Without Barriers - Sin Barreras

Presentación de el libro "A Santiago desde mi celda" - Presentation of the book "To Santiago from my cell"

2011-03-15T01:55:00.000-07:00

El pasado viernes, 4 de marzo, se realizó la presentación oficial de nuestro libro “A Santiago desde mi celda” en el que se recogen las vivencias de los internos del Centro Penitenciario de Monterroso que realizaron el Camino de Santiago en Galicia como parte del proyecto Grundtvig “Sin Barreras”.

Last Friday, March 4th, we had the official presentation of our book "A Santiago from my cell" which details the experiences of the inmates of the Prison of Monterroso who completed the Camino de Santiago in Galicia as part of the Grundtvig project "Without Barriers."

El acto tuvo lugar en la Diputación de Lugo y fue presidido por diferentes personalidades: La Alcaldesa de Melide, Dª Mª Socorro Cea Vázquez, Alcaldesa de Melide y presidenta de la Mancomunidade de Concellos del Camiño Francés, entidad que subvencionó el libro, D. Antonio Gato, Alcalde de Monterroso, D. José Vázquez Portomeñe, Subdelegado del Gobierno en Lugo y Víctor Fraga, Gerente del Organismo Autónomo de Trabajo Penitenciario y Formación para el empleo. Todos ellos participaron en la rueda de prensa en la que se explicó el alcance del proyecto y de la publicación del libro.
Durante el acto, también fue entrevistado uno de los internos participantes en el proyecto, Wang Lu Ling, de nacionalidad china, expresando con emoción las vivencias que tuvieron durante el Camino y que luego se plasmaron en el libro “A Santiago desde mi Celda”.

The event was in the Provincial of Lugo, and was chaired by different personalities: The Mayor of Melide, Mrs Cea Maria Socorro Vazquez Melide, Mayor and President of the “Mancomunidade de Concellos do Camiño Francés”, the organization that funded the book; D. Antonio Gato, Mayor of Monterroso, D. José Vázquez Portomeñe, Government of Lugo and Victor Fraga, representing the National Department of the Spanish Prisons. They attended the press conference in which they explained the scope of the project and the book's publication.
During the ceremony, one of the inmates involved in the project was interwied: Lu Ling Wang, from China, saying with emotion the experiences which they had during the road and then expressed in the book "To Santiago from my cell."

El seguimiento de los medios de comunicación fue importante. Aquí dejamos algunos de los artículos más destacados.

The presence of the media was important. Here we leave some of the most outstanding articles.

También, el pasado viernes, dia 11 de marzo, vinieron a nuestro Centro de Adultos del Centro Penitenciario de Monterroso 2 periodistas del Diario “El Progreso” de Lugo, quienes entrevistaron a los responsables del proyecto y a algunos de los internos participantes, así como a otros internos, participantes en los nuevos proyectos Grundtvig que se siguen desarrollando desde el Centro de Adultos de Monterroso. En la fotografía podéis ver el artículo que también está on-line en la dirección que se incluye.

Also, on Friday, March 11, came to The Adult Center of Monterroso two journalists of the newspaper "El Progreso” form Lugo, who interviewed the project managers and some of the inmates involved, as well as other inmates, who participate in the new Grundtvig Projects developed by the Adult Center of Monterroso. In the picture you can see the article and the on-line link.

http://elprogreso.galiciae.com/nova/79936.html

A Santiago desde mi celda - To Santiago from my cell

2011-03-02T03:34:00.000-08:00

El próximo viernes, 4 de marzo, a las 12,30 h. presentaremos oficialmente nuestro libro “A Santiago desde mi Celda”, basado en los escritos realizados por los alumnos recogiendo sus experiencias cuando recorrieron el Camino de Santiago en Galicia.

El acto será en la Diputación de Lugo y a él asistirán diferentes autoridades nacionales , regionales y locales. También acudirán 2 de los internos que relizaron el Camino en el marco del proyecto Grundtvig “Sin Barreras”.

El libro ha sido publicado por la Mancomunidade de Concellos del Camino de Santiago en Galicia a quien queremos agradecer sus esfuerzos y, especialmente, a la Alcaldesa de Melide, Dª María Socorro Cea Vázquez, quien desde el primer momento se interesó por nuestro proyecto y consiguió que finalmente nuestro libro fuese publicado.

Ayer, presentamos el acto y nuestro libro en el programa “Hoy por hoy” de la Cadena Ser, intentando dar aún más difusión a nuestro proyecto Grundtvig “Sin Barreras” y al libro “A Santiago desde mi Celda”. Nuestro agradecimiento, también, a Juan Carlos, presentador del programa, que siempre nos apoya en cada una de nuestras iniciativas en Monterroso.

Next Friday, March 4th , at 12:30 pm. we will officially present our book "To Santiago from my cell, " based on writings collecting the experiences of our students when they walked the “Camino” , Saint Jacques Way, in Galicia.

The event will be in the Provincial of Lugo, and various national, regional and local authorities will assist to the presentation. Two inmates who realized the experience will assist to the act. The book has been published by the “Mancomunidade de Concellos del Camino de Santiago en Galicia” and we thank especially to the Mayor of Melide, Ms. Maria Socorro Cea Vazquez, who was interested in our project from the beginning and got our book finally published.

Yesterday, we introduced the act and our book in the radio program "Hoy por hoy" (Cadena Ser) trying to give more publicity to our Grundtvig project "Without Barriers " and to the book "To Santiago from my cell. " Thanks to Juan Carlos, presenter of the program, because he always supported our initiatives in Monterroso.

That's all, folks

2010-09-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

Queridos Socios

Sin barreras está llegando a su fin. No llores, Ayse, que seguro algún otro proyecto volverá a reunirnos…

Dear Partners
Without Barriers is nearing its end. Do not cry, Ayse, another project will join us again

Han sido 2 maravillosos años compartiendo tantas y tantas experiencias con un grupo excepcional de personas.

