18 May: Presentation by Gunnar. It was clear after his presentation that TT and Study circle are Folkbilding methods. Folkbilding is about individual growth, including societal change. " Each one teach one" method has proven to be huge success as participants in Folkingbilding do so on a voluntary basis. A unique concept to Sweden.
Participants are from 18 onwards- a lifelong educational method. Folkbilding are independent of the school system and not regulated. A " By the People for the People concept" It bridges the gap between school and university level. It is an empowerment programme that helps strengthen democracy. An informal, non formal, people centred and reflective approach- learning through experience.The history of Western Cape model was discussed. Folkbilding is part of ABF and the labour movement of Sweden. It is about change of society, ideas and empowerment.
There were many speakers, including Tormod on Twinning. It was interesting to note that Port Shepstone / OSAK relationship was the spring board and link for most contacts in SA, including Folkbilding in Western Cape, not forgetting Time Travel and Global School Journey. Bo Carlsson from ABF concentrated on Study Circle, as a teaching method and traced the history and development of Study Circle in Sweden. Staffan Roselius, University of Linskopping " Training Centre for Folk High School Teaches elaborated further on Folkbilding.
There were many speakers, including Tormod on Twinning. It was interesting to note that Port Shepstone / OSAK relationship was the spring board and link for most contacts in SA, including Folkbilding in Western Cape, not forgetting Time Travel and Global School Journey. Bo Carlsson from ABF concentrated on Study Circle, as a teaching method and traced the history and development of Study Circle in Sweden. Staffan Roselius, University of Linskopping " Training Centre for Folk High School Teaches elaborated further on Folkbilding.
Bo concentrated on Global School and Global Supplement, an international project involving 4 to 5 thousand educators each year that participate in this programme in SA, Nicaragua and China . He further reported on the workshop facilitated at the SIDA conference - on Time Travel and commented on excellent team effort.
Ebbe focussed on Time Travel as a teaching method and enlightened the spread of Time Travel in 14 countries, hence the Bridging Ages Committee. The last conference was held in Western Cape. This years conference will take place in Finland. The latest country to be involved is Turkey.
There were presentations by participants from the respective countries on progress of Time Travel projects in their own town and country. Port Shepstone's presentation was undertaken jointly with the delegate present, highlighting progress, process and challenges. Our first Time Travel will take place in October 2009, involving all 3 pilot schools. Other participants will include Global School Journey and Global Supplement students.
In the afternoon, we departed to Kalmar where we met with the students that are participating in Global Supplement. The programme was evaluated. The students displayed a keen interest and is being well orientated by Linda and Bo. Bo will come to Port Shepstone in October and at the same time Linda will take her students to Uganda.
We had dinner together with Global Supplement participating schools - both educators and students. Port Shepstone delegation presented gifts to each and every person present.
N.B. It was further discussed to find creative ways of interchange with Uganda . Students will live with families.
19 May 2009
There were additional participants from Olof Palme and university institutes. We learnt that there are 44 projects by Olof Palme Centre in Soouthern Africa and the future is a concern in terms of continuation. SIDA is the key funder and rules and regulations in place are the guidelines to be followed.
It is interesting to note the keen interest in our country and development. A vibrant discussion during the morning session on the way forward. It was agreed that SA delegates meet on their own and develop our way forward.
This meeting was chaired by Joe. It was finally agreed that we link up with SASCA-(South African Study Circle Association) of which the chairperson, Andy was also a delegate. He was mandated to incorporate Folkbilding in the SASCA constitution, accept leadership and co-ordinate Folkbilding in SA. Time frame for feedback and progress is July 2009.
Late afternoon: It was an interesting session to listen to individuals input and evaluation. There was an overwhelming positive outcome with a definite YES to continue with future co-operation.
The evening of a wonderful gathering of many that were involved in the project. Sven Ake, Laila, Joppe and his wife, Emma from the museum, including the museum's president had all attended the Farewell Function- with music food and dance. A wonderful gathering for future Time Travel-- perhaps in 2050.
20 May 2009:
Gulshera accompanied the SA delegation from Western Cape and Potchestroom to Denmark. Train departed at 7am. Andy and Andre assisted her to the SA Embassy in Denmark. An adventure, finding the hotel and the Embassy. The Embassy was situated in another area. All this had to be accomplished in less than 1.15 minutes as the Embassy closes midday on a Wednesday. It was interesting to follow the GPS ( modern technology) as it led us on a longer route than the direction given by a shop assistant. A quite, hot day- no one we stopped for directions lived in the area. Joe, Presensen and Sizwe continued visits in Oland to Folkbilding institutions.
21 May 2009.
Andy and Andre left at 3am. Gulshera was overwhelmed to meet the Port Shepstone delegation, precisely at the time and place agreed upon.- at the airport in Copenhagen. They departed from Kalmer that morning
Time management, good communication and excellent transportation system is what we depended on without cell phones and computers. How did people survive over a decade or so
ON THE WAY HOME - TO PLAN , REPORT, CO-OPERATE AND IMPLEMENT.
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