«Europe at School» in the wider context of European education
The implementation of a European dimension has become a priority in education in recent years. The European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as the national education authorities, have formulated and are constantly developing policies, programmes and projects which promote the integration of a European dimension in teaching and learning processes.
Governments in Europe are fully aware of the importance of a European dimension in education for the future of Europe.
The Council of Europe also attaches greatest importance to the European dimension as can be seen in various resolutions and recommendations.
National authorities in the European countries also stress that besides the official measures the activities of non-governmental organisations, such as «Europe at School», are important as a complementary and additional means to enhance the European awareness of students and teachers.
Aims
By integrating European themes of central and current concern into education, «Europe at School» strives at helping young people to develop personal and social competences and skills which help them to meet the challenges of modern societies in a larger Europe.
«Europe at School» incites young people, supported by their teachers, to
- improve their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and of European cooperation and integration,
- develop a sense of responsibility for shaping their own lives and their environment in Europe,
- become aware of being European citizens,
- understand and react to the permanent challenges that a knowledge-based society implies.
In this sense, it is the aim of «Europe at School» to create and promote a European awareness among pupils and students, as well as among teachers. With its specific instruments and activities «Europe at School» is a valuable tool to implement a European dimension in education.
«Europe at School» is a transnational and intercultural initiative. It is a continuous and reliable offer made on an annual basis to pupils, students (and, of course, teachers) of all school types and age groups; it can easily be integrated into the day-to-day practice in European education. It is important to note that it is not the aim of the European Competition to identify a young 'European elite', but that it seeks to encourage the greatest possible number of young people to explore and work on European themes. Consequently, the awarding of prizes is to be seen as an acknowledgement of the participants' initiatives and commitment to European issues.
Coordinating Unit
The Coordinating Unit in Bonn takes care of the management and day-to-day operations of the «Europe at School» activities and facilitates communication within the network of participants.
Europe at School / Coordinating Unit
Bachstr. 32, D–53115 Bonn
Tel.: 0049 (228) 72900–40
Fax: 0049 (228) 72900–90
E-Mail: eas-cu@t-online.de
Internet: www.europe-at-school.org
Patrons
At the European level, the «Europe at School» activities are run under the joint patronage of the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Cultural Foundation, Amsterdam.
