
Slovenia during the Finnish school's visit, and the
other in Finland during the organisation of the
second transnational event.

28

The project demonstrates the importance of the

intercultural dimension of the exchanges, expressed in a small collection of poems about friendship
(written in three languages, English, Slovene and
Finnish), as well as a DVD presenting the theatrical
performances.

DG EAC - Comenius

DG EMPLOI

Programme

DG EAC - Comenius

Promoter
Organisation VIZ II. OS Rogaska Slatina
Kozjanskega odreda 4
3250 Rogaska Slatina

Country

Slovenia

Name

Jozica NUC

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 386 3 5814 906

00 386 3 5814 178
jozica.nuc@guest.arnes.si

Address

Partner Country: Finland

29

ICT and artistic creation

as the focal point of the
intercultural dimension
This Comenius school partnership project brings together schools in 7 countries and aims
to introduce students (aged 6 to 12) to art, as observers and also as artists themselves. On a more
general level, the objective is to allow all of the students to have a better understanding of the
cultures in each country by familiarising them with the artists in their respective countries and
through on-going exchange (using internet technologies) between the different schools involved
in the project.

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT OVER 3 YEARS

USING ARTISTIC CREATION AS A MEANS OF INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE

dren's awareness about artistic creation whilst allowing them to discover local artists and learn about
other cultures and traditions.

Through artistic creation (drawing, music) the

schools involved in this project organise a working
programme integrated into regular classroom activities. This 3-year project is made up of three major
phases. The first phase involves learning to use different computer tools for artistic creation (specific
drawing and painting programs). The focus of the
second phase is students' artistic creation in cooperation with national artists and some galleries.
The last phase is centred on a series of activities
to share and circulate the works in the 7 partner
countries.

AN UNDENIABLE CONTRIBUTION OF ICT IN

ENHANCING EUROPEAN COOPERATION

The chosen themes concern the environment in its

widest sense and encompass other subjects such as
languages, history, sciences, music and information technology. The final objective is to raise chil-

30

Seven European meetings took place during the

development of the project and allowed the
European dimension of activities to be reinforced.
Teachers, parents and students were able to benefit from these exchanges and meetings, thus creating a true opportunity for intercultural exchanges
and dialogue.
These physical exchanges were accompanied by virtual exchanges (notably between teachers via virtual working communities) as well as by the launch
of a very attractive website allowing access to all of
the phases of the project as well as its products
(http://www.ecolenet.nl/artproject/).

DG EAC - Comenius
Programme

DG EAC - Comenius

Promoter
Address

Organisation Solkan Primary School

Country

Slovenia

Name

Viljenka SAVLI

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 386 5 330 77 00
00 386 5 300 55 14
Viljenka.savli@guest.arnes.si

Solska ulica 25
5250 Solkan

Partner countries: England, Italy, Portugal, Romania,

Spain, Sweden, Slovenia

31

Networks for change

in schools
Migration is having a major impact on schools in the EU. Equal access to learning opportunities must
be ensured and schools need to actively promote intercultural understanding. Full implementation of
EU policies requires a concerted effort between key players in education across Europe.
To facilitate this, a network has been established between education institutions within countries
and between countries. The aim is to exchange information and ideas and create a support structure
for new initiatives. A programme of national meetings and international conferences and workshops
is backed up by an extensive website offering a database of research, resources and links.

MIGRANTS: THE IMPACT ON SCHOOLS

Migration is not new to Europe: it is a normal part
of society. Schools need to transmit this historical
perspective as part of their mission to promote
intercultural understanding and the values of tolerance against discrimination and xenophobia.
Students should learn that, although migration has
increased in recent years because of globalisation
and the impact of greater mobility within the EU, it
is still part of the normal development of European
society. This understanding will help equip them
with the right attitudes to handle a rapidly changing world.
Schools also have to ensure that migrant children
are offered equal access to learning opportunities:
this may require modification of teaching content
and methodologies as well as support structures.

des, this project has established a network of four

types of institutions: research centres, archives and
libraries which hold source material on migration
and intercultural relations; teacher training organisations which can adapt these materials to create
teaching resources; school teachers; education
authorities which can act as a link between the
other types of institutions.
A programme of meetings has been set up to promote the exchange of information and develop
new initiatives. National partners liaise with
each other through small working groups; international seminar groups bring together partners
from each of the four institution sectors. An
annual conference enables all partners to meet.
Work is supported by an extensive website offering information on activities and new projects, a
directory of research and resources for intercultural education and links to relevant non-partner
organisations.