Mis sentimientos, al final de este proyecto, son de un trabajo bien hecho y de haber logrado un grupo al que me he sentido orgulloso de pertenecer.

There have been two wonderful years sharing so many experiences with an exceptional group of people. My feelings at the end of this project are from a job well done and have been a group which I was proud to belong.

Agradecer a los socios noruegos, como así reiterar el agradecimiento a todas las instituciones, por la excepcional reunión organizada en Noruega y de la que siempre guardaremos emotivos recuerdos.

Thank you very much to the Norwegian partners, as well to reiterate the gratitude to all institutions, for the exceptional meeting held in Norway and the emotional memories that will keep forever.

Estamos pendientes de la publicación de nuestro libro sobre el Camino de Santiago, lo que informaremos en el Blog cuando tengamos el libro en nuestras manos.

Sólo me queda recordar que, Sin Barreras, debe ser no sólo un proyecto, sino una actitud a continuar en todos y cada uno de nosotros. Ahora hemos comprendido un poco más la problemática de la población inmigrante; no lo olvidemos y sigamos, en nuestro día a día, intentando que aquellas barreras que, como diría Cherif, se han roto, no se vuelvan a levantar.

Y recordad que os estaré vigilando…

We are awaiting the publication of our book about the Camino de Santiago, which inform on the Blog when we have the book in our hands.

I can only remember that, Without Barriers, must be not only a project, but an attitude to continue in each and every one of us. Now we understand a little more the problem of the immigrant population We must not forget it in our day to day, trying to make that those barriers, as Cherif said “breaking”, do not raise again.
And remember that I will be watching ...

Pedro the First, King of Without Barriers and another unexplored lands...

Sajjad's story

2010-08-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Sajjad, the young man you all met the last night we spent together, our barbeque-chef who provided us with tasty food, has given me his story. Though many of you might feel that the project is over, I feel the opposite: it has just begun! Stories like what you are about to hear from Sajjad gives me an important perspective about life itself, many times depending on where you are born. It motivates me to work even harder to understand, to participate in the integration process. This is his story, told especially for you working with Without Barriers.

A high price for a new life

My childhood in Afghanistan was stolen from me when I was just 10 years old. At this age I witnessed that they shot and killed my father. Who “they” were, I don’t know, but later I’ve been told that they did it because they wanted our property, our money. More than 20 years have passed, but I still see it, I have it in my head, my body, it fills me entirely! Since that time I’ve seen dead people many times, and I’ve been close to getting killed several times myself.

My mother became a widow much too young. She was left alone with me as the “head of family”, a child, and also there were my siblings of 2 and 3 years. Life is not easy for women in my country, especially not if they do not have a husband or other men to look after them. My mother had only me, and I was a child. We managed to cross the border to Iran, thanks to savings and good connections. In Iran life was somewhat better, and I could continue school. I have always been smart, and school was easy for me. I got good grades, and was accepted at the university. But I never started my studies to become a dentist, I had to flee the country to help my mother economically.

Since I come from Afghanistan, I did not have a passport. I therefore had to flee Iran illegally. I went over the border to Turkey, but I was not alone. We were many, all young men crossing the border without papers. It was hard and cold, very cold. We went over the mountains, and all I had was my trousers and a T-shirt. In the mountains there was wind and snow, freezing cold. For almost a week we had no food, but could not rest. All night we were walking, and all day we had to hide under big stones so the Turkish helicopters should not see us.

The way we went was covered with minefields. The Turks did not want anyone to cross the border illegally; therefore they patrolled it with men with machine guns and helicopters. I saw many men get shot, and corpses who had lost their lives long ago were also witnesses on the road to my freedom.

Not only the crossing over the Turkish border was hard, also the crossing over to Yugoslavia where they also shot at us. Many people had lost their lives here too. My trip continued towards Austria. To do this, I had to cross a river. The boat I sat in, a small rowboat, went around, and all of us fell into the cold water. To survive, we had to undress at the shore and run. That is when they caught me; naked and afraid. My fingerprints were taken in Austria, at the police station. I never applied for asylum there, but those fingerprints have given me a lot of problems later. That is why the Norwegian government spent years and years to give me my permit to stay, to settle in a new country. Finally, after many years!

I remember happy days, before I was 10. I was a child, I played with other children, I remember family members laughing, having big parties. I remember my mother working as a teacher, my father was a doctor. Both had nice jobs which they were proud of, and we had a nice home. But that was before I reached the age of 10… My life has been tough, and I feel like I have wasted the 9 last years of my life. So much I’ve been through, so much paperwork, so much waiting. All I ever wanted was to continue my life, get an education and a job so I could help my dear ones.

There are many, many more out there who have experienced worse things than me. We are survivors, but we pay a high price to live – because memories cannot be wiped out easily. Bente told me to write down my experiences, to write a book about it. Maybe one day I will, I need to do it, only then I can have peace in mind.

Epilogue: The language is “the hands and feet” – without them you are lost

When I first met Sajjad at our school, I saw a positive and always smiling, young man. He told me that he wanted to find work, to settle down and start his life here in Kongsberg. He had great respect for the Norwegian way of working, and admitted that the Norwegian language was important to find work. “The language is the hands and feet, if you don’t have it, you cannot function”, he said. When I asked him what kind of work he wanted, he answered that he was open for all options.

I contacted a friend of mine who runs a food store in town. He was willing to meet Sajjad and give him a try in the shop. To make a long story short; Sajjad is the best worker they ever have had, and he is about to get a permanent job with good career opportunities. I wish him the best of luck in the future – and I will never forget his story!

