The European Union – Council of Europe Joint Project “Strengthening a Culture of Democracy in Basic Education Institutions” conducted a study visit to Strasbourg and Zurich to inform the decision makers from the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) of the Republic of Turkey about the CoE instruments, mechanisms, and activities in the field of education and their practice in Zurich University of Teacher Education. The Project was officially introduced to the main stakeholders and the general public at a Launching Event on 13 December 2018 in Ankara. It aims to integrate a democratic school culture into the Turkish national education system.
On 17-18 December 2018, the Turkish delegation headed by Mr Mustafa Safran, Deputy Minister of National Education, attended a series of meetings with the Education Department of the Council of Europe Directorate General of Democracy. Among the officials met were Mr Matjaz Gruden, Director of Democratic Participation, Mr Sjur Bergan, Head of Education Department and Ms Sarah Keating, Head of Co-operation and Capacity Building Division. Mr Kaan Esener, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkey to the Council of Europe also welcomed the delegation.
On 19-21 December 2018, the delegation visited Zurich University of Teacher Education where they were hosted by the department of international projects. The delegation was welcomed by Prof Heinz Rhyn, the President of the University, Ms Asiye Nurcan İpekçi, Consul General of Turkey in Zurich, Prof Wiltrud Weidinger, Head of Department of International Projects in Education, and Prof Rolf Gollob, who moderated the sessions in Zurich. During the study visit, the delegation also had a chance to visit “Schule Whental”, a primary and secondary school in Zurich Canton, where the participants observed the implementation of democratic competences in primary and secondary education.
The main objective of the study visit was to enhance knowledge of the members of the delegation about the CoE work in the field of education policy and practice, and to ensure a spirit of partnership throughout the three-year project.
For more information about the project:
Strengthening a Culture of Democracy in Basic Education Institutions
