In the Danube region and elsewhere in Europe there have been many developments since our last Newsletter. A lot of fruitful co-operation among institutions, the University of Ruse Angel Kanchev, for instance, has been hosting a number of European events internationally promoting this town and Bulgaria and the growing cohesion in the Danube region and Europe. The situation of older people and their cooperation with younger generations has been given a lot of attention. We hope that you might find inspirational at least some of the news.
Newsletter 8 (December 2017)
2. Background article
2.1. Civil Society is Different and it Does Make a Difference
Dr. Dušana Findeisen, Slovenian Third Age University, DANET
So, how do you do good in your world? Do you volunteer? Do you raise money? Do you donate money? Do you donate your knowledge and time? Have you ever organised a group of people to make something happen? Have you ever participated in a social movement or a collective social action? Have you ever protested against anything you do not agree with? Have you ever established a new association, that has changed your life and the life of many people? Keep doing those things. Those actions are at the heart of civil society. They all make our democracy work.
2.2. Approaches to Intercultural Training in the Danube Region
Hristina Sokolova, PhD, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Ruse, Bulgaria
Abstract: The paper examines the practical experience of the author in preparing and executing an intercultural training seminar for citizens from the Danube region countries (Croatia, Germany, Romania and Serbia). The goal of the seminar was for the participants to be able to predict social norms and behaviours in the Danube region based on the information from intercultural analysis tools (http://www.guide.culturecrossing.net/, https://www.crossculture.com/latest-news/the-lewis-model-dimensions-of-behaviour/). Results show that this type of intercultural training needs improvement but also has a lot of potential for future development. Its main advantage is the potential for applicability in various education practices.
Keywords: intercultural communication, Danube, the Lewis model of cultural types, linear-active culture, reactive culture, multi-active culture
2.3. What does Europe mean to us?
Carmen Stadelhofer, Virtual and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU) e.V. and DANET e.V.
Abstract: The presentation is about some thoughts regarding: Europe – Geographically; Europe – Historically; European Languages, Religions, Arts, Culture, Wars; Founding of the European Union; European Coal and Steal, Economic and contemporary communities; Fall of the Iron Curtain; Enlargement: from 6 to 28 countries; Member States of the European Union; Danube Countries; Fundamental Values, Symbols, Achievements of the European Union; Europe Today – Problems, Challenges, Wrong Things, etc.
You can see the Powerpoint presentation here:
2.3. What does Europe mean to us?
3. Inspirational practices
3.1. Methods in Focus. The Danube-Networkers’ new Erasmus + Learning Partnership “Building Bridges for Europe” (BBE) started in Ruse, Bulgaria, in November 2017
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University
Abstract: The new project “Building Bridges for Europe” (BBE) of the Institute for Virtual and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU) e.V. and DANET e.V. started in the University of Ruse, 20 November, 2017, Ruse, Bulgaria. Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse, open the First Meeting of BBE in the frame of Erasmus+K2 – Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices. University students from pedagogical courses and representatives of the University Academic Council, Union of Pensioners’2004 and the first Centre for Education of Third Age in Bulgaria, a set up within the structure of the University of Ruse, took part in the opening ceremony.
3.2. ODDA Project. Qualification Seminar “Creating Bridges for Europe”, Bad Urach, Germany, in July 2017
Abstract: The first partnermeeting of the ODDA project – Open Doors for Danube countries for All took place in Bad Urach from July 24, 2017 to July 28, 2017. The participants had the possibility to make it in a wider range. In cooperation with Center for General Scientific Continuing Education (ZAWiW), Danube-Networkers for Europe (DANET e.V.), State Agency for Civic Education Baden-Württemberg, ILEU e.V. invited not only the participants from the ODDA project but also other interested representatives and multiplicators from civic society organisations from the Danube region to the qualification training “Creating bridges for Europe”.
3.3. ODDA Project – Second Meeting, Ruse, Bulgaria
Emiliya Velikova, PhD, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Ruse, Bulgaria and DANET e.V.
