2023

It was so meaningful to exchange experiences with the teachers and to learn from each other!

This states Elsa Yohannes Samuel, Project Coordinator in the Human Rights Academy, following the study visit of 10 teachers from Romania to Oslo from May 2nd to 5th. The study trip titled "Education for human rights and democracy: The power of participatory methods», comprised a two days educational workshop at the HRA premises at Tøyen. Additionally, it involved visits to The Holocaust Center of the island of Bygdøy as well as the Climate House. 

Introduction to Human Rights 

The workshop the first day started with an introduction to human rights, including "The new planet" group work. Other activities were two exercises about identity and group formation and a lecture about human rights education for vulnerable groups. A significant takeaway from the session was that participatory methods are highly efficient for vulnerable groups, as they provide them with the opportunity to engage actively and to recognise the relevance and importance of their own life experiences. This active participation not only empowers the individuals, but foster the development of democratic attitudes.

Visits to The Holocaust Center and The Climate House   

On May 4th the delegation visited "The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies" at Bygdøy. This is a research, education and documentation center focusing on the Holocaust, other genocides, extremism, antisemitism, hate speech, and the situation of minorities in contemporary societies. The guide who introduced the center and its educational work, also engaged in discussions with the teachers about the situation of the Romani people in Romania. In this regard, she provided information about the persecution and discrimination faced by the Romani population in Norway.  

The Climate House

The Climate House was another highlight. It is the first exhibition space in the Nordic Countries with a climate change theme and also here, we got an introduction on how the center is used in education and by the schools. Through exhibitions and events the Climate House aims to engage the audience to reflect and act for a more sustainable future. All of us were impressed by the many engaging and practical tasks we were invited to try out.  

HRAs trainers were Lillian Hjorth, Director, Marit Langmyr, Project Manager, and Elsa Y. Samuel, Project Coordinator. 

The study trip was one of several activities in the collaborating project "Integrated Support Network thorough inclusive Education" (2020-2024) between HRA and Romanian organisations. 

About the project

• Aim: The main aim of the project is to increase the social inclusion of children of risk situation in the Ilfov, Neamt and Iasi regions and to prevent and reduce school abandonment by among other things to improve the access of children to quality, fair and inclusive education.
• Activities: One main activity has been the building of an activity center for vulnerable children and youth in the municipality of Tunari. The partners have also organised study visits in order to learn from each others experiences and methodologies. One important deliverable by HRA in the project, has been the development of an educational manual with teaching methodology for children at risk. 
• Partners: Association for Evolution - ROTAS; “Light and Gift” Association; Centre of Economic Resources and Education for Development (C.R.E.E.D); Tunari County Council (project promotor).
• Funding: EEA Grant.