Workshop Leader: Poul Erik Pederson, Denmark
Format:Discussion and information sharing on networking in different countries.
Summary:
We had a discussion of the importance of networks, why we need to maintain international links and how we can do this. It involved a go-around where participants reported on their national or regional associations and groups. Many countries and regions are working to make and maintain links both nationally and internationally. Reports were heard from the European institute in Denmark, the Scandinavian association, France, New Zealand, the Nepal Association, Austria and the UK. There was also a go-around on future wishes for international working.
Key Points:
- All the associations included a newsletter or year book, teachers working together and an annual convergence.
- There were concerns expressed about the sustainability of international convergences, while the need for maintaining international links was also stressed.
- Wishes for the future included:
- Twinning systems between economically rich and poor countries to share experiences and surpluses.
- Decentralised information systems – chaordic networks
- Ways need to be found for economically poorer countries to have a louder voice
- Organising ways to fund people from economically poorer countries need to be part of organising a convergence.
- Face to face meetings need to be maintained as the offer qualitatively different interactions to other forms of networking.
- An international website and newsletter offering reports on projects.
- Stronger local and regional groups developed to feed in to an international system.
[Scribe: Suzi High]