“DemoCrazy?”
A training course on democracy in Europe and the Middle East near Hamburg, Germany from December 4th to 18th 2005.
In the last years, democracy has become a word used in any political, economic, social and developmental context, and for the first time in history, a war has been staged to implement it. But what is democracy really about? What does the concept of democracy imply, what does it exclude?
In this training course on components and notions of democracy in Europe and the Middle East, the concept of democracy will be broken down into concrete situations, individual decisions and personal dilemmas. Throughout the course, we want to explore and experience the basic ideas of a democratic living and working together, including such crucial issues as majority and minority rights, human rights, tolerance and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Through the training method of Betzavta (Hebrew for Together), an intercultural exchange and discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of democratic structures will be stimulated, complemented by various group activities, panels and a visit at the German parliament in Berlin. The overall aim of the project is to train 16 multipliers for democracy education from Egypt, Jordan, the Czech Republic and Germany who will then work as trainers in their home countries to enhance the involvement of their local youth in democratic decision making processes. Furthermore, an interpersonal and intercultural exchange about different notions of democratic principles between Europe and the Middle East will be stimulated.
Content and Aims:
This two-weeks` seminar will introduce you to a method of democracy, tolerance and human rights education called Betzavta (Hebrew: together), which was developed by the Palestinian/ Israeli ADAM Institute for Democracy and Peace in Jerusalem and has since then been adapted for multicultural training courses around the world. (For more information on Betzavta and the ADAM Insitute have a look at http://www.adaminstitute.org.il/.
The training course will be split into three parts:
- The first five days will be based in the seminar house outside of Hamburg, with the focus of getting to know and experiencing the method of Betzavta as participants, besides getting to know each other in the group, discussing different notions and realities of democracy in your respective home countries and learning more about democracy in the European Union.
- After you have gained insights into the single components which make up the method of Betzavta, there will be a three day break before the second phase of the training course will continue. We will spend these three days together in Berlin, the capital of Germany, which is three hours away by train. There will be some time to relax and explore the city and its history, and we will meet MPs at the German Reichstag (Parliament) and visit a project working on democratic participation and youth.
- Back in Hamburg, the second part of the training course will continue. In this phase, you will learn to implement the methods of democracy education yourself as a preparation and training for your time as future trainers back in your home countries and local communities. Furthermore, one night, three external referents are invited to discuss and offer insights into the situation of democracy in the Middle East, a topic which we want to take up again at the end of the seminar in organising a public panel at the university of Hamburg about the different strategies Europe and the USA implement in their commitment to democracy building in the Arab world.
Requirements:
The course is open to young people who have their residence in the Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany or Jordan. Applicants should have reached an age where they are and respected and legally allowed to work as youth-trainers in their countries. Experience as a trainer or teacher is not necessary but a plus.Furthermore, participants should bring some knowledge or practical experience in one of the main topics of the training course (ie. democracy, youth work, Europe and the Middle East).
As you can see, the schedule for the two weeks is quite packed with activities and training elements. Please consider well the intensity of the seminar before you decide to apply; the exercises and activities might be quite challenging and strenuous sometimes. Nevertheless, please also note that the two weeks will reward you with a complete training course in a renown method of democracy, tolerance and human rights education and an approved certificate will allow you to get active in this field yourself as a local or national trainer once you are back home.
The training course is conceived for young people who already are or strongly aspire to become active in the field of democracy and human rights education in their local communities. In the selection of participants, both young people already working with marginalised, radicalised or extremist groups in their society as well as participants who wish to qualify to work with any such groups in the future will be prioritised. Please give reference of your work or potential future commitment in this area in one of the questions in the application form below which is dedicated to this issue.
With participants coming from four different countries, you will be asked to do research about the state of democratic participation of young people in your home country and to present your results as well as exemplary national/regional/local organisations working in this field to the other participants in the group. You will also be asked to explain the political system and structures in your home country.
Since the training course will enable you to apply and use the methodology you learned as trainers, part of the training course will be a follow-up activity on democracy and human rights education in your home community (to be realised until December 2006). During the seminar, some time in the group will be dedicated to developing ideas for future projects in democracy and human rights education and there will be some input on project management and fundraising.
After the seminar, an internet platform will give you the opportunity to remain in contact and to exchange ideas and experiences concerning the projects you plan and organise. This is also where your reports about the course and outcomes of the project you initiated in your community will be published.
What do I have to pay?
Since the project is part of the EuroMed-programme of the European Commission, 70% of the travel expenses will be reimbursed (under the condition that the cheapest and most ecological travel possibility has been chosen. Ie. plane for Egyptians and Jordanians; train or bus for Germans and Czechs).Please note that as fundraising is not completed for this project yet, minor changes in the fees may occur (for example for public transport in Berlin). We will inform you of these changes well in advance!
The participation fee includes accommodation and full board and depends, due to varying travel costs from the different countries:
| Czech Republic | 74 € |
| Egypt | 39 € |
| Germany | 169 € |
| Jordan | 44 € |
Application deadline: 15th of November (for Egypt, deadline is already closed).
»application formThis project is financed through the support of the European Commission. The content of the project does not necessary reflect the point of view of the European Union or the National Agency. They assume no liability.
 |
In cooperation with:
 |
 |
|||
| United Games of Nations, Olomouc |
* | Dana and Qadisiya Loc. Community Cooperative, Tafilah |
* | Orouba Youth Center, Cairo |