Intercultural Education against Racism and Xenophobia

We – the teachers and other staff in education – are prepared to take our share of the responsibility in the awareness-raising work which is now necessary throughout society.
In schools, as in surrounding society, the situation is complicated and worrying. Unemployment, exclusion and poverty are factors of importance in the analysis of the causes of this situation, and they can be regarded as contributing factors to phenomena such as violence, bullying, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance.
Intercultural Education represents an approach, an attitude which in itself contributes to preventing and counteracting racism and xenophobia among pupils, students, teachers and ather staff. But Intercultural Education is more than that. If an intercultural attitude permeates all situations of learning, inter-personal relations and extracurricular activities, I belive it will contribute to brigning a more open, tolerant, and problem-solving approach into school work.
Obviously, it is important that teachers and other staff act in various concrete ways, e.g. analysing text books, software, curricula, teacher education and legislation; monitoring our own behavoir and that of others, and proposing changes where necessary.
Teacher education, both initial and in-service, must play a key part in fighting racism and xenophobia, and in promoting Intercultural Education and cultural diversity.

Popa Ovidiu - informatics teacher

Fighting against Racism and Xenophobia

For centuries racism and xenophobia were "diseases" that began to take over increasingly more people. Before we think of ways to fight against it we should actually know what racism and xenophobia mean.
Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another or the belief that another person is less than human because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.
Most people don't know what xenophobia is and how this mental illness destroys an individual’s capacity to behave rationally. Xenophobia is an excessive and irrational fear of anything foreign. This fear is most often of foreign people, places or objects. People who are xenophobic may display fear or even anger toward others who are foreign.
There is one question that we ask ourselves…..”How to fight against racism and xenophobia?” The answer is actually easier than the question.
Racism seems part of our natural tendency as humans. That is the fear of what we don’t understand, what is different from us. And if you ask yourself “What racism is”? Which is the first thought that comes to your mind? Well, I think that….Racism is really nothing more than Xenophobia taken to a harmful and frequently to a more violent conclusion.
What are the causes of racism? I have to admit even if I don’t like it that the strongest cause is the fear, the simple fear of unknown. And then is Ignorance….we focus on differences and attach negative attributes to them because we simply do not understand. We do not understand strange food, strange rituals and strange beliefs.
Have you ever thought about that before? You say you try to fight against racism to combat xenophobia, but, have you ever thought that you, yourself are a racist? You are a racist when you judge your classmate because of his clothes. You are a racist when you don’t talk with your roommate because he dyed his hair is pink. You are a racist just because you look at those around you and judge them by their appearances.
So how then do I think we should go about fighting about racism and xenophobia? My answer is one that you’ve heard so many times before: Education.
We are not born with our prejudices. We acquire them. As children we are surrounded by millions of people, and, imitating, we get to do the same things as they do. Parents think that their children learn to respect when, in fact, they only learn to judge people around them by their defects, and never look at themselves.

PIELESTEANU MIHAELA - STUDENT

ARTICLES WRITTEN BY THE TEAM PROJECT OF C.T.A.M. "CONSTANTIN BRANCUSI" Craiova - Romania

The teachers and the students of Technical College of Arts and Crafts "Constantin Brancusi" worked, during the classes of Romanian language, English, Italian, Informatics and Design, used their creativity to design the final products of our project.
As the subjects our project "Media and Teenagers European Citizenship" are: media education and combating rasism and xenofobia, students and teachers of our school wrote articles, short stories and fairy tales related to the topics mentionned.
Here are the best of them:
"OUR HELP WILL HELP THE WORLD!!!" - Dragomir Emilia, student
"Fighting against Racism and Xenophobia" - Pielesteanu Mihaela, student
"Discriminarea – Discrimination – Discriminazione – Diskriminierung" - Ghebaur Virginia, project coordinator
"Intercultural Education against Racism and Xenophobia" - Popa Ovidiu, teacher
"I'm a European!" - Bobasu Alexandra, teacher

