Erasmus+ KA204: CONNECTING MEMORIES “THE POWER OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE OF EUROPE”
Reference to the history of a country or region influences one’s self-perception as a citizen and one’s belonging to a society. There is diversity in how history is taken into consideration; this varies not only within societies but also across different European countries. What is remembered? How is it remembered? What is most taboo? What can we learn from this about a country’s culture and society?
In this project, employees of a museum in Finland, a university in Poland, and educational associations in France, Spain, and Berlin cooperate to acquire methods of historical, intercultural, and democratic education in exchange for best practices. At the same time, they aim to gain a deeper understanding of historical issues and their influence on the perception of culture and society in the project’s partner countries.
The aim is not to «create» a European history. The project’s objectives are:
- Addressing questions that are controversial and/or neglected in public memory;
- To counter right-wing extremism and populism and the associated renationalization of historical images by analyzing the reciprocal effects between the histories of European countries,
- Apply educational methods that allow for peaceful exchanges on sensitive issues;
- Promote the creation of networks of actors in historical-political education in Europe.
«The future is decided in the dispute over the past.» (Wolf Biermann) The exchange about history and its influence on the present is also an exercise in democratic values: critical thinking and the distinction between political history and the culture of remembrance, the desire for knowledge, ambiguity and tolerance for frustration, as well as a kind of reflection that does not avoid controversy but cultivates it.
The project is aimed at adult educators (employees and volunteers) who work primarily with disadvantaged individuals and people with migrant backgrounds. As a result of the project, the consortium produces teaching materials for use in adult and citizenship education.
A «European spirit,» an identification with the continent, can only grow if political Europe is accepted by its citizens. The power of the past can be revealing for Europe’s future and the ideas its citizens bring.
You can access the project website by clicking on the following logo:
