Overview

What:             Student Working Group Meeting

When:             2-5 May, 2019 (including travel dates)

Where:           Brussels, Belgium

Age/gender: 18-35 years old and gender balanced

Size:               Max 2 participants per region

Deadline:       10 April 2019

Outline

The Student Working Group 2019 will bring together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all 7 regions. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen the Student Working Group and enhance student cooperation. The meeting will offer a platform to discuss current political situations in the regions in regards to education, give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change. Participants can look forward to meeting youth actors, getting involved in political debates and discussions, sharing experiences and ideas and building up their international network. There will also be an added focus on skill building.

The theme of the Working Group in 2019 “Towards Societies of Knowledge?”

UNESCO defines a knowledge society as: “a society that is nurtured by its diversity and its capacities”. As every society already possesses its own sets of knowledge, the knowledge society is about connecting what a society already possesses with the new forms of development and spread of knowledge. The knowledge society differs from the information society as the latter is based on technological breakthroughs and this is only a small part of knowledge societies. Knowledge societies include broader social, ethical and political dimensions as well as various forms of knowledge and cultural and linguistic diversity. For a knowledge society, the traditional forms of learning such as through books, radio, television and school should not be overlooked for technological breakthroughs. Education through textbooks and teachers is deemed more important than internet access and technology. The building of a knowledge society also puts emphasis on knowledge sharing and the inclusion of all generations. One of the most defining characteristics that differs knowledge societies from older forms of knowledge societies is the special emphasis on human rights and the participatory character. The human rights perspectives it highlights in particular are freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of information, media pluralism and academic freedom, the right to education (as well as of pushing for free access to education), and the right to freely participate in cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

To read more about how to build a knowledge society follow this link.

During the working group we will explore foundations of knowledge societies as a source for development, the importance of freedom of expression, learning societies and a culture of innovation, learning as a key value, new inputs for education including e-learning, and the universal access to knowledge. Through exploring these topics we can analyse the new challenges of education, the effects of technology and how youth fits into this process. We will also discuss how this makes a difference in political participation.

For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org

WHO CAN APPLY? PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

This activity is not aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations; it is addressed to youth activists. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to IUSY activities after the activity.

Participants should:

• Belong to IUSY member organisation.
• Be aged 18-35
• have been active/working/studying in the field of Students rights
• be willing to continue to work and be active in the field of Students rights
• be willing to plan and conduct follow-up activities to the training at local and national level
• Have availability to contribute to IUSY activities in the future
• Have a proficient level of English (the only working language during the activity)

We’re aiming for participants from all regions and from a variety of member organisations.

According to the IUSY statutes, we’re also looking to achieve a gender-balanced training so we reserve the right to select participants based on gender criteria if needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Due to limited space for participation there will be an application process. To apply you must complete the following form by 23:59 CET 10 April. Please follow the link below. It is essential to fill in the parts that reflect your experience, background and motivation in joining the activity.

Link to the registration:

https://goo.gl/forms/EWqVZkzIQuZSyvAv1

NOTE: No registration will be accepted after the deadline.   

Participation fee

The participation fee for the activity is 30€ per person and must be paid by 18 April 2019. The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid by participants.

Outstanding membership fees and/or debts

Please note that only organisations without outstanding membership fees or debts are entitled to receive travel reimbursement. Therefore, we would ask for organisations to transfer their outstanding fees or debts by bank transfer as soon as possible.

If you are unable to pay your membership fee and/or debt, please contact the IUSY Secretary General Ana Pirtskhalava (ana.pirtskhalava@iusy.org) and IUSY President of Control Commission (roland.gur@iusy.org) to discuss possible options.

Travel reimbursement

IUSY will cover your flight ticket up to a fixed reference price. The maximum amount for travel reimbursement will be sent to you together with a confirmation letter that states you have been selected.

Please note you should not buy any flight tickets before your application is approved!!!

Visas

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. If you require a visa, please send a copy of your passport to iusy@iusy.org as soon as possible, so the secretariat can draft a visa invitation letter for you. Please note that you will have to book your appointments and conduct the visa process by yourself.

Travel

Arrivals and Departures

Day of arrival for the IUSY Student Working Group is 2 May and the day of departure is the 5 May. Please make sure to arrange your travel accordingly and do not forget that IUSY will NOT be able to cover accommodation or any other additional expenses for delegates who need to stay additional nights in Brussels.

Cancellations

There will be a 30€ cancellation fee charged to each organisation whose participant withdraws after 20 April, 2019 without a valid reason.

Contact

Amanda Lilliefeldt

IUSY Project Manager

Email: iusy@iusy.org or amanda.lilliefeldt@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 970