A NETWORK OF NETWORKS
To encourage the development of new teaching
methodologies and materials and foster new attitu-

32

No materials are generated by the project itself. Its

purpose is to create a network with sufficient structure and power to enable partners to develop new

DG EAC - Comenius
initiatives and implement change; the network also
offers support for this process.
THE NETWORK EXPANDS

Programme

DG EAC - Comenius

Promoter
Organisation University of Stavanger

Much research has already been exchanged: the

website offers a compendium. A wide variety of
projects has been initiated: the twinning of schools
in Germany and Turkey, mobile play and activity
centres for use in deprived urban communities,
exhibitions and festivals, contact seminars to promote new ideas ... Links have been established to
key non-partner organisations and other networks
such as the Association of European Migration
Institutions. In-service training for teachers
attracted over 100 delegates at a recent workshop.
Rising demand for the network is an indication of
its success. In the first phase of the project there
were 49 partner institutions in 9 countries; in the
second phase, which runs from 2005-2008, numbers increased to 90 partners in 13 countries.

Address

Hulda Garborgs hus, N-4036

Stavanger

Country

Norway

Name

Dan D. DAATLAND

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 47 51 83 15 99
00 47 51 83 13 50
dan.d.daatland@uis.no

Partner countries: Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic,

Germany, Northern Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Bulgaria,
Romania, Estonia, Croatia, Switzerland

33

A partnership between
Comenius schools to promote
the notion of respect
Four secondary schools in Bulgaria, France, Finland and Sweden are working on the concept of respect (respect for differences, respect for generations and respect for the environment and nature)
by developing activities based on email exchanges between classes in these different countries.

SHARING EXPERIENCES AND PRACTICES TO HELP

BUILD EUROPE
The objective of this Comenius cooperation project
is to give true meaning to building Europe, through
links and shared activities between teachers and
students in different countries on a common
theme. The partnership organised activities based
on the notion of respect in its different forms.
The concept of respect is dealt with in its widest
sense, with wide-ranging themes being explored
such as respect for the planet, respect for future
generations through sustainable development,
mutual respect of communities around the world,
respect between men and women, self-respect and
respect for others.
Students conduct documentary research on the
project's themes, writing reports about each of
them. Exhibitions of each schools work are presented to the public. A dynamic website allows participants to become writers and publish in real time,
with forums and chat sessions so that students and
teachers can remain in contact.

34

A VARIETY OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND PRODUCTIONS

The partnership established between these schools
allows everyone to organise a cooperation project
within the framework of normal class activities, on
one or several subjects. Contributions by the different classes are focused on the following subjects:
Bulgaria and the European Union, the situation of
women in the Middle Ages, ecological vehicles of
the future, the construction of dwellings with
regard to sustainable development, climate change
and global warming.
Students from each school work on these different
subjects and are invited to discuss them online in
chat sessions. Telephone conferences are organised
regularly (via Skype). Finally, educational encounters are organised each year in the country of one
of the partners, gathering teachers and students
together over several days, thus offering students
and teachers an opportunity to improve their skills,
not only regarding the subject or focus of the project, but also in terms of teamwork, social relations
(student-student, student-teacher), organisation
and effective practices for cooperation.

DG EAC - Comenius
Programme

DG EAC - Comenius

Promoter

Organisation Mathematics and natural sciences

secondary school 'Akadmik
Ivan Guzelev
Address

2 Elin Pelin Street

5300 GABROVO

Country

Bulgaria

Name

Christina TSONKOVA

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 359 66 808 246

00 359 66 808 246
tsoncova.christina@caramail.com

Partner countries: France, Finland, Sweden

35

The clothing industry

faces the challenges of
intercultural differences
Czech students in clothing design and manufacture were able to take courses in training institutions
in partner countries. Given that the history of clothing and its manufacture are very closely tied in
with the lifestyles, economy and culture of each region and country, the students were therefore
able to better understand intercultural differences whilst improving their professional skills.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF EUROPEAN COOPERATION

TOWARDS FUTURE CLOTHING PROFESSIONALS

to raise awareness of the variety of approaches

which exist in Europe.

The clothing industry requires specialised knowledge in the techniques of design and manufacture
from different countries. These techniques often
vary from one country to the next (and even from
one region to the next) and traditions and cultural
habits have a significant influence on the different
trends observed.

AN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME LINKING STUDENTS

AND TEACHERS

In this context, it is important to be able to prepare

future clothing industry professionals to take different elements into consideration, such as the history of clothing, its role and importance, and local
and national traditions. Learning about these
intercultural differences should allow them to seize
the creative opportunities in today's society.
This is how the project 'Clothing in the spiral of
time' came about. The aim of this mobility and
exchange project is to allow these future clothing
professionals to work in as many clothing sectors as
possible (design, manufacture, marketing) in order

36

The participants in this project are mainly students,

but it also involves some teachers from a training
institute in Prague specialised in the clothing sector, who share the experience they acquire abroad
with students. The host establishments were chosen to cover all fields related to the clothing sector
including design, manufacture and marketing.
25 Czech students were able to benefit from this
exchange programme (8 in Germany, 8 in Greece,
4 in Finland and 5 in Slovakia).
In addition to acquiring specific knowledge about
the clothing sector, these exchanges also enabled
the acquisition of another language in professional
situations, and above all the discovery of another
culture, not only in a working environment but also
in everyday life.

