On February 13, an online meeting was held for the project “Conscious Parents in Crisis” (CPC).
Partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Turkey gathered to review the progress made so far and to define the next steps in developing essential support tools for parents and educators.
In recent years, the world has faced unprecedented disruption. From the global COVID-19 pandemic, which fundamentally altered education systems, to localized natural disasters like the devastating floods witnessed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the need for structured support for children and youth has never been more urgent.
During times of crisis, education and family stability are often the first to suffer. Recognizing this, the CPC project has dedicated the past several months to developing a comprehensive Handbook that adresses this topic.
This handbook is more than just a theoretical document; it is a practical toolkit designed to:
- Provide concrete methods for engaging with children under extraordinary circumstances.
- Ensure educational continuity even when traditional schools are inaccessible.
- Empower parents and youth workers with crisis management skills and psychological
support strategies.
The partners expressed great satisfaction with the current progress, and we eagerly anticipate the official release of these tools to the public.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning the upcoming Facilitator Training, scheduled to take place in Izmir, Turkey, this April. This training will serve as the heart of the project’s next phase, where experts from all six partner countries will:
- Test and analyze workshop methodologies.
- Refine the practical application of the tools found in the handbook.
- Strategize the local implementation of the project within their respective communities.
While crises are often unpredictable, our level of preparedness should not be. Through the CPC project, we are building bridges across borders and sharing vital knowledge to ensure that every child, regardless of the circumstances, has access to a supportive and educational environment.
We look forward to the findings from the April session in Izmir and the positive impact these resources will have on our local communities.
MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
The CPC project is designed to empower parents to start and manage learning groups effectively, providing an alternative or supplement to traditional public education. It’s particularly relevant in crisis situations where conventional educational structures may falter. The project envisions learning groups as small, organized communities that deliver regular educational content outside the public system. Examples include small private school communities in Hungary that follow the national curriculum but employ alternative teaching methods. Similar home-schooling communities exist in Portugal and Germany.
The project’s operations span several phases, beginning with preparations like kick-off events and local knowledge transfer seminars. The initial stages focus on data collection through research on existing student groups across various countries. Each partner country is tasked with examining specific aspects of these groups to create a collection of best practices.
These practices will then be synthesized into a comprehensive Learning Group Management (LGM) methodology. The final output will be a training manual alongside facilitator training sessions. The methodology will cover six key themes ranging from building a learning community to integrating digital tools and supporting children with special needs.
The project also involves creating a robust digital presence, including a project website and social media engagement to foster a wider community interaction and dissemination of project results. Fieldwork will follow, with local and international training sessions for facilitators who will then train parents directly. The aim is to make these learning groups viable and sustainable options for parents looking to supplement their children’s education or provide a solid alternative during disruptive times.
Ultimately, the project not only addresses the educational needs of children but also equips parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead these initiatives effectively. The focus on a supportive learning environment, blended learning methods, and inclusive education practices underscores the project’s commitment to a holistic educational approach. This initiative is aligned with the EU’s educational objectives and offers a practical response to the growing need for adaptable educational formats in light of global challenges like climate change and societal disruptions.
More about BRAVO you can see on our video below: