Description
Europe is getting more and more multicultural, countries once only with one nation, history and culture are now facing other cultures. This is a reason why dialogue between different cultures is very important and makes Europe stronger. The need for the realization of the project is in discovering other cultures, understanding of different ways of life, understanding and acceptance of other views than are ours, changing stereotypes in thinking about the life of other nations and thus prevent misunderstandings or violent conflicts between nations. Objective of the project is to refresh, broaden and strengthen bilateral cooperation between partner organisations and through learning about cultural heritage, traditions and historical values and customs to help young people understand better their own culture, find common features and differences from the unique view for seeking and maintaining their own identity. Students will work together at various assignments and undertake mobility to partner country, teachers will exchange experience and information with colleagues, to create new methods and approaches or to test and put into practice new organizational and pedagogical approaches. Donor project partner, Modle Upper Secondary School from Norway is an equal partner actively participating in planning and organisation of all project activities. The partnership would help to implant the idea of a dialogue, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.
Summary of project results
The main objective of this project was to continue working together and through learning about cultural heritage, traditions and historical values and customs we would like to help young people understand better their own culture, find common features and differences from the unique view for seeking and maintaining their own identity. 8 excursions were organized, where participants gained information through expert guides. Students and experts prepared seminars on various topics, about the history of Slovakia, education systems and the school system in Norway, about the communism in Slovakia, the history of the Jewish community in Bardejov, and a seminar on environmental protection and waste separation methods. 10 language lessons were delivered and a three-language glossary was prepared. During the project implementation, students prepared 6 articles on the project, which were published in Slovak and Norwegian media, as well as on the project website. The outcome was the cultural, social, or even linguistic enrichment on both sides of the involved parties. The exchange program reached its full potential, as students experienced various events and trips, including lectures, sightseeing, sports events, etc.
Summary of bilateral results
The need for the realization of the project was in discovering other cultures, understanding of different ways of life, understanding and acceptance of other views than are ours, changing stereotypes in thinking about the life of other nations and thus prevent misunderstandings or violent conflicts between nations. The students got lots of new information- they learned some basic trivia about Norway, their life and culture, as both, Slovak and Norwegian students were staying in host families. This allowed them to get the first-hand experience of the country. Also, their social skills developed in the interaction with foreign students. Last but not least, they learned some basic Norwegian. We have strengthened our partnership, learnt about our countries and national heritage, improved our English and learnt some Norwegian, made long lasting friendships. In a term of cooperation between two upper secondary schools the wider effect is visible in discovering new countries. At the same time our cities collaborate on the political behold.