Abstract: The Second Meeting of the ODDA Project of the Institute for Virtual and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU e.V.), Ulm, Germany, was held in the University of Ruse, Bulgaria, 11-14 October, 2017. 28 representatives of the partner organizations, Prof. Velizara Pencheva, PhD, Rector of the University of Ruse, Vice Rectors, university teachers and students, school students, the Mayor of Slivo Pole Region Mr. Valentin Atanasov, pensioners from the Union of Pensioners and chitalista of many villages and towns took part in the project activities.
3.4. The 4th Danube Participation Day of the EUSDR, Budapest, Hungary .”Science Meets Participation, Innovation and Sustainability” in October 2017
Carmen Stadelhofer, member of the DCSF board
Emiliya Velikova, PhD, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Ruse, Bulgaria and DANET e.V.
Abstract: The Danube Participation Day gathers representatives from civil society organizations, local, regional and national public authorities, university and research from the 14 EUSDR partner countries, representatives from the EUSDR governance as well as from European and international organizations. The goal is to foster cooperation and participation for better development in the Danube Region.
3.5. Danube National Participation Day in Germany in June 2017
Carmen Stadelhofer, member of the DCSF board
Abstract:
Date: 29th June, 2017 (10 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.)
Place: House of the Catholic Church, Stuttgart
National Participation Days (NPD) are meetings of actively involved, interested or potential stakeholders of the EUSDR on national, regional, and local levels. These meetings address civil society organisations and networks, local actors, academia, public authorities on local and regional levels as well as national institutions and experts active in the EUSDR institutions.
3.6. Project “Bread Connects”. Action “Bread-Baking-Week Along the Danube” and action “Give a Sign of Friendship along the Danube!”
Carmen Stadelhofer, Virtual and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU e.V). and DANET e.V.
Abstract: Tastes of Danube. Bread Connects – Danube-Networkers: This is the motto of the Danube-Networkers’ new project started in February 2017. With joint projects, they want to contribute to a neighborly cooperation in the Danube area in a peaceful Europe, united in diversity. “Bread connects” – in this case, bread symbolizes a common staple food but it is also a sign for the community, sharing and assuming responsibility for others. The project consists of several actions such as: “Bread-Baking-Week along the Danube” and “Give a sign of Friendship Along the Danube!”.
3.7. Exhibition “Bread and Traditions” in Ruse in the frame of the Action “Bread-Baking-Week Along the Danube” in Bulgaria
Emiliya Velikova, PhD, University of Ruse, Bulgaria and DANET e.V.
Reneta Valeva, Head of High School of Tourism “Ivan P. Pavlov”
Abstract: The Head of the High School in Tourism “Ivan P. Pavlov” took part as partners in projects Bread Connects: Bread Week and ODDA – Open Doors for Doors for Danube Countries for All on 12 October 2017. Students organized an exhibition at the The University of Ruse, entitled “Bread and Traditions”, presented 10 loaves of bread made from different European countries. More than 190 guests were distributed with the recipes of 6 European Breads, written in German, English and Bulgarian languages. After the exhibition, the guests tasted the bread and red Bulgarian wine.
3.8. The Day „Bread Binds Us“ of Slivo Pole Region, Bulgaria in the frame of the Action “Bread-Baking-Week Along the Danube” in Bulgaria
Emiliya Velikova, University of Ruse and DANET e.V.
Veska Uzunova, President, Union of Pensioners Slivo Pole Region
Abstract: August 16, 2017, was named “The Bread Binds Us” to the Municipality of Slivo Pole. The main events were organized in the concert hall of the village of Ryahovo.
3.9. Qualification Training “Bread as a Social Event” in Sofia, Bulgaria, in the frame of the Project “Bread Connects”
Emiliya Velikova, PhD, University of Ruse, Bulgaria and DANET e.V.
Valentina Vasielva, University of Ruse, Bulgaria
Abstract: A qualification training took place in Sofia from 8th to 11th October which was organized in the frame of the International project “Bread Connects” of the Virtual and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU e.V.) and the International Association DANET e.V. Fifteen participants, representatives of selected institutions from 6 Danube countries (Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia), were introduced both in theoretical and practical method of “Bread as a Social Event” which has been developed by the anthropologist Dr. Nadezhda Grigorova, Bread House Sofia.
