Intercultural Navigators - British Council Serbia

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	Intercultural Navigators


	Challenges in the multicultural world

Recent research carried out by British Council shows that Europe’s next generation of leaders are truly concerned about (inter)cultural relations. In response to their concerns, the British Council has initiated Intercultural Navigators – a project that will deal with the challenges that we face in this multicultural world.

Intercultural Navigators will develop groups of future influencers and leaders in Europe who can easily navigate within and between different cultures – who are aware of their own cultural backgrounds and who are able and open enough to accept, respect and understand other cultures. The project is organised in partnership with a diverse group of institutions and experts working in the area of leadership development and intercultural literacy from the UK, Europe and Africa.

The Intercultural Navigators project is now running in 18 European countries with 30–70 participants in each country, who will all come together in a global on-line community and share experiences and knowledge in the field of intercultural dialogue.

For further information about the project, please visit project website or contact Aleksandar Borisavljevic in our Belgrade office.

		Who are the Intercultural Navigators?

The Intercultural Navigators Programme brings together those with a desire to make a significant positive contribution to society; people who want to learn, are open minded, curious, and willing to share their own experiences and at the same time actively seek new perspectives. The programme aims to achieve a balance of diversity in terms of religion, gender, disability, ethnicity, class, sectors (private/public/civil society) and geographical balance (rural/urban and regional/provincial), in order to reflect and impact across society at country level.

		What is the content of the training like?

A wide variety of skills, tools and techniques have been introduced, strengthened and practiced during the training. These include: Appreciative Inquiry, Ubuntu, Questioning, Systems Thinking and Conflict Management. In all countries that participate in this project, there will be four trainings on which these and other skills will be covered. The project is delivered in partnership with organisations which are already making a difference across the countries taking part in the project.

		What is the Intercultural Navigators programme aiming at?

The Intercultural Navigators project aims to turn “communities of interest into communities of action” by mainstreaming the essential navigation skills between and within cultures. We aim to make an important contribution to the creation of a more tolerant and inclusive Europe, establish networks and foster relationships at an organisational and individual level that will exist long after the conclusion of the project. We want to put intercultural dialogue at the forefront of the thinking and planning of any person or organisation that partakes in the project establishing an important legacy that will significantly benefit the development of the new Europe.

		"Sport for all" project

Intercultural Navigators in Serbia have organised first community action called “Sport for all” in Novi Pazar on Sunday 29/03/2009. “Sport for all” is a volleyball tournament which aimed to gather young people with different gender, nationalities, religious belief, and cultural background around sport. Whole event was organised in a local elementary school and visitors were young people interested in sport. Event was followed by several local newspapers and TV stations. More activities will follow.

		"Intercultural Fair" project

On Intercultural Fair in Prijepolje 200 pupils from elementary schools in Sandžak (age from 10 to 14) participated in representing countries from EU and its cultural heritage. On this event pupils had a chance to learn more about each of 27 countries of EU and European values such as multiculturalism, diversity and tolerance. Overall goal of the project is to bring closer the European values and history to rural parts of Sandžak, where children don’t have access to unique Intercultural experience.

		"Culture of Diversity" project

On 10th November Intercultural Navigators from Serbia began the Community Action Project – Culture of Diversity which is a public campaign which will promote Intercultural Navigators values and ideas in a town that has deeply divided communities. Campaign consisted of public panel, a photography contest, an exhibition and a traditional concert. This event was opened by the Mayor of Novi Pazar Mr Meho Mahmutović and director of the British Council Serbia Mr Andrew Glass with representatives from different religious communities, NGO's, political parties and general public.

		"Individual Approach – Sharing Best Practices"

This cooperation was established because Serbia and Estonia share a similar post-communist history, as well as the challenges faced by attempting to integrate minority groups in each country. This project is designed to share experiences of what is working and why and to look at developing codes of good practice for the future. The initiative is designed to develop the mentoring skills of the Estonian and Serbian participants involved. The project is supported fully by our partner the Open Society Institute through the “Partnership beyond borders programme”.

Nine Intercultural Navigators from Estonia have visited Serbia and had a chance to develop their skills though mentoring and networking trainings, whilst being hosted by their Serbian counterparts. The participants were involved in the area of intercultural dialogue and social inclusion.

		Watch Intercultural Navigators video