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

DG EMPLOI

Programme

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

Promoter
Organisation The High School of Fashion
Designing and the Secondary
Textile and Clothing School
Address

Jablonskho 3
170 00 Prague

Country

Czech Republic

Name

Marta CHVOJKOV

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 420 266710944
00 420 220876831
vosonspso@vosonspso.cz

Partner countries: Germany, Finland, Greece, Slovakia

37

The contribution of
European cooperation in
the training of cultural
organisers
The objective of this Leonardo da Vinci project is to establish an international network of institutions
involved in cultural activities and training. Gathering partners from 6 countries, exchange
mechanisms have been implemented (sharing of experiences, mobility of persons, organisation
of seminars, etc) in order to share practices and ideas related to cultural activities and the training
of cultural organisers.

THE NEED TO PROFESSIONALISE TRAINING IN THE

FIELD OF CULTURAL ORGANISATION

A DYNAMIC EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR SHARING

GOOD PRACTICES

Many training programmes in the field of cultural

activities exist in Europe, but employment opportunities remain a major issue for young people
involved in these networks. The challenge involved in the professionalisation of training networks in this field has led to EU support for the
Institute of Polish Culture (part of the University
of Warsaw) in the framework of the Leonardo
da Vinci programme. Initial support was granted
in 1998 to develop a cultural activities training
programme. One year later, the same promoter
spurred the launch of an organiser exchange
programme.

This network is coordinated by the Institute of

Polish Culture, and associates partners from
Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and
the United Kingdom who share a common view of
cultural promotion. This network favoured a
series of concrete actions such as the establishment of information and people exchanges, the
sharing of good practices and the training of cultural organisers. Workshops and seminars were
organised for young cultural organisers in order
to reinforce their skills in fields such as new
media or artistic education. Information trips
offered an opportunity to discover cultural centres and meet specialists in this field. Bigger
events were also organised to share the results of
the project.

The initiative was furthered by the creation of an

international network of establishments involved in
the training of cultural organisers. This ANIMUS
project is based on the results of previous projects
and proposes the creation of an information
exchange system allowing practices and ideas to be
shared in relation to cultural activities and the training of cultural organisers.

38

All of the project's results may be accessed on a

website which was set up as a means of ongoing
exchange. It provides access to all actions developed in the framework of this network.

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

DG EMPLOI

Programme

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

Promoter
Organisation Institute of Polish Culture
at Warsaw University
,
Address
Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28
00-921 Warsaw
Country

Poland

Name

Iwona KURZ

Mobile
Fax
E-mail

00 48 512 09 88 11
00 48 22 828 72 83
animacja@uw.edu.pl

Partner Countries: France, Finland, UK, Lithuania,

Germany

39

Intercultural management:
a key element in company
strategy development
The aim of this Leonardo da Vinci project is to raise awareness and teach trainers and experts to
work abroad with multicultural groups. The project brings together partners from 7 countries and
deals with practical aspects of intercultural dialogue in a professional context (personal relations,
cultural stereotypes, management of behaviour appropriate to the environment, etc).

THE NEED TO CONSIDER INTERCULTURAL RELATIONS

IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORGANISATIONS
Nowadays, companies are confronted with an
increasingly open international environment and
growing competition. In order to develop in new
high-growth markets, it is important to have a good
understanding of the cultures in these new economic areas and to attach special importance to
human relations to be developed in the company
itself as well as with clients and suppliers. In this
context, the need to consider cultural differences
and the interaction between different cultures
become key challenges in the management
methods to be implemented. Intercultural management cannot now be separated from a company's
human resources and its development strategy.
Coordinated by Volkswagen, the Europe Trainer project associates partners from different countries
(Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Czech
Republic, Bulgaria and Greece) including companies, training institutions and social partners. Its
aim is to offer online training for a better understanding of intercultural management situations.

40

ONLINE TRAINING BASED ON CONCRETE CASE STUDIES

'Europe Trainer' offers online training (e-training)
to trainers and other people who deal with intercultural groups with different learning and working
methods. This may lead to (avoidable) misunderstandings with consequences for those involved,
having a negative influence on the efficiency of
workgroups and training groups. The main goal of
Europe Trainer is to prepare trainers and other
experts to manage intercultural issues.
Europe Trainer offers training modules in 8 languages:
German, French, English, Dutch, Greek, Czech,
Bulgarian and Finnish. The subjects dealt with concern
all aspects related to intercultural management in an
organisation. Issues such as physical distance (the different cultural views of acceptable distance between
people), interpersonal relations (different from one
person or culture to the next) or the communication
style to use in meetings and speeches are dealt with in
the different modules. Other modules are also available, dealing with topics such as eating habits in different cultures, teaching styles according to the cultures
of participants, or stereotypes and clichs.