Final meeting in Norway

2010-07-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

We, the Norwegian delegation, know that we live in a country with a harsh climate, so my survey from June has told you. We do not necessarily have sunshine every day, or hot temperatures. We do not have many historical and grand buildings dated back to before Christ, nor do we have splendid cathedrals with world known ornaments and paintings. But we do have our nature, and that was where we wanted to put our focus when you came to visit us in Norway.

Since you all had different schedules here, arriving with different means to different places, we found out that we had to split up to receive you all. It was important for us, after everything you have done for us earlier, to welcome you in a positive way, making your stay here as nice as possible.

Our own sweet "troll" imported directly from Spain: Pedro F. Cantero

The first partners arriving were the Spanish guys. Bente received them in her apartment In Horten, close to Larvik, where their ferry from Denmark arrived. They came in the middle of the night, but were astonished about how light it was in mid-June. We had a nice time visiting towns like Nevlunghavn, Stavern, Kjærringvik and Åsgårdstrand on Sunday. Monday we spent in the prison of Halden, a modern and well known site in Norway because of it’s luxurious premises.

The Spanish delegation with Bente in the prison of Halden.

After this visit we went over the border to Sweden for a short visit, where we walked around the town of Strømstad. The day finished in the old town of Fredrikstad, where Manuel and Ali had a great time playing with children’s toys. (I hope you are friends still, although Manuel struggled a lot to get down from the toy on the photo).

Boys having fun on childrens playground of Fredrikstad

The Germans arrived Monday, and was picked up at the airport of Torp by Cherif. He invited them to join for an active Tuesday after settling in Grand Hotel, Kongsberg. The same day Henri picked up Ayse from Turkey and the French partners in Oslo. They managed to see the Opera building before they sat off for our little town. So next day, Tuesday, were spent with Cherif and Grete in the surroundings of Kongsberg. They went to a small water-fall, had a barbeque there and finally sat down for coffee and ice-cream in Grete’s garden. Here the Spanish people met the rest, and we were finally united.

Icecream and coffee/tea in Grete's beautiful garden

After tons of coffee and ice-cream we all went down to Bergstaden Taekwondo, Henri’s local where he and I do our training. It was funny to see how our partners enjoyed playing with stuff in the local, they kicked and boxed and got quite crazy, maybe some of you saw a new potential in yourself?

Laure shows her boxing skills with great eager.

Henri then had a light training session with us which was very nice after a long day with many impressions. And Manuel had a great opportunity of studying some techniques.

All training with Henri in his local

"This is not difficult!"

Bergstaden taekwondo - welcome to our new, international members :-)

Henri, Norwegian champion of Taekwondo

Christian enjoys the training...

Our meetings were held Wednesday 16^th and Thursday 17^th of June. We started at 09.00 in the town hall of Kongsberg. Here we made a short presentation of the program, of the town itself and our social plans for the days working with the project. The social part is very important whenever we make our meetings, because it reveals a lot about the country’s culture and the people in it.

After the short morning coffee, we went into the church of Kongsberg. It is one of our countries most beautiful churches from 1761, as you may see on the full screen image here. It has a very simple facade, but inside it is highly decorated. After the church visit, we went across the street into the Fredheim school to participate in a 30 minutes “crash-course” in Norwegian.

Sajjad helps with the Norwegian pronounciation.

Grete and Bente were teachers, and the participants were mixed in two groups, helped by participants from many different countries from our school. Sentences like “Hei, jeg heter…” (Hi, my name is…) and “Jeg kommer fra …” (I come fom…) were repeated, and we teachers sincerely think that our partners made great progress in short time! Well done!!!

Hervé impresses Annette (USA) with his fluent Norwegian.

Of course there was a reason for our small “language course”. We wanted to draw attention to what “Without Barriers” really includes: that every immigrant in the beginning has a lot of barriers to deal with before they can integrate properly. We wanted to put ourselves into the shoes of an immigrant just arriving Norway. His/her problems will be:

Need to learn the language

Find out names of food and other necessities, where to buy it and prices/money

Make friends, hopefully with native people too

Need to understand the codes, culture, the rules and the system of the country

Get a job and be independent

There are many obstacles to be won, but we partners have means to help everyone a step further, and that’s what we have been working with throughout this project.

We went from school to our local where we had our work-meetings. Bente showed a quick resume on a Power Point presentation of our meetings in the past; in Spain, France, Germany and Turkey. She also made some comments on peoples’ signatures, and drew the attention to how these can be meaningless to even try to read. It is a kind of "secret language", a signature could as well be written in Chinese, because it only gives meaning to the writer itself. Well, the presentation was of course meant to be amusing, and I believe our partners saw both the humor and the memories in it.

We had lunch at Grand hotel, and everybody seemed to enjoy the typical Norwegian buffet. Especially the salmon and other seafood were tested by most of us. Yammi!!!

Lunch at Grand Hotel. Norwegian buffet.

After lunch we went back to our local where we decided upon our work which was to be done during the stay. We split into 5 groups (as in member-countries), and carried out some serious work before the Spanish delegation run to their hostel to watch the first football-match; Spain against Switzerland. (By the way, I maybe should NOT mention that Spain lost this game 0 – 1. This was probably just to make everything more exciting, I’m sure…)

After the Spanish loss (OH, I said it again) we met with towels and swim suits to start our competition: “Who will be the Viking of our project?”. We went to Fiskum, an inland fiord near Kongsberg. Even I must admit that the water was VERY cold, but some of us managed to put our bodies into it. The tuff people were: Ayse (Turkey), Victor (Spain), Hervé and Laure (France – the WHOLE French delegation, as a matter of fact), Christian (Germany – first one in) and finally Grete and Bente (Norway).

Henri and Birgit tried the water from water-pistols.

We had a great time almost freezing to death, but dinner afterwards was so much better for us! We ate salmon at a restaurant in Eidsfoss, a cozy and typical Norwegian old house with charming walls and interior.

