Outcomes
The project on Shared Histories for a Europe without dividing lines was an acknowledgement of the importance of:
- presenting multiple views;
- creating a space for dialogue;
- developing a culture of co‐operation, understood as peaceful communication in multicultural societies;
- helping young people to view the past through a prism of wider dimensions than one that merely reflects national or group interests; and
- equipping young people with the skills and attitudes they need now and in the future, specifically, helping them contribute to processes of reconciliation, peace building and conflict prevention.
The project marked a new step in responding to the challenges for education in the 21st century, particularly by increasing:
- diversity and mobility;
- the expansion of the information space; and
- the rate of acceleration in the development of all processes.
Such factors called for the development of specific competences which will enable the young generation to find their proper place in the world. They need to possess open‐mindedness; flexibility in thinking; the ability to adapt quickly to change; competence in intercultural communication; willingness to achieve consensus and compromise by creating a ground for common action through co‐operation and strengthening the process of conflict transformation and violence prevention; readiness to make independent choices and be responsible for the consequences; and empathy.
The project also pointed out a new role for a teacher who is now seen more as a partner and a diversity manager rather than a supervisor. The Council of Europe work in different countries clearly shows that teachers play an ever more crucial role in society. Thanks to their efforts and professional competences, the younger generation can acquire the skills and attitudes needed for their life in a diverse world.