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

DG EMPLOI

Programme

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

Promoter
Organisation Volkswagen
Address

Berliner Ring
38436 Wolfsburg

Country

Germany

Name

Manfred BOCK

Mobile
E-mail

00 49 5361 936085
manfred.bock@volkswagen.de

Partner Countries: France, England, The Netherlands,

Finland

41

A network to promote
social inclusion
20% of youths aged 18-24 in the EU are not engaged in any kind of education or vocational training:
they tend to come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including ethnic minorities. Action needs to be
taken to help those at risk of unemployment and consequent social exclusion. This challenge is the
starting point for SocInc-Net, a network of centres in six European cities, each with its own local
network of partners. The project has had an impact in various ways and the network is now expanding.

YOUTHS AT RISK OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION

According to the European Statistical Office, 2030% of all school leavers in the EU do not go on to
any form of continuing education or vocational
training after school, representing a current 20% of
all youths in the EU aged 18-24. The figures are
substantially higher in big cities. These youths
often come from disadvantaged backgrounds caused by social, ethnic and/or personal factors. In
todays knowledge-based society, they will have
limited chances in the labour market and risk
unemployment and consequent social exclusion.

A UNIQUE NEW NETWORK IN CITIES

To address this challenge, a network of centres
dedicated to social inclusion through education
and training was set up in six European cities:
Berlin, Bologna, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow and
Malm. Each centre has a network of local partners, including (pre) vocational schools, counsellors, researchers, social partners and companies
experienced in work placement for vulnerable

42

youth groups. This is the first time a dedicated network has been established at city level focussing on
combating social exclusion through education and
(pre) vocational training and guidance.
Each centre, working with its local partners, aims to
collect and analyse information on social inclusion
initiatives, political and pedagogic projects, success stories and relevant legislation. This information is disseminated on the specially created local
website of each partner, together with a database
of institutions, NGOs and individuals involved in
the field. Regular newsletters and awareness-raising events help raise the profile of the network
and the centres actively encourage the development of new projects.
Centres share information with each other and
encourage teachers, counsellors and students of
vocational training institutions to take advantage
of the international dimension of the network
through exchanges and mobility projects in order
to improve mutual understanding and exchange of
ideas and experience.

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

DG EMPLOI

AN EXPANDING NETWORK
The SocInc-Net network has led to the instigation
of a variety of activities; information about many
related initiatives and agents acting at different
levels has also been made available. Direct contact
and physical meetings between the partner groups
have produced constructive spin-offs, such as the
exchange of disabled students between some of the
cities, as well as the promotion of activities and initiatives in the partner cities.
The network is now expanding to include new city
members of the Eurocities Working Group in
Education, as well as other agencies and networks.

Programme

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

Promoter
Organisation Children & Youth Administration
Copenhagen City
Address

Islands Brygge 37
2300 Copenhagen S

Country

Denmark

Name

Karsten STRRUP

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 45 33664515
00 45 33667053
kastro@buf.kk.dk

Partner countries: Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Scotland,

Italy

43

Preserving Romanias
cultural heritage
Unique historic monuments in Romania are under threat, in need of urgent restoration and
conservation. A lack of specialist expertise to tackle the technical problems makes the situation
more acute. But now, a placement programme has enabled Romanian conservation students to work
and study alongside Italian experts on a project in Sicily. The knowledge the students have gained
will help save Romanias monuments and train other Romanian professionals in this field.

THE NEED FOR ACTION

Some of Romanias most historic monuments
especially monasteries in the north of the country
and some palaces are suffering from years of inadequate conservation. Baroque stucco work and
paintings are particularly vulnerable. Quick but
lasting technical remedies are needed and, with
Romanias integration into the EU, these must be in
conformity with European norms and methodology.

di Belle Arte e del Restauro in Palermo. Work focussed on a practical project involving the restoration
of a baroque fresco in the Oneto Palace in Palermo.
Students gained knowledge of investigative procedures to determine the materials and artistic techniques used, recognition of specific types of
damage and the technical procedures needed to
repair these.

BUILDING A SKILLS BASE IN ROMANIA

The preservation of its cultural heritage is now an
urgent issue for Romania and the need for experts
in restoration and conservation is growing. At present there is a shortage of suitably trained professionals in this area.

SHARING EUROPEAN EXPERTISE

In order to accelerate the training of Romanian
conservation specialists, a group of ten students
from the University of Art and Design in ClujNapoca visited Italy under a placement scheme.
They studied alongside experts in the Accademia

44

The students have returned to Romania with new

specialist expertise which is unique in the country.
They will now be able to apply this to national restoration projects and, with their new skills and
knowledge of European norms and terminology,
they can contribute to the training of other professionals. A larger and more highly skilled workforce
in the restoration and conservation field is a significant contribution to the protection of Romanias
cultural heritage. In this way, a unique culture will
be preserved and made more accessible not just to
Romanian but also to other European citizens, thus
promoting intercultural understanding.