The restaurant

Well, not everybody wanted salmon, so Ali got his number one meal instead; hamburger.

Dinner at Eidsfoss

After dinner Bente gave our project coordinator, our dear Pedro, a gift from Kongsberg; 2 coins made from the Kongsberg Myntverk (where coins are made in Norway). We hope he will enjoy them under a pair of wine glasses whenever good wine is served in his house in Lugo, Spain (and I hope to see them when I come back to taste more wine with you, Pedro!!!)

Thank you, Pedro, for the coordination-work with our project!

After the visit in the restaurant, strawberries and Norwegian Acquavite and acquavite-liquor was carried down on Cherif’s head – as usual. (I do not know what it is with this man and his lust for carrying alcohol on his head. Remember in France, do you?)

How things are carried in Africa...

Thursday we met at our local and made some final decisions about the final report. We also had the manager from the Culture Department of Kongsberg visiting, and she showed us a nice film about our town’s large cultural events during the year. Now that you have been here, you may watch this film again here. You may even like another presentation of the town…

Henri and Hervé then had a surprise for our dear Manuel; a “Black belt member of Honour-certificate" in Taekwondo including a “business card” with his own photo! (Little did Manuel know what the photo he gave Henri would be used for before now…). We all found this very amusing, since Manuel has been seeking to win over our Norwegian champion in this fight sport since we were in Turkey. The pictures will tell the rest.

Our "Taekwondo member of Honor, Black belt, 5th dan..."

Wednesday we were at the inland fiord (lake) of Eikern. Now it was time to climb mountains! We went up to Knutehytta to eat a typical Norwegian lunch; bread with ham, cheese, fish, caviar, jam etc. together with coffee, tea and a sweet cake called “kanelsnurr”. The weather was beautiful, and so was the lunch. After eating we all set off to climb up to Knutetoppen. I was amused by Pedro who many times during our climb shouted that “I hate you, Bente!!!” Well, this lasted until he came to the top. The hate transferred into love, and I was happy to see that both he and all the others loved the beautiful view we were rewarded with.

Christian and Víctor find snow in June on the way to the top

Ayse made a "drawing" of everyone in the book on the top of Knutefjell

The view from the top

In the evening, after a short shower and to collect towel and swimsuit, we went to our barbeque place. We had rented a hut to get this place, which lies nicely besides a warm and quiet water. Cherif brought two canoes and life-jackets, so anyone who wanted could paddle on like real vikings... oh, I mean indians. Again we invited everyone into the water, and Christian was first man in – as usual J The temperature here was totally different from yesterday, so I do not lie when I say that everyone trying to swim here, was positively surprised. It was delightful!

Sajjad (Afghanistan) and Henri (Kamerun), our chefs for the barbeque

Some of us by the shore of the lake

One of my dear participants, Sajjad from Afghanistan, had arranged all the food. He and I had bought everything in advance, but he was left alone with all the preparing. And he had done a great job – everything was so tasty and good! We enjoyed it together with wine brought by the German people (what – not all of you noticed that???), nicely chilled in the water.

Our German partners posing outside Knutehytta before we went to the top

Norway is a country with many qualities. I believe that there is not many countries in the world which can offer free nature experiences like Norway. Our policy is that every man and woman in this country shall be able to enjoy the nature, that there shall be a minimum of private property and limits to get access to nature pearls like fiords and lakes, mountains and woods. Our work with integration in Kongsberg focuses allot on this, we try to make immigrants see the immense possibilities our country offers – all year around.

Our Diva: Christian, enjoying Norwegian sunshine

Norwegians are very good at using the nature, and most tourists come just to take part of this too. Hopefully we succeeded in transmitting a little part of what we enjoy in our country, but also to make our partners experience what immigrants do. As long as we who have taken part for the last two years have managed to help just one single person each, I believe we have succeeded. Success is all the small victories, all the small points gained. Today we can compare it with what the Spanish football team did during the World Cup; collecting points – loose some – win some more – and we all know that their effort ended up at the very top: as World Champions. Congratulations, Spain!

The winners of our Viking-competition: Laure, Christian and Ayse. Well done!

With our very Norwegian friend, Víctor, we thank you for coming to our country of trolls.

Soo long everybody – we miss you all!!!!

"How integrated am I?"

2010-06-23T06:41:00.002-07:00

During the weeks 40 (2009) and 6 (2010) we had classes in Norwegian social studies. All together we gave 35 people, men and women, a questionnaire to answer regarding their life in Norway. Here we present our results, where we – in my opinion – also have some interesting findings.

Personal information:
Most of our female participants were married and had children, but only half of the men were.

Why did you come to Norway?
It was quite clear that the women came to Norway for two reasons; for love/marriage and work. The men on the other hand came either for work or because they had applied for asylum in Norway, and now had obtained refugee-status.

What was your first impresion
- of the country itself
Words like “peaceful, nice, beautiful, calm, safe for children/family, good” were mentioned on almost all questionnaires, but one (woman) also wrote “boring”. We guess she is quite young, and can to a certain extent understand her 

What was your first impresion
- of the Norwegian people
Here the words were “nice, smiling, polite and friendly”, but some even said Norwegians are cold people.

How long do you plan to stay in Norway?
Most women planned to stay in Norway for the rest of their lives (80%), but this was not the fact for the men. Only 40 answered positive here, and most of them said they intended to stay a few years. This corresponds with the reason to come to the country, the refugees put “all my life”, whilst the men coming for work ticked off “a few years”. For the women, who mainly came to Norway because of love, the “all my life” choice scored highly.

Do you have Norwegian friends?
Most of both women and men answered positively, and we are happy about this.
Do you have friends from your home country?
About 70% of all people have friends from their own country in Norway.
Do you have friends from other countries?
Many also have friends from other countries. Many of the students for social studies work in international firms or attend our school, so this was expected.

