Presentation of the new UNESCO Educational Framework "Arts for Transformative Education"
The new UNESCO educational framework "Arts for Transformative Education" was presented for the first time globally by the International Coordinator of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), Ms Julie Saito Loubière, on Friday 19 April 2024 at the World Cultural Heritage Youth Symposium 2024 in Ancient Olympia. The framework focuses on teaching subjects through various art forms since, as stated in the foreword to the publication, " Arts education can enhance learning and unlock creativity, foster critical thinking, empathy, and socio-emotional skills. It is key to help promote pluralism, respect for cultural diversity, and a sense of belonging to a global human community.
Ms Julie Saito Loubière, together with the National Coordinator of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), Ms Vera Dilari, coordinated a training workshop for teachers from 24 schools in 14 countries around the world to familiarize them with the methodology proposed in the publication Arts for Transformative Education: A Guide for Teachers from the UNESCO Associated School Network.
The Office of European & International Programs of the Directory of Secondary Education of Piraeus was represented by Ms Katerina Christodoulou, UNESCO ASPnet Focal Point for the directory, who attended the workshop in order to transfer the new methodology to Piraeus ASPnet school teachers.
On Saturday 20 April, Mrs Christodoulou, following an official invitation from the organizers as UNESCO Individual Expert on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in school education, coordinated a training workshop for the same multinational group of teachers, together with the National Coordinator of the Network, Mrs. Vera Dilari, on the UNESCO-EU methodology for the integration of ICH the daily teaching practice as proposed in the publication Teaching and Learning with Living Heritage: A Resource Kit for Teachers.