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

Programme

DG EAC - Leonardo da Vinci

Promoter
Organisation University of Art and Design
Address

Piata Unirii 31
400098 Cluj-Napoca

Country

Romania

Name

Anamaria TATARU

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 40 264 595021
00 40 264 592890
public@uartdcluj.ro

Partner Countries: Italy

45

Media texts and contexts

for young people around
the world
Glocal Youth is a media and intercultural education site. The project combines two perspectives:
media education and intercultural dimensions.. Its aim is to promote a critical approach to the
media among youth, as well as favour an awareness of the media environments of young immigrants
and compare them to European media environments, thus highlighting differences and similarities.

WHAT IMAGE OF YOUTH DO THE MEDIA PORTRAY?

The image of youth portrayed by the media varies
significantly from one country to the next, and
from one continent to the next. The representations and stereotypes focused on by the media
bring out differences and similarities between
European countries and less developed countries.
This is how the idea arose to offer young people an
opportunity to think about how they are portrayed
by the mass media around the world (Asia, Africa,
Latin America, Europe).
International research was conducted on media
content for young people (magazines, radio, music,
TV, cinema, internet) and some especially significant media products from the northern and southern hemispheres were selected.
The Glocal Youth project, with support from the
e-Learning programme, is an international initiative
favouring exchange and dialogue between different
countries and cultures in the south and the north.

46

A MULTILINGUAL TRAINING AND INFORMATION

WEBSITE FOR RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE
MEDIA AND INTERCULTURAL ASPECTS
The website for the Glocal Youth project (www.glocalyouth.net) provides everyone with the opportunity to discover new media products from far away
and learn about different realities. It offers young
people the possibility to discover what other young
people in Europe or in developing countries are reading, watching and writing. They are thus able to
get closer to those who are different from them and
learn about them.
This multilingual website (Italian, English, French,
Spanish and Portuguese) is also a teaching
resource with a wealth of information. Teachers can
find useful tools on the website to prepare a classroom approach to the media and intercultural
issues (ideally with young people aged 14 to 20).
The educational pages in different languages can
also be useful resources for teaching foreign languages. An intercultural dictionary (presenting a
lexicon for an intercultural approach) and media
education tools (radio, written press, television,

DG EAC - e-Learning
images, comic strips, interviews, advertising) are
useful supplements to this teaching project.
Glocal Youth is a dynamic website. It is intended as
a place for dialogue and favours ongoing development through the contributions of those who wish
to participate. Finally, it offers visitors the chance
to enter into direct contact with institutions, the
media and associations, by providing them with
hundreds of internet addresses.

Programme

DG EAC - e-Learning

Promoter
Organisation : Lai-momo
Address

via Gamberi, 4
40037 - Sasso Marconi (Bologna)

Country

Italy

Name

Sandra FEDERICI

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 39 051 840166
00 39 051 6790117
info@glocalyouth.net

Partner countries: Belgium, Spain, Portugal

47

Budding young reporters

shape the journalism of
tomorrow
The aim of this project is to train young secondary school students in two countries (Slovakia and
Poland) in the field of reporting. By using internet technologies, each group is asked to prepare,
exchange and circulate articles on themes such as science and technology, business and society,
culture and sport, traditions and local customs.

AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT ALLOWING YOUNG PEOPLE TO DISCOVER THE FIELD OF REPORTING

e-Twinning is the main action in the European
Union's e-Learning programme. It encourages the
use of ICT (information and communication technologies) in schools across Europe. Teachers and students use the internet to work together across borders. They cooperate, exchange information and
share learning tools. e-Twinning widens the scope
of teaching opportunities offered to teachers and
students, encourages learning and transforms
Europe into a giant classroom.
This is the context which led to the development of
the young reporters project in two schools in
Slovakia and Poland. The aim of this project is to
offer an innovative teaching environment which
allows secondary school students to learn about
the field of journalism/reporting.
Each class forms a team of editors made up of 8 to
12 students, and the working language is English.
The students are divided into sub-groups to cover
subjects as varied as science and technology, busi-

48

ness and society, culture and sport, traditions and

local customs. Each sub-group explores a subject,
collects information, organises interviews and
takes photos, thus discovering the daily work of
journalists/reporters. The sub-groups in charge of
the same subject cooperate via internet in order to
exchange, share, verify and add to the information
gathered. All of the information gathered is presented as articles published on each school's website
(http://zssb.ids.czest.pl/etwinning/index.php,
http://www.zssd-mt.edu.sk/twin/).

e-TWINNING: AN IDEAL FRAMEWORK FOR COOPERATION FAVOURING THE ACQUISITION OF INTERCULTURAL SKILLS
Thanks to the cooperation developed through the
eTwinning initiative, this project undoubtedly
enabled an improvement in communication and
intercultural skills. The ICT knowledge and skills of
students and teachers were reinforced. A new learning environment which is attractive to teachers, students and the whole school was gradually created,
thus favouring innovation in the field of teaching.