What was easier in your home country?
There is one simple answer referred to by the majority: “Everything is easier in my country”. Especially everything concerning job market and accreditation for studies were mentioned by the majority. Also the weather was mentioned more than once……..

What is easier in Norway?
Possibilities to get work seems to be the main answer, but that does not mean that our respondents say that it is easy (ref. next question). Also do they find less bureaucracy, equal health care and good organization of our society in general favourable?

What is difficult regarding your new life in Norway?
This is maybe the most important question for us in the survey. Almost everyone said that learning Norwegian is difficult. Work is hard to get, and it worries many of them. Getting the first job is more difficult than they first imagined. And last half of the asked said that the climate in Norway (referring to the winter-period) was difficult to live with.

The woman also said that they miss their families allot, and that they also find it hard to get the food they want in the stores, not because it does not exist, but because they do not know the names and looks of it here.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how integrated do you want to become to the Norwegian way of life?
Surprisingly the majority ticked on the scale between 6 and 9, so they really try hard to integrate. One respondent though pointed out an interesting angle:
“My ability to integrate: 10”
“Ability of Norwegians to integrate foreigners: 2”.

The "VAE" in the prison of Varennes Le Grand

2010-06-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

In France, the National Education allows the persons having exercised a job during more than three years to validate a certificate corresponding to this experience. It’s call VAE (Validation of experience qualifications). A person who wants to have her experience recognized can write a professional project composed of forty pages at least. It is a difficult work especially to someone having a low level in French and especially in a penitentiary center because prisoner who wants to realize a VAE have to do a mental effort to remember his past. Most of the time it’s a painful experiment.

To help them in this initiative, GRETA set up sessions of evaluation of the professional acquired. They can describe their training and explain their professional background. This first stage allows the candidate to improve his French, to enrich his vocabulary and to find self-confidence.

We set up this plan with the training team of the penitentiary center. It allowed to validate five certificates. Today, four persons are writing their project .

In April, the chief education officer came to the prison to meet the candidates and to congratulate them. Following this event, several articles were published in a news paper and in the web site : Dijonscope, and a reporting was realized for the local TV.

https://www.dijonscope.com/004574-quand-prison-rime-avec-reinsertion

https://mailweb.ac-dijon.fr/horde2/util/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbourgogne-franche-comte.france3.fr%2Finfo%2Fbourgogne%2Fvarennes-le-grand-71--un-diplome-en-prison-61856526.html&Horde2=cc341983de65ceaf2cd746bef972fd45

Program for our last meeting in Norway

2010-06-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday the 15.th of June: Volontary work with Bente
For those who already have arrived, you are more than welcome to help me preparing for our meeting the next two days. Please come to our school; Fredheim voksenopplæringssenter (the pronounciation is even harder than the words :-) at 12.00.

Wednesday the 16.th of june: First hard-work acting day
09.00 - 10.00:
Reunion at Kongsberg Rådhus (City hall), in the cafeteria. Coffee/tea and fresh pastery from Ingrid's oven.
10.00 - 10.15:
Smokers quarter
10.15 - 10.45:
Norwegian lesson - the key to success! Fredheim voksenopplæringssenter.
11.00 - 12.00:
Presentation of Without Barriers at Menighetssenteret and thoughts about what we now must focus on.
12.30 - 14.00:
Lunch. Grand hotel. Buffét.
14.00 - 16.00:
Working in groups with the final report and the questions
16.00 - 18.00
Free time / resting at the hostel / hotel
18.00 - ca 22.00:
Surroundings of Kongsberg and dinner at Eidsfoss.
(Swim-suit and towel should be brought :-)

Thursday the 17. of June - last day of our project
09.00 - 12.00
We all meet at Menighetssenteret to finish our work
12.00 - 16.00
Going wild in the mountainous surroundings. Lunch at the top.
Bring your clothes for a nature experience: good walking-shoes and warm jacket.

16.00 - 18.30

Rest at the hotel / hostel
18.30 - ca 22.00
Be ready for a surprise and a barbeque. Place unknown.
Norwegians love beeing outside, so please dress for weather-conditions. Bring your swim-suits again, because now we should decied upon who is the projects real Viking!

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Social System in Germany

2010-06-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, in preparation for the reports as agreed at Termal, I post here my contribution about structures in Germany, with best wishes to all of you! I promise to add a summary in French and Spanish, but not earlier than end of June Jürgen Stein

GENERAL PRINCIPLES / Background for “Without Barriers” Project

Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Population: 82 Mio Persons, app. 9 % of them with foreign nationalities. Size: 357.000 square kolometres. Administrative organisation: Federal state with 16 “Bundesländer” with own parliaments and governments.

The German constitution declares in its first words that “Human Dignity” (“Würde des Menschen”) is the basic value of society and is to be respected and promoted by any act of public authorities. Certain basic rights and rules in the constitution and in special laws might apply only to German citizen, to persons with legal residence or employment in Germany but the principle of Dignity as an untouchable value has to be used “without barriers”.

In spite of this and all efforts to provide socal security as described below , organizations offering service to persons with low (family) income, migration background, disability or long-term-illness, homeless or over-indebted persons, see that these and other disfavored people face many barriers. Their chances for inclusion, good education and training are much worse compaired to persons with good income and health, stable jobs and good living conditions. Therefore it is necessary that our organisations adapt to the needs of marginalized persons and use public influence in their favor on local, national and European level. Within the Without Barriers partnership we take steps in these directions, compairing information and sharing good practise.