4. Danube-Networkers present themselves
4.1. Plaque for Outstanding Contribution. Award given to Carmen Stadelhofer, President of DANET, by the Rector of the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”
Emiliya Velikova, University of Ruse and DANET e.V.
Abstract: Abstract: As a sign of respect and appreciation from the academic community, the Rector’s Office of the University of Rousse awarded Mrs. Carmen Stadelhofer with the Ruse University “Angel Kanchev” Plaque for her contribution to the establishment and the promotion of the university in the international educational and cultural space. The certificate was issued on 12.10.2017 by Prof. Dr. Velizara Pencheva, Rector of Ruse University.
4.2. Awarding of Mr. Valentin Atanassov with the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” Crystal Prize for Outstanding Contribution
Emiliya Velikova, University of Ruse and DANET e.V.
Abstract: As a sign of respect and appreciation from the academic community, the Rector’s Office of the University of Ruse awarded Mr. Valentin Atanassov, Mayor of the Municipality of Slivo Pole, with the Crystal Prize of the University of Ruse. prize was awarded for his contribution in promoting the university locally and in the Danube region by creating financial and organizational conditions for carrying out numerous and large-scale activities on the implementation of 15 international educational and social projects and initiatives, with main organizer Mrs. Veska Uzunova from Ruse University, Assoc. Prof. Emilia Velikova and coordinator Mrs. Carmen Stadelhofer, and more than 1400 participants..
4.3. A message from the DANET Board
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Vice President DANET e.V.
DANET Board Meeting was typically along the Danube in Ruse on 20th November 2017. Let us remind our readers. DANET is devoted to the education of older people, social participation and intergenerational dialogue in Europe and particularly in the Danube region, where it is meant to support the implementation of the Danube Strategy. DANET was established three years ago upon a common decision of its members wanting to have a stable structure for the continuation of their close and long-lasting cooperation in a number of EU projects: DANET, DASUN, DALEC, Personal Town Tours, The Wanted Danube. The latter had gained two of the highest European awards. The Wanted Danube was oriented to people who are not able to communicate in English or German but have a lot of good will and enthusiasm. It was mainly focused on manual skills, regular meetings, a most diverse organization.
4.4. Danube-Networkers from Ulm made a Discovery Travel to the Republic Moldova and Eastern Romania
Carmen Stadelhofer, Virtual, and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU) e.V. and DANET e.V.
ILEU e.V. and the Danube-Networkers from Ulm planned a journey to Moldova and Eastern Romania from 19th to 27th September 2017. From Bucharest, capital of Romania, the journey went on to Galati, Romania’s 8th biggest city located by the Danube, across Republic Moldova and onto the monasteries of Moldavia in North-eastern Romania. The Danube-Networkers visited cultural sights and scenic beauties at different places but it was mostly about encounters with the people living in Eastern Romania, in the Republic of Moldova, including Gagauzia and Transnistria, their living conditions, the political, economic and social circumstances, their connection to the Danube area and Europe.
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4.5. In the 110 years old history of the Public Open University Zagreb DANET has its place
Dijana Bebek Miletić, POUZ Zagreb
Prof. Dušana Findeisen, Slovenian Third Age University
Abstract: With the roundtable that took place on the 27th of November, 2017 Public Open University Zagreb marked its 110th Anniversary. It focused on different formats of continuous vocational education, diverse cultural activities, publishing and other activities concerning adult education. In addition, The Third Age University, as well as the international co-operation of POUZ, were presented. Participants in the roundtable were university professors, associates who have been working with POUZ for a long time and media representatives.
5. Conferences and Political Events
5.1. International Conference “Culture Unites the Community” in Timisoara, Romania
Ana Zlibut, first vice president , The Writers` League Timisoara Banat Branch, Romania
Abstract: On 29 September 2017, at Timisoara, in Romania took place the international conference “Culture unites the community”, organized by the SEDEC Commission (Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture), together with the Timisoara City Hall, the Timis County Council and the Town Hall of Dudestii Noi, at the initiative of Alin-Adrian Nica, first vice-chair of the SEDEC commission, Mayor of Dudestii Noi, Romania.
5.2. AIUTA Conference “Equal Opportunities of Learning for the Elderly” in Bratislava, Slovakia
Carmen Stadelhofer, Virtual and Face-to-face Learning in Adult Education at Ulm University (ILEU) e.V. and DANET e.V.
Abstract: Equal Opportunities of Learning for the Elderly was the theme of the conference held in Bratislava by the Association Internationale des Universités Du Troisième Age (AIUTA) on May 18, 2017, at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, Centre for Continuing Education. AIUTA 100th Governing Board held also at the Comenius \university, 18-20 May 2017.
5.3. The AgingGraz2017 conference “Cultural Narratives, Processes and Strategies in Representations of Age and Aging” in Graz, Austria
Abstract: The AgingGraz2017 conference, held between April 27th and April 30th, 2017, was organized jointly by the European Network in Aging Studies and the North American Network in Aging Studies, at the University of Graz and the Medical University of Graz, Austria. This was the 3rd ENAS Conference, the 1st Joint ENAS & NANAS Conference, and the 9th International Symposium on Cultural Gerontology, as well as one of the biggest academic events in the field of Aging Studies since its beginnings in academia in the 1990s.
5.4. Silver Tourism Conference Darlowo, Poland
Abstract: The conference “Silver Tourism” took place in Darlowo, northern Poland on 6-7 May 2017, organized by Darlot local tourist consortium, PROAge and University of Lodz. Many participants – representatives of tourist agencies, boards and service providers from many town and resorts from Poland – took part at this conference, as well as EURAG (European Federation of Older Persons) representatives, as international guests.
5.5. Conference for EduSenNet project, Chemnitz, Germany
Emiliya Velikova, PhD, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Ruse, Bulgaria and DANET e.V.
Abstract: The finale Conference for EduSenNet project of the Educational Senior Network took place from 8 to 10 June 2017 in Chemnitz (Germany) in combination with the annual meeting of the European Federation of Older Students (EFOS).
6. Messages from Danube Countries
6.1. Mini-project “Bread Connects Our Memories and Our Dreams”, Ruse, Bulgaria
Milena Popova, Soroptimist International Club Ruse
Abstract: Professional women from Soroptimist International Club Ruse, Bulgaria organized two events within the frame of the Bread Connects project and Bread-Baking-Week with 23 children from the Centre for work with children at risk and the Centre for accommodation – family type and a training for 5 students from the University of Ruse’s academic club Young social pedagogue.
6.10. Aging 2.0. Is a World Wide Network of Start-ups. Giving Has a Greater Impact on Older People Than Receiving?
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
Abstract: The working group on Silver Economy at Slovenian Third Age University has recently tackled the issues of e-inclusion and e-exclusion of older people. The group is reporting on the world network Aging 2.0 (interactive ageing). What is the objective of its endeavors?
6.11. Are Digital Inclusion/Exclusion New Concepts?
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
Abstract: In the framework of the 5th European Code Week and the Silver Code EU project an introductory training was developed and run for and with students of Slovenian Third Age University as well as general audience. Digital inclusion versus digital exclusion were discussed. Silver code project is co-funded by European Union.
6.12. Silver Code Project
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
Abstract: Younger people are natives and older people are migrants in the world of new technologies.
6.13. A Trail of Famous Serbs in Berlin. Berlin Days of Dr. Laza Lazarevic, famous Serbian doctor and gerontologist
Lidija Jevremovic, Foundation for Human Ageing “Dr. Laza Lazarevic”, Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract: Famous Serbian doctor, writer, and translator, founder of the first gerontological department in Serbia, Laza Lazarevic, soon will have memory table on Faculty of medicine in Germany where he studied. The plan is to mark also places where other famous Serbs in Berlin worked and lived.
6.2. Day of the Four Freedoms of the European Union in Niš, Serbia
Emiliya Velikova, University of Ruse and DANET e.V.
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University and DANET e.V.