DG EAC - e-Twinning
Programme

DG EAC - e-Twinning

<

Promoter
<

At a more global level, this project offered a new

perspective on culture and values. It allowed working methods to be modified in traditional classes.
Above all, it led to an increase in contacts and
exchanges with other schools in Europe. It allowed
schools to have a new view of the outside world,
enabling the acquisition of intercultural skills
which are essential for the development of
European citizenship.

Organisation Zdruzen stredna skol Dopravn

Martin-Priekopa
(United Secondary School of
Transport Martin-Priekopa)
Address

Zelen 2
03606 Martin

Country

Slovakia

Name

Zuzana CHRISTOZOVA

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 42 143/42 81486
00 42 143/42 84625
zzsd@nextra.sk

Partner Countries: Poland

49

A company policy
for inclusion and the fight
against discrimination
Dublin Bus employs 3,500 people from over 50 countries, with equality and mutual respect being
one of the key elements of the company's success.

AN ACTIVE POLICY FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND

THE FIGHT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
Since 1998, Dublin Bus has had an active company
policy in terms of equal access to employment. The
Employment Equality Acts of 1998 and 2004 are
aimed at promoting equal opportunities for
employment and preventing discrimination of any
sort in the workplace (gender, marital status, family
status, age, handicap, religion, nationality, etc).
This policy to promote equality and diversity, considered by DG Employment of the European
Commission as a model of good practice in terms of
diversity and the fight against discrimination, is
applied by the company in its relations with staff,
as well as with clients and users. Its aim is to create
an environment in which staff and users are treated
with dignity and respect, and with consideration for
their differences.

50

This strategy of equality and diversity involves the

implementation of quality services offered to users
through an increase in employee satisfaction, an
improvement in people management skills and the
development of good practices in terms of human
resource management.

A WIDE RANGE OF INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE

INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
The implemented strategy is centred on three main
objectives: to support and protect the needs of staff
and commercial activity, to develop skills and raise
awareness, and to facilitate and direct change.
In order to achieve this, an equality and diversity
manager provides permanent support (information
and advice) for everyone in the company. Clear
policies are implemented, such as those regarding

DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

DG EMPLOI

dignity and respect, transport for everyone and

recruitment and selection. The development of
skills and awareness-raising involve a series of
transversal actions and initiatives concerning all of
the services offered by the company. Awarenessraising campaigns have been undertaken: anti-racism
posters promoting a more inclusive Ireland are displayed on buses; sports and other social events
help integrate migrant workers. Finally, change
management is supported by the active and
ongoing evaluation of efforts undertaken.

DG Employment, Social Affairs

and Equal Opportunities

Promoter
Organisation Dublin Bus
Address

59 Upper OConnell Street

Dublin, 1

Country

Ireland

Name

Patricia NORMANLY

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 353 1 703 3094

00 353 1 703 3010
pat.normanly@dublinbus.ie

51

Engaging migrants
in science
Migrants in Germany and Austria especially girls are choosing not to study science subjects at
university or take up science-related careers. To investigate the reasons for this and develop practical
measures to improve access for migrants, partners from university science departments in Germany,
Austria, Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovena are combining their expertise. It is a process that requires
detailed intercultural understanding and exchange between the partners. The project is in its early
stages and will deliver results in Summer 2007, but already some research and ideas are emerging.

AN INTERCULTURAL APPROACH TO PROJECT WORK

Work on the project is structured around the distinctive contributions which each of the partners
can bring. Germany and Austria are producing
detailed evidence of classroom practice, student
attitudes and educational outcomes in their schools
and universities. Bosnia-Herzegovena and Turkey
offer an understanding of the cultural and social
backgrounds from which the migrants come and
insights into the problems they may encounter in
Germany and Austria.
Teams of teachers and experts in science pedagogy
have been set up in each of the partner universities, working in consultation with experts on linguistics, migrant issues and intercultural education.
Teams have the opportunity of observing classroom
practice in each others countries as well as discussing wider issues at two annual conferences.

EARLY RESULTS FROM THE CLASSROOM

It was clear from the start of the project that

52

migrants tend to be underprivileged because of

their low socio-economic status, which has an
impact on academic aspirations and attainment.
Girl migrants also suffer from cultural stereotypes
about science studies and careers being a maledominated domain. Tackling these wider social and
cultural issues poses a challenge for the project.
Several other issues have emerged from project
research. Competence in the foreign language is a
problem for many migrants, particularly as the language of science tends to be formal, abstract and
dense very different to the spoken language
which migrants may well have mastered. So work
has begun in Berlin on developing second-language
teaching for scientific purposes and modifying
materials for existing science courses.
Work in Vienna focuses on identifying good practice
in science teaching through observing lessons, talking
to teachers and experts and gathering feedback
from students. This, combined with observation of
classroom practice in schools in Turkey and BosniaHerzegovena, will provide a compendium of pedagogic models.

