EUROPEAN YEAR OF CITIZENS WORKSHOP
NAME OF THE PROGRAM: Europe for Citizens/EACEA
Title of project: EU - Teaching and Learning from Each Other, Kanjiža
Participation: The event involved 32 people, from the following cities and countries:
1. Municipality of Ferencváros - Hungary: 9
2. Municipality of Kráľovský Chlmec- Slovakia: 4
3. Municipality of Kiskunhalas- Hungary: 4
4. Municipality of Kanjiža - Serbia: 7
5. City of Sfântu Gheorghe - Romania: 4
6. Municipality of Tata - Hungary: 4
Location / Dates: The event took place in Kanjiža (Serbia), in the period of 15 - 16 November 2013
Short description:
MEETING REPORTS
Venue: Kanjiža (Serbia), Art Garni Hotel, conference hall.
Date: 15-16 November 2013
Participants: See attendance sheets
Topic: EUROPEAN YEAR OF CITIZENS workshop
Directors and representatives of educational institutions, student councils, and representatives of organizations which deal with volunteerism from twin towns meet in Kanjiža for an expert meeting. The goal of the workshop was to exchange experiences in the field of education, presentation of examples of good practices, as well as identification of common issues, such as learning in native language for the national minorities, importance of knowing the language of the immediate environment and foreign languages.
Representatives of the institutions and organizations from the twin towns had an opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know the work of their colleagues. A few words were exchanged during the workshop which concerned the studying and employment opportunities within and outside of the European Union.
Young people still encounter obstacles in the fields of employment, education and professional development. If Europe wishes to achieve its goals in connection with education and employment, it needs to enable adequate social and expert integration of the young population. That would at the same time contribute to personal self-realization and a more active civic involvement.
The hosts presented the Serbian system of education as well as the municipal Action plan for youth 2010-2014 which contains as its primary goal the improvement of the status of the young in the municipality. The participants got the chance to find out what is the current situation in the municipality of Kanjiža considering education, and also the professional activities and educational programme of the Regional Centre for the Professional Development of Educators.
During the discussion the participants reflected on strengthening of the role of the native language, of the lack of knowledge of the official language of a state and the negative consequences which arise from it, the necessity of a proficient knowledge of foreign languages which contribute to easier employment, reasons for emigration of the young population, importance of studying and remaining in the native country, early qualification of students, significance of the National Minorities Councils, as well as the possibilities of cooperation of the educational institutions.
Summary of the workshop comments:
1. Educational institutions have a major role in preservation of a community and language environment and are a contributing factor to the upbringing of children and youth and influence the process of them becoming adults.
2. It is necessary to utilize the programmes of the European Union which provide opportunities for cooperation of the Serbia, Hungarian, Romanian and Slovakian schools, as well as gaining of joint experiences among the youth.
3. Opportunities for the national minorities to learn in their native languages need to exist, as well as opportunities to take entrance exams in their native languages.
4. A sufficient number of school books of adequate content in minority languages need to be provided.
5. Talented students with excellent academic achievements need to be encouraged.
6. Programmes or programme packages which enable development of the students need to be developed.
7. Obstacle free studying in Europe needs to become available.
8. Conditions for remaining and prospering in the native country need to be created.
After the end of the workshop the participants visited a Grammar school specialized in football which enables talented children opportunities for further development, and Ferenc Kiš Elementary School. Both institutions are in Totovo Selo, a local community which is in the municipality of Kanjiža.
