U.N.I.c - international meetings
Project meetings, which structured the time-lines of the partnership work, took place in Budapest, Rome, Bristol, Helsinki, Bonn and Bucharest. Staff, teachers and learners of the host organisations were on the one hand locally involved in organising and carrying out these meetings, and also travelled to attend meetings abroad. This gave the opportunity not only for broad networking among staff, but also to many learners and teachers/trainers form the different countries to meet twice and thus to deepen their insights and their personal contacts and exchanges.
The international project meetings, hosted by the partner institutions, started with a welcome dinner. Host staff organised ice-breakers (all ideas worth to remember), to facilitate easy-going informal get together and socialising among the participants.
The official part of the meetings - held at the host's premises if possible, otherwise in rented facilities - started with a welcome to the participants, introduction to the agenda of the meeting and a presentation of their institution (framework conditions, range of offers designed for and appreciated by older learners).
Presentations of good practice - involving all participants, intense information on cultural and historical issues of the host's city and country, in some cases visits to associated local institutions, traditional meals and a concluding feedback/evaluation-session were essential elements of all project meetings.
Special highlights were the presence of the U.N.I.C participants at the Bristol "Celebrating Age Festival" and the contacts with local people organised by the partner in Bucharest.
In addition to the agenda which was relevant for all participants, staff members held meetings to bring forward project business, e.g. presentations of results of the partners' local activities, exchange of experience and opinions, evaluation and process assessment matters, planning the following meeting, planning the final documentation and output of the partnership.
Involving older people in mobilities was a rewarding experiment, especially enabling older learners to share experiences in person with participants from six countries.
For more information about and nice photos taken at the U.N.I.C meetings klick here:
Vienna Kick off meeting : 8 - 10 Nov. 2009
Budapest: 31 Jan. - 2 Feb. 2010
Rome: 25 - 27 Apr. 2010
Bristol: 8 - 12 Sep. 2010
Helsinki: 13 - 16 Feb. 2011
Bonn: 10 - 12 Apr. 2011
Bucharest: 25 - 29 June 2011