DG Enterprise and Industry

DG EMPLOI

ROLE MODELS FOR MIGRANT GIRLS

Partners are agreed on the importance of good role
models to encourage more girls into science. Each
partner has set up a club for university girl
migrants studying science. As well as receiving
special support for their career aspirations from
university staff, the students take part in events at
schools aiming to inspire migrant school girls thinking of studying science at university.

SHARING PROJECT RESULTS

Sensitising science teachers and education authorities to the problems of migrant students will be the
function of a conference in summer 2007. Here, the
results of the project will be presented, with new
teaching materials and examples of good practice.
The aim is to encourage teacher training for science
education in a multilingual, multicultural environment and, in the longer term, cooperation between
partner countries for the harmonisation of science
education.

DG Enterprise and Industry

Promoter
Organisation ETC Graz
Address

Schubertstrasse 29
8010 Graz

Country

Austria

Name

Klaus STARL

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 43 316 322 888 22

00 43 316 322 888 4
klaus.starl@etc-graz.at

Partner countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany,

Turkey

53

Comic strips:
a common language
to promote common values
For young adolescents across Europe and beyond, the comic strip has great appeal. It is a potentially
powerful way of reaching them at an age when they are forming their beliefs and world view. Seeing
an opportunity to use comics in order to promote intercultural understanding, an international team
of writers and artists has created five stories embodying shared values in the multi-religious society
of Europe. The aim is to provoke thought and stimulate discussion amongst the young, guided by
teachers or parents. Enthusiastic media coverage of a pilot in three Belgian schools shows that the
project is of wide interest.

NEW RESEARCH ESTABLISHES COMMON VALUES

With the continuing expansion of the EU and the
growing number of immigrants, European society is
becoming increasingly diverse, with more and more
communities of varied cultural, ethnic and religious
or secular backgrounds. Yet within this diversity,
common values can be found indeed, must be
found for the cohesion of European society.
This was the starting point of the Common values
project: the need to establish firm foundations for
intercultural dialogue. The partners set up a committee to undertake in-depth research, comparing
different religions and secular thought and trying
to identify common values. Five core values were
determined: non-violence, sharing, love and forgiveness, respect of others, non-discrimination.

TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION: A CREATIVE

APPROACH
To communicate abstract values in a form which
would engage young adolescents was the next chal-

54

lenge. A creative team was commissioned which

would, in itself, bring together diverse cultural
backgrounds and so enrich the final product. Five
Belgian writers created stories around the five
values and five African artists
specialising in
comics produced the illustrations. The results of
this creative fusion are published in the form of
short books in English, French, Italian, and
Spanish.

GETTING PEOPLE TALKING

The final stage of the project was to make sure that
the comics were talked about. To encourage discussion, a guide for teachers suggests ways of exploiting the content and structuring dialogue in the
classroom. Some of the ideas could also be used
within a family context.
The books and the guide were piloted by three
Belgian schools and produced a lively response
from students. At an evaluation conference attended by senior Belgian government officials and the
media, students expressed their enthusiasm and

DG Justice, Freedom and Security

DG EMPLOI

proposed new ways of building on the impetus

begun by the project in order to promote further
intercultural dialogue. Press, TV and radio were
attracted by the general interest of this unusual
initiative, thus helping promote it to a wider public.
Plans are already in progress to distribute the
books on a European scale and maybe beyond.

DG Justice, Freedom and Security

Promoters
Organisation Lai-momo
Address
via Gamberi, 4
40037 Sasso Marconi
Country
Italy
Name
Andrea MARCHESINI REGGIANI
Tel
00 39 051 840166
Fax
00 39 051 6790117
E-mail
redazione@africaemediterraneo.it
Organisation Eurodialog
Address
Square Ambiorix, 7
1000 Bruxelles
Country
Belgium
Name
Joan RUIZ VALERO
Tel
00 32 2 2307348
Fax
00 32 2 2308767
E-mail
Eurodialog@skynet.be
Partner Countries:
France & Spain

55

Building Europe with

new citizens
Civic participation is important for the democratic development of Europe whether it involves
engaging in lobby organisations, political parties and parent associations or helping run religious
or ethnic associations and self-help networks. Immigrants are usually less active in participation
than native citizens. Building Europe with new citizens is a major research project to examine why
this should be the case and the factors that could encourage immigrants to become more involved.
Research is completed and analysis of the data is underway; some results have already been published
on the project website.

BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION

RESEARCH IN 25 COUNTRIES

European integration means that nation states with

very different cultural, religious and political traditions
must work together. Immigration is often seen as an
additional challenge to this process: it introduces more
diversity and thus makes cohesion harder to achieve.

