Vršnjačka edukacija – Branislav Trudić

What was the topic of the discussion and how was organised?

The topic of the discussion was Introduction to EU integration. It was organised as a first educational module of the local project “School of peace for young people-Reconciliation Ambassadors of Vojvodina” which was supported within programme LOKOMOTIVA, financed by Office for Sport and Youth of Novi Sad city (within Local Action Plan for Young People). It was designed as a two days long educational programme, based on principles and methodology of interactive pedagogy, youth work and non-formal education. The entire programme was aimed to young people aged 15-30, no matter any kind of previous experience nor differences. So, during the creation of the curricula, we were aimed to promote inclusion, gender equality and equal judgement while selection of the participants. Our project is consisted of two more educational modules: Peace-building education-why is it necessary? and Youth peace activism in local community.

Every module will be organized the last Friday and Saturday in the month (October, November and December). The follow up activity, planned for the beginning of next year, is to establish alumni network of all Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors from both programmes. We will start to organize it after VI and last generation of YRA Study session in Belgrade.

Explain the reaction of the participants on your speech.

The reactions of the participants were positive and they were showing curiosity for discussion and posing questions during both days filled with different interactive activities. Big majority of them were very participative during entire programme and most of them wanted to have and be more involved in activities where active debating and discussions might be involved. Those activities were: Aquarium, Attitude-O-Meter, Group Discussion Facilitation, and Work in small group and presentation of the results, LCOQ (Local Community Outside Questioning) etc.

Have you notice the impact of your lecture on the participants? Explain.

Although the topic of the first module wasn’t imagined as a topic which might induce any kind of deeper inner questioning (it was planned just to increase the level of information and knowledge regarding EU and integration of Western Balkan countries in EU), but during activities which were tackling human rights and general values of EU, many prejudices and confusions were expressed by majority of participants. They didn’t have knowledge about human rights in general, that human rights respect and promotion is one of the most important values of EU, so they had opportunity to reflect on their own perception and understanding on human rights, justice, solidarity and democracy and they started re-thinking and re-evaluating previous knowledge and ignite deconstruction of prejudices toward EU and integration in general. I created the space and atmosphere where they were feeling free to share everything, even prejudices and stereotypes regarding EU and its values, so for me, this was especially big success for them to start not just to understand, but to feel those values which are part of EU.

What were the questions posed by the participants and how did you react?

1. What is the role of Council of Europe in EU integration?
2. What is multiculturalism and what is interculturalism?
3. Can you explain the phrase Western Balkan Countries?
4. What is the attitude in EU regarding our Green Politics?
5. Why is on the flag of EU 12 stars presented?
6. What is OOO?
7. What are the opportunities which OOO can offer?
8. Who is financing OOO?
9. Is there going to be more schools like this in the future?
10. What are the benefits of Serbia to become part of EU?

I reacted calmly and tried to give the best answers, promoting also other participants to be involved in opinion sharing and giving more information.