Implementing Democratic Learning Environment and Competences for Democratic Culture
in Preschools and Primary Schools
in the Czech Republic and Iceland
in Preschools and Primary Schools
in the Czech Republic and Iceland
This project is financed through the EEA Grants 2014-2021, which represent the contributions of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reducing social and economic disparities in the European Economic Area and strengthening bilateral relations with 15 EU countries. Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.
OUR PROJECT IS ALMOST AT THE END...WE WILL SHARE ALL OUR OUTCOMES AND PHOTOS FROM COOPERATION SOON HERE
July 31th, 2023
My dear friends at Iceland,
As our two-year project partnership comes to an end, I find myself filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, I am sad to say goodbye to the wonderful times we've shared, the challenges we've overcome, and the friendship that has grown between us. On the other hand, I am grateful for the incredible journey we've been on together, and the lasting memories that will forever be etched in my heart.
Throughout these two years, we have not only achieved our project goals but have also formed a bond that goes beyond mere collaboration. You have been more than just colleagues; you have become friends who have been there to support and uplift each other through thick and thin.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work that have made this partnership a success. Your unique talents and perspectives have added immense value to our shared endeavors, and I am truly inspired by the passion and commitment each of you brings to the table.
As we part ways on this project, please know that the friendships we've built are not bound by time or distance. I cherish the moments we've spent together, the laughter, the brainstorming sessions, and even the occasional challenges that have strengthened our connection.
I am confident that our paths will cross again, whether in a new project, a different endeavor, or simply in life's unexpected twists and turns. Until that day comes, I wish you all the best in your future pursuits and endeavors. May you continue to grow, achieve greatness, and find fulfillment in everything you do.
Thank you for being an integral part of this remarkable journey. Farewell, my dear friends, and may our friendship endure for years to come.
With warmest regards,
Tereza
on behalf of the Promoter's team
Final Conference - May 24th
The City Chýně
During the week of April 17-21, 2023, our school embarked on an exciting project called "The City Chýně." This unique endeavor involved students from grade 9 taking on the roles of business owners, while sixth and seventh graders were employed by them. It was a busy week for everyone involved, as they performed various tasks such as office work, cleaning, money counting, filling out receipts and employment contracts, and even facing fines or visiting the library and hospital. However, the students also had the opportunity to enjoy their free time during breaks, indulging in activities like visiting the cinema, gym, or a non-alcoholic bar.
This city project was developed as part of a two-year collaboration with Iceland, in which our school actively participated. We agreed to test one of their methodologies and adapt it to our local conditions. Our chosen task was to create a city, inspired by Iceland's approach of building a city for younger students in collaboration with parents and local companies. This year, we piloted this methodology successfully and intend to continue it in the coming years. Our target groups will be ninth graders and sixth graders, and we welcome collaboration with other institutions, companies, and parents.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all those who supported us by providing props and materials for the city project. Additionally, we thank Mr. Cihelka and Mr. Grégr for their valuable contribution of photos, videos, and lending furniture and equipment from Party Furniture s.r.o. The photos can be viewed on the school's website. We are excited to present the entire project at the upcoming international conference of student parliaments on May 24, 2023.
Once again, we express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of this project.
What happened...
- Preparation for the final conference is in full swing - read here
- School-wide Bethlehem scene competition @ZŠ Chýně - 1A grade led by Katerina and Gabriela won the prize - read more here
19/12/2022 - MERRY CHRISTMAS ONLINE GREETINGS
- On Monday, December 19th our teachers together with their children in classes connected online send Christmas Greetings to each other, sing songs and wish a calm and peaceful holiday to all. It's been a touching moment for all involved in our project.
- Food self-service in Kindergarten - see more here
- The second visit of partners from Rjupnahaed at Chyne took place on October 19-23 and we will bring some details from this visit soon.
- The interim report has been approved and we will receive the second advance payment in October.
- The second study visit to Iceland took place in mid-September, 8 teachers from Chyne traveled to Reykjavik to observe, inspire and be inspired and continue with hard work on the project.
- The first online meeting after the summer holiday took place on Friday, September 2nd and we talked about upcoming visits.
- We introduced our project during the presentation day on June 29th, more here
- The online project team meeting took place on Friday, June 3rd.
- The online meeting between Gabriela (preparatory class) and Unnur and Heiða from Leikskollin to chat about the lupi book took place on May 11th, read here
- The online discussion between the pupil's parliament coordinator from ZS Chyne and teachers from Salaskoli took place on May 4th. Our Guideline is ready, read more here
Our partners from Iceland Leikskólinn Rjúpnahæð finally visited our school ZŠ a MŠ Chýně at the beginning of April. It's been an honor and true happiness to host such inspiring, enthusiastic, and heartfelt teachers who we proudly can call our friends. We had a wonderful time together, full of sharing, thoughts, and getting to know each other a little closer again, but also mutual work and plans for future weeks. Rjupnahaed's philosophy completed in the Handbook has been presented, read here.
- A workshop about the pupils involving activities with our partners from Salaskoli took place on February 3rd. Read more here
- A workshop about the methodology and its implementation led by partners from Leikskolinn took place on January 28th. Read more here
- Our first online workshop related to pupils' parliaments took place on December 16th. Read more here
- The first study visit to Iceland is behind us and we are full of ideas and inspiration as well as energy for mutual work. Read more here
- We received the first advance payment from National Agency on July, 22nd.
- Join us on Facebook
About the project
The main theme of the project is the development of democracy and active citizenship. The project is based on mutual learning, which brings partnerships between early childhood institutions and primary education institutions from Iceland and the Czech Republic. This type of partnership offers an opportunity for targeted, innovative, and sustainable skills development. Improving the efficiency and equity of education systems at all levels plays a key role in achieving the goals of smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.The project focuses on effective and innovative education developed through international cooperation in the field of democracy and equality. By establishing cooperation between the project partners, new ties for future cooperation in the implementation of education for democracy and citizenship will be created.
Newsletter article
There was an article about the international cooperation of primary school and kindergarten with partner schools in Iceland published in the autumn edition of the local newsletter in our village Chýně. We are happy that all fellow citizens in the village will learn about the experience of our teachers, and at the same time, we spread awareness about our project with the public.
Newsletter article
There was an article about the international cooperation of primary school and kindergarten with partner schools in Iceland published in the spring edition of the local newsletter in Chýně. We are happy that we were finally able to visit our dear friends at our village and school.