HEALTH : Compulsory “Social Insurances” cover basic medical treatment They are linked with the workplace and the contributtions are paid half by the employer and half by the employee (there are special systems for life-long employed public servants and special rules for people with very high income, where private insurance schemes are used). Family members and legal partners who do not work are insured with the working family member without an additional contribution. There are “additional payments” for most proceedings (visit to surgery / hospital stay, medecine) with ceiling amounts in relation to income.
When a person looses its workplace, she/he stays member of the insurance and the contribution is paid together with the unemployment benefit. These principles are “without barriers” for all persons with a labour-market employment. “Guest workers” coming from abroad from the 1950ties to 70ties were integrated into this system. Citizens unable to work .p.e. due to a disability or homelessness get insurance cover by the welfare authorities. People coming to Germany from non EU-countries without workplace here have to make private arrangements as private insurance or declaration of guarantee by a German citizen as a pre-condition to enter the country. Recognized asylum seekers get only a part of the health system treatment, covering actual illness. As a person asking for treatment in a surgery or hospital has to give name and address, persons living in Germany “without papers” face difficultiies.

UNEMPLOYMENT BASIC SECURITY, WELFARE BENEFITS: People in employment are compulsory members of a Social insurance against unemployment, which covers financial benefits, assistance with finding employment or additional training. The payments follow the amount of money earned in the last job, but get lower over the time. Persons who are unemployed over a longer period have to look for the assistance of their municipality of residence (or a special agency) – the benefit payment in these cases is designed only to cover minimum needs. Persons not able to work at all under labour market condition get welfare benefits. In both cases, the authorities should assist them in looking for employment, provide training and offering at least some sort of basic occupation, but are entitled to cut back benefit payments if a person does not “cooperate”. These payments are lump sums, given according to rules of cost of living of a single person or a family member, child ... and made out every year by statistical reckoning. The general rule is that the welfare payments have to be lower than income earned by employment. Money earned by disabled persons in special workshops is reckoned against welfare benefits.
It is a rule that basic security payments must not be given to persons entering the county only with the intention of getting these payments. Foreigners applying for these benefits must therefore have an acknowlegded residence status, p.e. as refugee.
The German system of old-age pensions follow, as the health insusurance the working carrer: a persons who worked many years with good income get a good pension, others may fall back in old age to welfare basic security payments.

LIVING CONDITIONS (residence, transport,...): In order to give every citizen housing in accordance to the human dignity principle there is a) a system of housing benefit payments relating rent with family income and b) for persons receiving welfare the rule that the welfare authoritiy covers “real cost” for rent and heating in an “adequate” flat. There are rules about the maximun rent and the maximum living space. People with disability get special rates on public transport and might, in special cases, receive a transportation cost benefit. Other benefits and reductions for people without or with low income are decied by the local authorities or private organisations offering services.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE: Some sorts of legal assistence as for over-indebted persons are part of the social services offered – of paid for – by the welfare autorities. Lawsuits about questions of soical insurance are cost-free for an individual. A person not able to be responsible for all or some of its legal affairs (due to disability, old age dementia ...) have to be provideed with legal guardianship.

Ammendment on actual problems: It is not regarded as a problem of “social security, but nowadays many problems for migrants in Germany are related to conditions and regulations for bi-national marriage and child education in such families. In former days, one way to acquire right of residence here (or citizenship) was marriage with a German. Today public authorities often suspect “mis-use” and make examinations whether a partnership is only a bogus marriage. On the othter hand, in case of divorce there aqre often long an painful disputes about who is responsible for the children. There are spectacular cases of “kidnapping” by divorced partners

For details of social system of EU and European Economic Area member countries in 2007, see “MISSOC” documents, http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/missoc_tables_en.htm

Please note: These documents are not going to be updated and will probably be remoned from the EU Server in June 2010. Norway is included, but not Turkey.

Camino de Santiago: Última etapa - Last stage

2010-05-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

La pasada semana, el grupo Grundtvig de Monterroso realizó la etapa final del Camino de Santiago. La etapa se dividió en dos días: el miércoles 26 y el jueves 27 de mayo.
En esta ocasión especial fueron 8 los alumnos que tuvieron la oportunidad de caminar hasta Santiago de Compostela, acompañados de los habituales del grupo y con una caminante muy especial: nuestra socia de Noruega, Bente, para quien no tenemos palabras de agradecimiento por su esfuerzo en viajar hasta España para realizar esta última etapa con nosotros.

Last week, the Grundtvig group from Monterroso realised the final stage of the “Camino de Santiago”. The journey was divided in two days: on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th May.
On this special occasion eight students had the opportunity to walk to Santiago de Compostela, accompanied by the group that usually takes part in this activity. This time, a very special walker joined us: a member of the Norwegian group, Bente. We are very grateful to her for his effort to travel to Spain and take part in the last stage with us.

El primer día amaneció lluvioso, pero finalmente la suerte o la ayuda del Apóstol nos ofreció una jornada sin lluvia y con una temperatura muy agradable.

On the first day dawn broke out raining, but eventually the fortune or the Apostle’s aid gave us a warm day without rain.

Partimos de O Xen para finalizar en el Monte do Gozo, tramo en el que pudimos disfrutar de la compañía de numerosos peregrinos que, ilusionados como nosotros, se acercaban al final de su peregrinación.

We started the journey in O Xen and finish in the Monte do Gozo. During this stage we could enjoy the company of many pilgrims, as excited as we were, because the end of their pilgrimage was not far.

Tan sólo alguna ampolla en los pies alteró nuestra marcha, pero así pudimos valorar aún más la solidaridad del camino.

Only some blisters on our feet altered our way, but this only made us to appreciate even more the solidarity that you can find along the Way.

Tras almorzar en Lavacolla, realizamos los últimos kilómetros del día.

After having lunch at Lavacolla, we made the last miles of the day.

Pero a diferencia de otras etapas, en esta ocasión dormimos también en el Camino, en concreto en el albergue del Monte do Gozo, pudiendo compartir alimentos y vivencias con muchos peregrinos y peregrinas que allí también pasaban la noche.