Abstract: The international event Day of the Four Freedoms dealt with the European Union (EU) four freedoms and their development, as well as the participation of citizens in shaping these freedoms. The event also addressed the status of local self-government units in the EU accession process. Furthermore, the event discussed the relations between Serbia and the EU.
6.3. 6th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, Budapest, Hungary
Abstract: Under the title “A Secure, Connected and Prospering Danube Region”, the Annual Forum put a strong emphasis on discussing the challenges and perspectives of energy security, clean connectivity and infrastructure development. Furthermore, it also aimed to find ways to better integrate the non-EU countries participating in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (hereafter: EUSDR) so that they have greater access to the Strategy’s funding opportunities and benefit further from its implementation.
6.4. 4th Ordinary General Assembly of the Danube Civil Society Forum in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, Budapest, Hungary
Abstract: 4th General Assembly of the Danube Civil Society Forum in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region took place on 16th October, 2017 at Andrássy University, Budapest, Hungary.
6.5. Coding is for Everybody. Social Capital Makes Things Happen
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
Abstract: Most recent developments in Slovenia. The International Day of Older People was celebrated by the Ljubljana’s 17th Festival of Third Age and many other events organised by Slovenian Federation of Associations of Pensioners.
6.6. The International Day of Older People, Stambolovo, Bulgaria
Veska Uzunova, President Union of Pensioners Slivo Pole Region
Emiliya Velikova, University of Ruse and DANET e.V.
Abstract: “The International Day of Older People” is 1st October. It was celebrated 7 October 2017 in the frame of the project “Bread Connects”, action “Bread-Baking-Week Along the Danube” and action “Give a Sign of Friendship Along the Danube” in the village Stambolovo. The main organizers of this event were Mr. Valentin Atanasov, the Mayor of Slivo Pole Region and Mrs. Veska Uzunova, the President of the 19 pensioners clubs of the Slivo Pole Region. The participants were over 350 persons.
6.7. P3AE, Promotion of the Third Age Education Is Being Coordinated by the Latvian LatConsul
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
In this Erasmus+ project, a benchmark research was carried out and Slovenian Third Age University was found to be the best practice. Its practice in older adult education now serves as a model to be transposed to Latvia, Lithuania, and Spain. The project is well advanced and already digitalized. There are four courses to be put in line and to be piloted: European identity and active ageing, English for travelers, English for beginners, Writing in Catalan.
6.8. The Newly Born Story of the Project SLIDE, Storytelling and Learning in Digital Europe
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
Abstract: In November in Rzezsow, Poland, started the SLIDE project one of the much wanted concrete achievements uniting Europe. The project is meant to improve digital and narrative skills in adult educators but also providers of adult education and volunteers and is indirectly targeting less included learners or non-learners. The project partners will be using ancient and local stories or myths to improve their digital skills.
6.9. How to Trigger Primary Motivation for Learning in Low Educated 45+ Workers (LearnersMot)
Dušana Findeisen, PhD, Slovenian Third Age University, and DANET e.V.
Abstract: This is the title of the new EU Eramsus+ project coordinated by Edensol, Spain. Why is the project, co-funded by Erasmus+ programme needed?
7. Event calendar
11-12.05.2018 International Conference “Three Generations Together In The Digital World” Ruse, Bulgaria, Center of Education of Third Age at the University of Ruse, Bulgaria
6-15.07.2018 11th International Danube Festival Ulm-Neu-Ulm, Germany
13.07.2018 Danube-Networkers Conference “Cultural Heritage”, Ulm, Germany
14.07.2018 Partner Meeting, Ulm, Germany
15.07.2018 International Danube Breakfast on the Bridge, Ulm, Germany
15-18.07.2018 Partner Meeting BBE, Roggenburg, Germany
17.10.2018 General Assembly of Danube Civil Society Forum (DCSF)
18.10.2018 5th Danube Participation Day, Sofia, Bulgaria
19.-20.10.2018 Annual Conference Danube Strategy 2018 in Sofia, Bulgaria
3.-5.12.2018 Partner Meeting BBE, Zagreb, Croatia
8. Impressum
Herausgeber
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Editorial of Newsletter 8: Emiliya Velikova and Hristina Sokolova