Intercultural Education and Mediation in the Age of Multiple Crises: From the Neighborhood School to the Citizen of the Future
PATRA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2022
It is with great pleasure that we inform you that the Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education, and the Laboratory of Sociology and Education of the University of Patras, in collaboration with the University of Nicosia, organized on September 10, 2022, an educational seminar entitled:
“Intercultural Education and Mediation in the Age of Multiple Crises: From the Neighborhood School to the Citizen of the Future”
Intercultural Education concerns all of us without exception. Every school, the neighborhood school, is called upon to prepare the interculturally literate citizens of the future. The citizens of the future are aware of cultural diversity and internationalism in global society, work steadfastly for the promotion of human rights, and take active action to combat social inequalities. The citizens of the future act as intercultural mediators, utilizing conflict resolution skills in order to promote actions of solidarity that support social justice and human dignity.
The purpose of the seminar was, on the one hand, to set a broader framework for reflection on Intercultural Education and Mediation as a pillar of regional development and socio-educational inclusion, and on the other hand, to present the various dimensions of intercultural education, communication, dialogue, and mediation in the school environment.
Participants had the opportunity to attend relevant presentations, to discuss and submit questions to the speakers regarding the content and professional prospects of Intercultural Education and Mediation.
Greetings were given by:
- Prof. Christos Bouras, Rector of the University of Patras
- Prof. Philippos Pouyioutas, Rector of the University of Nicosia
- Dr. Athanasios Balerbas, Secretary General of Citizenship, Ministry of Interior
- Prof. Vasileios Komis, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras
- Prof. Konstantinos Ravannis, Vice President of the Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education
Speakers of the seminar were:
- Dr. Athanasios Balerbas, Secretary General of Citizenship
- Mr. Fokion Zaimis, Deputy Regional Governor for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
- Mr. Thodoros Baris, Mayor of Erymanthos
- Mr. Andreas Zervas, Director of Secondary Education of Ilia
- Prof. Penny Panagiotopoulou, Assistant Professor, University of Patras
- Prof. Panagiotis Angelidis, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, University of Nicosia
- Prof. Nikos Tselios, Associate Professor, University of Patras
- Dr. Eleni Samsari, University of Patras
- Dr. Maria Vlachou, Coordinator of Educational Work for Kindergarten Teachers, 2nd PEKES Ionian Islands
- Dr. Eugenia Arvaniti, Associate Professor, University of Patras
- Ms. Spyridoula Giaki, PhD Candidate, University of Patras
The seminar was coordinated by Prof. Amalia Ifanti, Director of the Laboratory of Sociology and Education (Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education, University of Patras), members of the Laboratory Prof. Efstathios Balias and Assistant Professor Polyxeni Manoli, as well as Prof. Panagiotis Angelidis and Associate Professor Eugenia Arvaniti.
You can watch the seminar at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovNKAETAXaw
During the seminar, there was extensive reference to the Distance Learning Inter-University Master’s Program in “Intercultural Education and Mediation”, which is offered by the University of Nicosia in collaboration with the University of Patras.
This program inaugurates a common scientific space between Greece and Cyprus in the field of Intercultural Education and Mediation, aiming at synergies between the academic community and the institutions/personnel of education and the practical application of innovative methods of differentiated educational design and mediation. It is open to all teachers and also to staff of all formal and non-formal education agencies involved in mediation. The joint Master’s offers paid Practical Training with the support of the General Secretariat for Citizenship of the Greek Ministry of the Interior.
The rectors of the two universities with the staff of the joint Master’s Program.
Prof. Christos Bouras, Rector of the University of Patras; Prof. Amalia Ifanti, Director of the Laboratory of Sociology and Education (Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education, University of Patras); Prof. Philippos Pouyioutas, Rector of the University of Nicosia; and Prof. Panagiotis Angelidis, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, University of Nicosia