But unlike other stages, this time we also spend the night on the Way. We slept in a hostel in Monte do Gozo, where we could share food and experiences with many pilgrims who were staying there too.

A la mañana siguiente, realizamos los últimos kilómetros para, finalmente, adentrarnos en la plaza del Obradoiro y poder visitar la Catedral de Santiago, momento de especial emoción para todos. Comentar que nos acompañaron, en este último tramo, los responsables de Educación de Adultos de la Xunta de Galicia: Alejo Aldrey y Antonio León. Allí fuimos entrevistados por periodistas que asistieron para reflejar nuestra llegada a la capital de Galicia.

Next morning, we walked the last few miles to finally arrive at Santiago and get into Obradoiro Square, where we could visit the Cathedral of Santiago, a moment of special emotion for everyone.
We want to highlight that the people responsible for Adult Education of the Xunta de Galicia, Alejo Aldrey and Antonio Leon joined us on this stage. There, we were interviewed by journalists who attended to reflect our arrival in the capital of Galicia.

En el marco especial del Claustro de Fonseca tuvieron lugar las recepciones oficiales, a cargo del rector de la Universidad, Senén Barro, del presidente de la asociación de periodistas del Camino de Santiago, Cristóbal Ramírez y de Ignacio Santos, Gerente del Xacobeo, entidad que coordina el Año Santo Compostelano, todas ellas seguidas de cerca por medios de comunicación tanto escritos como de radio y televisión. Al final del artículo encontraréis los enlaces a algunos de los diferentes artículos de prensa que recogieron nuestro final del Camino.

Official receptions were held in the ideal setting of Fonseca Cloister. The reception was led by the University Chancellor, Mr. Senen Barro, the president of the Journalists Association in the Camino de Santiago, Mr. Cristóbal Ramirez and Mr.Ignacio Santos, Xacobeo Manager, entity which coordinates ”Compostela Holy Year”. All this was closely followed by both print and mass media. At the end of this article you will find links to some of the various press articles which collect the end of our journey.

Tras asistir a la misa del Peregrino, realizamos la comida de despedida, que resultó especialmente emotiva y, tras una última visita a Santiago y la recogida de la Compostela para los peregrinos que habían completado más de 100 kilómetros de Camino, retornamos al Monte do Gozo para desplazarnos de nuevo al Centro.

After attending the Pilgrim's Mass, we had a farewell dinner, which was particularly emotional. Finally we went for a walk along Santiago streets and we collect the Compostela, a card which is given to the pilgrims who have made more than a hundred kilometers of the Way on foot. We returned to Monte do Gozo to move back to our centre.

Sólo me queda agradecer a todos por su colaboración, especialmente a todos los alumnos que nos han mostrado que, tras las rejas de la prisión, hay una verdadera humanidad.

I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation, especially to all students who have shown that, behind the bars of the prison, there is a true humanity.

Ahora esperamos que, nuestro libro reflejando todas sus vivencias, pueda finalmente ver la luz.

Now, we hope that our book, in which all their experiences are reflected, can finally come out.

Pedro Cantero
Coordinador del Proyecto Grundtvig “Sin Barreras”

Enlaces a los artículos de prensa

Links to Media

http://elprogreso.galiciae.com/nova/54804.html

http://www.noticiascamino.com/?p=6104

http://www.noticiascamino.com/?p=6095

http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santiago/ecg/el-rector-recibe-a-peregrinos-de-monterroso/idEdicion-2010-05-27/idNoticia-551459/

http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/5/20100527/tlc-reclusos-do-penal-de-monterroso-lugo-9e19548.html

http://www.europapress.es/galego/noticia-reclusos-do-penal-monterroso-lugo-culminan-etapas-camino-co-fin-plasmar-nun-libro-as-suas-experiencias-20100527173550.html

http://crtvg.es/reproductor/inicio.asp?canal=radio&hora=28/05/2010%2012:05:00&fecha=27/05/2010&arquivo=1&programa=AQU%CD%20GALICIA (min. 47’40)

http://crtvg.es/reproductor/inicio.asp?canal=radio&hora=28/05/2010%2012:05:00&fecha=26/05/2010&arquivo=1&programa=AQU%CD%20GALICIA (min. 17’30)

http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santiago/ecg/peregrinos-grandes-grupos-llenan-catedral/idEdicion-2010-05-28/idNoticia-552040/

http://www.farodevigo.es/sociedad-cultura/2010/05/28/sacerdotes-obispos-cinco-diocesis-gallegas-celebran-jubileo-santiago/442724.html

http://noticiaspenitenciarias.blogspot.com/2010/05/reclusos-de-monterroso-culminan-una.html

ADAM'S NATIONALITY....

2010-05-29T01:11:00.000-07:00

I have lots of immigrant students at school. Different cultures are at a school. My students are from Bosnia Herzegovina, Laz, Macedonia, Bulgaria or Greece. They can speak Turkish because their family immigrated from these countries but most of them were born in Turkiye. Their accent is different than mine. Sometimes we have a little communication problems.
At first it was difficult forme to do something or an activity at a class. Each student was humiliating another culture. They told me about themselves. "Teacher do not listen to him, he is gypsy or teacher do not listen to him, he is laz" I warned them several times but it was no use.
Yes we had a "WITHOUT BARRIERS" Project and as I am their teacher I have to "ERASE THESE BARRIERS FROM THEIR MINDS" They are our future and I have to do something else for them. At last I offer them a class party. I told them let's arrange a party after school. One of them offers that "teacher tomorrow is my birthday and can we do this part tomorrow?" I accepted.

