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27 - 29 February 2008 at the European Parliament |
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The unique design of the conference had the students, who came to Brussels as the elected representatives of their schools, set the scene for the conference activities. During workgroup activities and plenary sessions, the students agreed on a European Youth Charter on Inclusion and diversity in Education, based on their experiences within schools throughout Europe. This was further supported by the results of a survey which had been filled in by nearly 3500 students at the participating schools, which was presented during the conference.
The next step was for head teachers and project partners to take over: within collaborative clusters, consisting of three to four countries, they discussed the challenges presented by these findings and agreed on first steps to set up a working structure for joint projects to tackle these issues. Subsequent meetings to follow up the initial ideas have already been agreed for April.
The final day of the conference was held at the European Parliament in order to reach out to policy makers and a professional audience from all over Europe. The speakers, including Frank Vandenbroucke, Flemish Minister of Work, Education and Training and Vice-Minister President and Odile Quintin, Director General DG Education and Culture, European commission as well as decision makers from all participating countries highlighted the importance of an education system that caters for the needs and supports the talents of studnts from diverse ethnic background. The cultural impact such collaboration can make was shown when the Youth Charter was presented to the public by the young people. The students gave a stunning performance of their multi cultural experiences and languages, directed by rap poet Levi Taffari.
Country cluster groups that will further collaborate during the project are:
Baden-Württemberg (Germany) – Netherlands – Wales
Spain – Portugal – Greece - Scotland
Italy – Beguim - England |
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