The first phase of the study aimed to improve

understanding of the background conditions framing active immigrant participation. It involved a
survey of research in each of 25 countries covering
four main areas. First, recent migration history,
demographic developments, media debates, legal
and institutional conditions. Second, a review of
research on active civic participation of immigrants, with particular emphasis on studies only
available in the language of the country; where no
or little research was available, experts were
asked to do some. Third, the experts views of the
issues and conclusions arising from their surveys
and any major research gaps. Finally, a bibliography and a review of relevant research institutions
and researchers.

The Intercultural Education department, University

of Oldenburg, wanted to approach this issue from a
different angle: to see if immigrants could become
more actively involved as Europeans. Coming from
outside Europe, they might be able to see more
clearly and value what is specific about Europe. It
may also be easier for them to adopt a European
identity rather than identify with a nation state.
A survey of existing research in America and Europe
indicated that the main knowledge gap was around
the factors which encourage or discourage participation and motivate people to take action. To investigate this gap, a substantial three-part study was elaborated. It was decided to focus on first-generation
immigrants from non EU-member states, as their
integration is potentially the most problematic.

56

PERCEPTIONS OF EUROPE
The second phase of the study was a more subjective one, aiming to identify those factors which
motivate immigrants to feel positive about Europe.

DG Research
250 students from 40 countries and now living in
Europe, most of them temporarily, wrote an essay
on the topic What does Europe mean to me personally? This was followed up by focus group discussions with over 70 of the students.

IMMIGRANT ACTIVISTS SPEAK

DG Research

Promoter
Organisation Carl von Ossietzky Universitt
Oldenburg, Interdisziplinres
Zentrum fr Bildung und
Kommunikation in
Migrationsprozessen

The third phase of the study was to interview 150

active immigrants about their background, current
involvement and motivations. Focussed qualitative
interviewing techniques were used to identify patterns of behaviour behind the decision to become
active. Interviews were conducted by selected students from the second phase of the project, who
attended two summer schools for special training in
interview and analysis techniques.

Address

Ammerlnder Heerstr. 1214-118

26129 Oldenburg

Country

Germany

Name

Dita VOGEL

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 49 441 798 2936

00 49 441 798 2325
dita.vogel@uni-oldenburg.de

Data from the second and third phases have now

been processed and results will be published in
Autumn 2006 on the project website.
Dissemination of the whole study will follow over
the following 6 months on the website and at
public events.

Partner Countries:
Italy, Greece, Belgium

57

Migrants: a model
for successful integration
Violent racial events in France in early 2006 reminded Europeans of the problems of integrating
minorities. There are different views about the reasons for multicultural tension. But whatever
the causes, the EU needs a coherent response to the social and political challenges of integration.
A three-year research project, started in July 2006, set out to study examples of successful integration in nine EU countries in order to develop a set of principles and models of good practice which
can be applied across Europe. No common, jointly-agreed EU models of integration exist at present.

DEBATE ABOUT CAUSES OF MULTICULTURAL TENSION

There is no agreement about the reasons for problems of integration and why they occur in some
places and not in others. Some have argued that it
is quantitative that, for instance, when the percentage of immigrants in a country reaches a critical threshold, it becomes a destabilising force. It
may also depend on who the immigrants are and
where they come from: if they are perceived as closely linked in some way to the receiving country,
they may be more readily accepted. But are these
links ethnic, religious, cultural or historic? Some of
the communities most closely linked by history and
culture have found it hardest to integrate
Moroccans in Spain, Albanians in Greece, Algerians
in France. In fact, geographical proximity might
actually add to the tensions.
With such uncertainty about the factors behind

58

integration problems, the new research project proposes a different approach in order to formulate
steps for positive action.

A NEW MODEL FOR INTEGRATION

The project focuses on the legal, political and educational challenges of integration in order to establish what frameworks and procedures are needed
to assist the process. The approach is pragmatic,
based on case studies of successful integration in
the nine countries of the project partners.
Each partner will submit an overview of migration
in their country and a review of current public
debates on integration and multiculturalism. Each
will then research three case studies, one each in
the fields of education, discrimination in the workplace and voting rights and civic participation.

DG Research
Each case study will be analysed by the project
team to determine in what ways it offers a distinctive model of integration and to establish the
underlying values and processes on which the
model is based. All case studies will then be compared to identify key strands and models that can
be applied across Europe.

DG Research

Promoter
Organisation Hellenic Foundation
for European and Foreign Policy
(ELIAMEP)
Address

Vas Sofias avenue 49

Athens 10676

Country

Greece

TURNING RESEARCH INTO ACTION

Name

Anna TRIANDAFYLLIDOU

The project aims to offer specific policy recommendations based on the study of these successful
experiences in EU states. Proposals will be put to
policy makers and civil society for debate and policy
responses.

Tel
Fax
E-mail

00 30 210 7257111
00 30 210 7257114
anna@eliamep.gr

Partner countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany,

Latvia, Poland, UK, Spain

59