In March, the EWC organized the first day of a 3-day study visit on Human Rights Education initiated by Learning and Teaching Scotland.

The group of primary and secondary teachers, head teachers, and university lecturer was specifically interested in innovative approaches, human rights education resources and local practices. During the first day, a session at the EWC introduced “Human Rights Education in the framework of the Council of Europe”.

Among others, the newly adopted CoE Charter on EDC/ HRE pays special attention to the issue of Democratic Governance and the importance of linking research to educational practice. The Summer Academy “Democracy at School” and the EWC series of Educators consultations served as two examples of how to put this policy recommendation into practice. A fruitful exchange took place, in which several participants introduced their activities, e.g. an online site for Scottish teachers, parents and students.

After lunch the group was hosted by Amnesty Norway, the newly established International Human Rights Education Centre. Amnesty gave an overview of their international HRE projects and their work in schools in Norway. An interesting discussion on the question of how to integrate HRE into different subjects followed. 

Human Rights Academy ended the day with introducing their work, and providing participants with the opportunity to try out practical methods for the classroom.

At the end of the day, the diversity of expertise and examples brought together by different NGOs working on HRE was most appreciated. Many mentioned fresh ideas they would like to try out once being back home, and space for dialogue as valuable parts of the program.

The Learning and Teaching Scotland is a Scottish Government education agency which among
others manage international study visits programme as part of the Scottish Continuing International Professional Development programme. The study visits aim to provide Scottish education professionals with exposure to excellent or innovative educational practice in another country.

During their stay in Oslo, the group visited the Ministry of Education, a school in Oslo, and the Holocaust Centre.