PROJECT MEETING IN MANNHEIM, GERMANY

“I was chosen to take part in the activities of the Comenius project as the result of a selection proposed by Miss Virginia Ghebaur. I was interested in it from the very beginning: the objectives of the project have precise purposes in concordance with the real problems of our world. The activities of the project were held in Germany for a six days period, on the second meeting with the project partners.
We shared wonderful and amazing activities and we had the opportunity to better know one another. It was the first time I met foreign people. At first, I was a little intimidated but the feeling disappeared in a short time. I admired their manner of communicating, the easiness they approached our current subjects and their respect of our opinions. We spent together the second day in a park at a picnic and we could talk about our culture and civilization.
I think it was a wonderful moment because the frontier between us has disappeared .All the activities we did at Feudenheimschule Haptschule had a big impact on me. We were well welcomed by Patricia and Delia, two Romanian girls and their presence was a surprise for us. During our visit, they told us about the teaching and learning system in Germany, they introduced their classmates to us and we talked about varied subjects. I really extended my knowledge about what life on the other side of Romanian boundaries means.
The project meetings had lasted for six days and it was very hard to say goodbye when the time to leave arrived.
So I consider that the objectives of the Comenius project about the control of xenophobia and racism were successfully achieved. It is interesting to keep in touch with different people from different countries, having different mentalities; you can share ideas and, for sure, it was a wonderful experience for me…”
Dragomir Emilia - STUDENT

BARCELLONA P.G. - PROJECT MEETING

Our first project meeting took place between 15th and 20th October 2008 at Liceo Scientifico Enrico Medi, Barcellona P.G., Italy.

It was a gret opportunity to meet peers from all partener schools, share ideas, plan our future work in detail, visit our Italian partener school and learn about local culture.

Our Italian parteners welcomed us warmly and offered us a wonderful staying there.

We met the Italian pupils, talked together and attended some classes in order to get to know about their educational system.

TEAM PROJECT OF CONSTANTIN BRANCUSI COLLEGE

MANDRULEANU NIRVANA - school manager

Education: Graduated The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies and The Faculty of Law, Bucharest. I have also obtained the Master’s degree in Planning and organizing the tourism activities.
Currently, I occupy the post of Headmaster at Technical College of Arts and Crafts „Constantin Brâncuşi”, Craiova. Being the Headmaster of a college implies a lot of obligations and responsibilities, and this is the reason that makes me to become more involved into different activities developed at local and regional level. I have participated at many European projects in the last years; I’m also a member of the Regional Employers Oltenia and of the Approval and Training Committee of Adults.
Our college is named after the father of modern architecture, Constantin Brancusi, and this is a good reason to be honored and to develop under the name of “brancusieni” multiple scholar and extracurricular activities. We are hoping to offer to our students the possibility of having a good flight to infinity and to Europe.


GHEBAUR VIRGINIA - project coordinator- teacher of french language

Education: Graduated at University of Craiova, specialization: History and French. Also, I have obtained the Masters degree in “Espaces francophones. Diversite linguistique et culturelle” at the University Louvain –la – Neuve, Belgium.
I participated to different training courses in Romania and abroad such as: "Educational Management" – Ministry of Education, Romania; “Media literacy development” – Council of Europe, Austria- Graz, “No need to hold heat; don’t warm yourself globally” – Ankara, Turkey; “Formation continue pour professeurs de francais”- Liege, Belgium; “Le citoyen europeen au temps de la Constitution” – Lille, France.
I like very much to participate to European projects and I think that is very important to share ideas, experience and to know different cultures and traditions.
Since September 2008, I am the coordinator of the Comenius project “Media and Teenagers European Citizenship” and I enjoy working with colleagues from Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria. I am member of Youth and Regional Development Association and member of European Association of french teachers.
I am an optimistic and friendly person, I like visiting new places and meeting new people.
My e-mail: virginiairina@yahoo.com

FIRULEASA RODICA - engineer - teacher

My name is Rodica and I am engineer in the alimentary industrie field. I have finished a master and I am a doctor in oenology and winegrawing.
Five years ago I started to teach at the Technical College of Arts and Crafts "C-tin Brancusi" and I am totally dedicated to my job and I enjoy working with my students. Therefore, I participated to different European knowledge programs and new experiences having a purpose visits to the European Parliament from Brussels.
Regarding my education, I also participated to the Bucharest European Institute classes in different issues like: education, environment and European bussines. In my opinion, the education is very important in the life. An high cultural level of each country is necessary, thats why the educationnal system have to be considred as primary. Without culture and without history, no people could exist!
My mail: rodicafiruleasa@yahoo.com

HEEDARI MIRELA - teacher of italian language

Personal info:
Born:1965, Segarcea, Dolj, Romania
Languages: Romanian, Italian
Education: Gratuated from University of Craiova, Departments of Philology and Economical Sciences.
Mail:heedari2003@yahoo.com
I have lived in Craiova since I was born.
Currently, I am a Romanian and Italian teacher at Technical College of Arts and Crafts „Constantin Brâncuşi”, Craiova.
I am married. I have a child: a girl of sixteen, Melissa.
During my leisure hours I like to go shopping with my daughter, to travel, to watch television and to read.

POPA OVIDIU - informatics teacher

Personal info:
Born: 1974, Băileşti, Dolj, Romania
Languages: Romanian, English (fairly well)
Education: Graduated from University of the West, Departments of Computer Sciences, Timişoara, Romania
Mail: o1v2i3@yahoo.com
I have lived in Craiova for ten years.
Currently, I fill the post of Head of Department of Matematics and Computer Science at Technical College of Arts and Crafts „Constantin Brâncuşi”, Craiova.
I am married. I have a child: a girl of seven, Anda. She is not so easy to outwit! J
During my leisure hours I like to take long walks, to ride a bicycle, to go fishing. I am an old football fan.

BOBASU ALEXANDRA - english teacher


Personal info:
Born: 1984,Craiova, Dolj, Romania
Languages: Romanian, English
Education: Graduated University of Craiova, Faculty of History-Philosophy-Geography, Specialization Geography-English Language
Mail: alexandrabobasu@yahoo.com
I lived in Craiova.
Currently, I’am a substitute teacher at Technical College of Arts and Crafts „Constantin Brâncuşi”, Craiova.
I am not married yet. I enjoy working, meeting, or being friend with other people and I enjoy having friends around me that care, respect, and understand me. Sometimes I do very much worry about things that could happen but have not yet.
My hobbies are related to the outdoor activities such as: hill walking, hiking, backpacking.

UTA CRISTINA CLAUDIA - nutrition teacher

Personal info:
Born: 1968, Bratovoeşti, Dolj, Romania
Education: Graduated from University of Craiova, Nutriment Processing Department, Romania
Mail: claudiauta@yahoo.com
Currently, I fill the post of nutriment processing teacher at Technical College of Arts and Crafts „Constantin Brâncuşi”, Craiova.
I am married. I have a child: a boy of fourteen, Robert.
During my leisure hours I like to listen music, to cook and to go on trips.
Last year I was involved in the Phare programme project BG2005/017-455.01.03.01.13 “Enlarging the vocational and Cultural Exchange between students on both sides of the river Danube”. (Romania – Bulgaria).


MARINA BALUTA - design teacher


Personal info:
Born: 1970, Craiova, Dolj, Romania
Languages: Romanian, English
Education: Graduated from Technical University „ Gheorghe Asachi ” ,
Textile Faculty – Iaşi , Romania
Mail: marina.touropa@yahoo.com
For 10 years I have worked as textile engineer in a garment factory in Craiova ; now i am teaching the students how to become a fashion designer , so i am textile teacher at Technical College of Arts and Crafts „Constantin Brâncuşi”, Craiova.
I am married. I have 2 children : a girl Andra who’s 15 years old and a boy Tudor who’s 10 years old. They are always full of energy, Andra like hip-hop dances and Tudor like very much to play football.
The most I like to spend my free time with my family, I love being a big sister or a true friend for my children.

OLTITA DRANICEANU - english teacher

My name is Oltita Draniceanu and I am an English teacher at ‘Constantin Brancusi’ Technical College. I graduated the Faculty of Letters in 2003 and ever since I have been teaching English. My constant desire to improve my English and develop my professional career helped me to get a Master Degree in Cultural Unity and Diversity in the English Language and Literature Studies.
I am totally dedicated to my teaching job and I enjoy working with children; I have taught English to different types of students – from kindergarten kids to high school pupils. As far as my specialization is concerned I am interested in the study of English grammar and the new approaches in the English language.
I like spending my free time with my family and friends. I do not have a specific hobby to which to dedicate more of my time but I love walking, reading and taking care of my small improvised balcony garden. I must admit I do not like wasting my time and people who do not keep their promises.
My e-mail:oltileo2005@yahoo.com

STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT

HELLO!
My name is EMILIA DRAGOMIR I am sixteen and I am from Craiova.
I like very much to travel, to read and another hobby is to cook. I have a lot of friends. Sometimes we go shopping and we have fun.
I have a sister, younger than me. She has eleven years and her name is Teodora .She love to dance, to play on the computer and to walk.
We have three dogs and a very sweetie cat. In weekend I go to the countryside and my pet are very happy to see me. My grandma takes care of them.
I love very much my grandma, but I see her only in weekend. Here in Craiova I live with my parents and with my sister.
I am a conscientious schoolgirl, I am studding at Technical College of Arts and Craft “Constantin Brancusi”.
I love my teachers and I want to work in tourism. They learn us all about tourism, so that we could be professionals in our future job.
The structure of the scholar offer is diversified through post high-school level and SAM. Our school developed partnerships and collaboration with different economical agents in Craiova. When I heard about the project “Media and teenagers European citizenship” I really wanted to take part of the Comenius activities and I succeed. And now thanks to Mrs. Virginia and Mr. Ovidiu I will go in Germany in a very interesting activity. Here I will visit a school and I’m very impatience to learn about local culture, to talk with the pupils from there about their educational system. I’m so exciting!
I’m sure I’ll learn a lot of things from this experience. Is the first project I took part and I don’t want to unfair.

HI!
My name is ALISA PIELESTEANU.
I am 17 old and I am a student at the Technical College of Arts and Crafts “C-tin Brancusi”, Craiova. My profile is Tourism. I like to dance, listening to music, and to read. I often go for a walk with my girlfriends, go to disco clubs and I love to travel. I know how to enjoy every moment of my life. My ambition is to become a doctor, maybe a psychiatrist. I am a very outgoing person, I love my family and friends very much. I make fiends easily. I can hardly wait to hear from you!

Hello!
My name is PITULAC DENIS IONUT
I study at C.T.A.M. C-tin Brancusi
I am 17 years old
I like : Economy, English, Geography
My hobbies are : Music, football, travelling, sometimes reading

I took part to Comenius Multilateral Project from 15th to 20th May 2009 and I was fascinated by the people who participated in the project. I can`t wait to meet them again and spend some time together. The time that I spent in Germany with the teachers gave me confidence.

Hello!
My name is TOMA DAN.
I’m 15 years old and I an a student at "Constantin Brancusi" Theoretical College of Arts and Crafts, Craiova. I am at the Tourism section. My favorite classes are History, Geography, Notions of Organizing Economic Activities, English, French witch by the way I’m not very good at ,and GYM Class. In my spare time i like listening to music ,watching movies , and wasting time with my friends. Being in the Tourism section , i like traveling; the country i would like to visit is Portugal, because of the hot climate and the beach. My favorite sport is swimming and tennis. I like summer sports although I am born on January 30. I like all Types of music , but my favorite is house and minimal. Well that’s all I can say about me, will be hearing from you soon. C' ya

Hello!
My name is BULANDRA DIANA.
I am 17 years old, and I`m from Romania, Craiova. I like very much making friends, and so, I have a lot. I`m communicative, creative, friendly.
I like very much to dance (street dance) and roller skating; I also listen to music, and I specially like trance music, and hip hop.
I use to learn every day something about Photoshop and CorelDraw, and I also like photography very much, and I think it`s part of my life. Well … that`s all about me ..and I hope you`ll write me soon! c`ya

Hello! My name is DOLSCHANU ADRIANA and I am in the 10th grade at “Constantin Brancusi Technical College of Arts and Craft”, Craiova.
I was born in one of the most popular cities of the country, Constanta, well-known for its tourist attractions. A few years ago I moved in Craiova.
I have never been an extrovert child. I prefer staying at home and reading to wasting my time out. But this does not mean I do not have a lot of friends.
I enjoy listening to music, especially the rock music of the mid sixties to early seventies but also some rock bands of today: Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Simple Plan , My Chemical Romance , Eyes Set to Kill ,Green Day, etc. I like reading collection books on certain genres, such as the detective fiction of Nero Wolfe, or humorous stories—“Seven Days for Eternity”
I have a passion for education and I dream about founding a school proper for 21st century, with the requisite connectivity, hardware and software infrastructure. A school the focus is on equality of opportunity rather than outcome, where diversity celebrated.
I am the kind of person who wants to do everything for those I love and care about. I would be happy to solve all my friends’ problems.
I add my e-mail in order to get in touch: just_another_kid93@yahoo.com

Hello! My name is ANDREEA CRETU. I am student at Technical College of Arts and Crafts “Constantin Brancusi”. I like to participate to all of the European projects that our school is developing, to know different cultures and traditions. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate to a European conference regarding the tasks and the attributions of the European Parliament and to visit the city of Brussels. It was our school project and the first time that I visited a foreign country.
About the things that I like, I can say that I enjoy to discover new things and to meet new people. In spend my free time listening to music, walking, drawing and surfing.
I would like to discuss with students from all over Europe about our culture, traditions, educational system.
My e-mail: brunettzika18@yahoo.com