The young generations must definitely form intercultural competencies that would ensure peaceful coexistence with distinct groups that claim their right to be different by ethnicity, identity, culture or interests, said the head of the Education Center “Pro Didactica” Rima Bezede, who is one of the authors of a teaching guide designed to help form intercultural competencies. The guide was compiled in concert with the National Youth Council of Moldova.
In a news conference at IPN on June 2,“Pro Didactica” head Rima Bezede said the teaching staff plays an important role in developing intercultural competencies. The guidebook contains theoretical benchmarks and suggestions of practical activities that are designed to contribute to improving the education process from the angle of intercultural competence and to help form a positive attitude to diversity.
“Pro Didactica” coordinator Viorica Goras-Postica said in Moldova there are no major interethnic conflicts, but a lot is yet to be done to enhance the intercultural competencies of young people. “Pro Didactica” cooperates with over 50 trainers working all over the country and there are many signals that the school and society have yet a lot to do to improve intercultural competence,” said the coordinator, noting that the hostile attitudes derive from ignorance.
Deputy head of the National Youth Council of Moldova Adrian Balutel said the Council is an ‘umbrella’ that includes 40 young organizations, while its mission is to promote the rights and interests of the young people in Moldova, including by intercultural education.
The guidebook was approved and is recommended by the National Curriculum Council of the Ministry of Education. It will be transmitted to all the pre-university education institutions of the country. The two editions of the book, in Romanian and in Russian, will be available on the websites of the Ministry of Education and the Education Center “Pro Didactica”. The teaching aid was worked out within the Intercultural Dialogue in Moldova Project that is implemented by the National Youth Council with financial support from the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation of Switzerland.
