Donor: Catholic Relief Services
Duration of project: July 2003 – March 2004
The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights organised five seminars and workshops (two in Belgrade, one each in Smederevo, Novi Sad, and Kraljevo) for 50 participants each with the goal of building popular support for the ongoing reform of the educational system. Participants were teachers of Civic Education and Constitution and the Rights of Citizens courses. Student participants were in their final year of secondary school (both general and specific professional). Separate programs were organised for teachers and students with joint lectures during the program.Topics were chosen based on the experience of teachers and their suggestions based on previous similar educational activities. Topics for the teacher’s seminars included an introduction to human rights, the prohibition of discrimination, the right to education (international standards and domestic practice), and education for democracy. The teachers were introduced to the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights’ “U pravu si!” booklet, practical guide of the Serbian legal system as it relates to the rights and duties of young citizens. Possible ways to implement the booklet in school programs was discussed in a joint session by students and teachers. Further student-teacher dialogue was achieved through workshops.
Lecturers were experts and associates of the Belgrade Centre with previous experience in similar educational activities. “U pravu si!” coordinators and associates also coordinated the workshops and discussions.