We started aour party. During eating our birthday cakes; I asked them
Do you accept Adam is your grand grand grand father?
They all say yes of course.
I asked who accepts him who does not?
They all said all of us of course.
I asked " but you are from different cultures you are humiliating each other, is it possible you came from the same man?
Now tell me What was Adam's nationality?
Everone was staring at me. I asked was he Turkish?
they said no He had no nationality.
I asked why do you argued about?
He has no nationality, you did not choose your mother or father so your descendance cannot set barriers on your mind.
I think the impact was positive because since then I have not heard any humiliating. Now they have no barriers....

Preparation for Norway - some thoughts from Bente

2010-05-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

We will soon meet in Norway, and we (the Norwegian team) hope that you can come well prepared for our final work. As I've just told you in my blog from the Camino to Santiago de Compostela, our Spanish partners have already done their part of the work. They will most probably be able to publish a book from The Camino. I therefore suggest that the rest of us must work on ideas about OUR final product - whatever that will be.

From my own point of view I suggest that Team Norway can make a list of all activities we have been doing these past 2 years to make life a little better for our immigrants. We have bloged much of it, but still there are many things we should add in our final product. Therefore we will need a meeting as soon as possible to make this list complete.

Our German, French and Turkish partners should do the same; Make something in writing revealing different activities undertaken for the project. This should be put into the blog before arriving Norway so that we can use it directly to make an international summary. If you have any questions, please comment on this article.

The program - along with what to bring and not - will be revealed to you in one week.

Yes, we did it! "The Girls wave" in Norway.

2010-05-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

This winter / spring the women group has had a project to become more active and do some sport.

I think we have managed wery well. Every small step foreward is an award!

We started with a week free training at a sport centre for women only. After the free week, two of the women continued, they paid what it costed and they have been real eager to go there for 2 months now. Unfortunately, the center closes down in the end of this month because of too few signing up for membership!

When the snow - at last - melted away, we started our "Walk and talk"-group. Once a week we have been out walking and talking. We have been 9-10 refugee-women and 3-5 Norwegian women. These walks have been useful in more than one way. In addition to the activity, all have been forced to speak Norwegian. But perhaps the best part is that women who have minimal contact with the Norwegian society outside school, suddenly "know" someone outside school. One day one of the women had met one of the Norwegian ladies in town. They stopped and talked, and the Norwegian lady were presented to "my" ladies children. Small events that are big to some!

Of course it is also important that the Norwegian women get to know some of our new citicens. Breaking down barriers goes both directions!

When we started walking, I told that the final goal was to attend the 5 kilometres long "Jentebølgen" - "The Girls Wave" in Drammen- 40 kilometres from Kongsberg. The women thought is was soooo long, they would never manage! But they have become stronger every week and when they had to take the decision whether to join in or not, 5 of the 10 decided to go. Some are alone with small children and could not go, even if they wanted.

So on Wednesday the 26. of May the "Culture bus" took us to Drammen.

The group is waiting to start. We were 8 women, 3 from Burma, 2 from Afghanistan and 3 from Norway. We wear a yellow ribbon around the head, so that it should be easy to see each other. There were around 1500 "girls" in all ages waiting to start, so it was helpful with the ribbons.

Of course, we had to warm up before we started. We were instructed by a lot of women from a gym studio.

And "YES" - we got warm!

The 5 kilometres were in nice surroundings along the river. Here we are, all in a good speed and good humor.

Along the route we were served something to drink. Two places there were musicians playing cheerful tunes and there were even people with flags shouting nice and optimistic greetings to us! The 5 kilometres did not seem so long, because of entertainment and a lot of people to look at. Some even took the chance to talk to some strangers!

Yes, we managed to walk the 5 kilometres! We got our medals, and for most of the women it was their first medal ever!
They were all very satisfied with the tour to Drammen and did not regret, even if they got a bit stiff in their legs....

Of course, we did as Norwegian girls / ladies do after "Jentebølgen" and similar arrangements: We went to a resturant and celebrated. ........with pizza and water!

We will not stop activities now! We have to continue and set new goals. And next year we shall have more than 5 refugees joining " Jentebølgen!"

My pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

2010-05-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

During our work with the project, our Spanish partners have made several etappas oft the famous walk towards the beautiful town of Santiago de Compostela with a group of inmates. The last etappa was made during the days 26. and 27.th of May, and I was lucky to join the group.

Victor took me to the prison of Monterroso (where we had our very first meeting) where we met the rest of the group. Together with Pedro, Ali, Manuel an some other men you would not know, we went by car to the startpoint for the 2-days walk. The weather was perfect for walking; about 12 degrees, cloudy but no rain. We set off in a pretty high tempo, all happy to be out in this beautiful green nature.

Manuel and Victor made most of the walk by car (lazy guys!) - they said that it was to bring the food and our equipment to the hostel for the night (well, they did...). The other guys, Pedro in front with his famous camera, trottled on taking hundreds of photos along the pahts. I'm sure Pedro will write allot about this trip on the blog too, showing his beautiful photos, so I'll be short: IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Not only the nature, the small villages on the road (and the beer we had in several bars along the route), but most of all: the 8 inmates that has been walking kilometres for our very project Without Barriers! They were all fantastic, intelligent, warm and including men with allot of humor and energy. It is their experience with the walk, their thoughts along the road which will (hopefully) lead to a book for the Spanish part of our project. Thoughts along the most known European pilgrim-walk written by inmates (most of them foreigners).

One of the men had problems with blisters on his heals after walking several hours the first day. He got professional attention from Vicente, who is a functionaire from the prison, and he also changed his shoes. Soon he felt better, and he told me that he was so happy because he now could continue the walk with the rest of the group. And he made the most beautiful comparison about his experience with this problem: It is like beeing put in prison. You feel bad and it hurts allot. You know that you need some kind of cure to obtain a better life, to be free. You must cure and change, he said. And I think that is what we all should consider in our work with immigrants; people who - many times in great pain – has to change to make a better life. But they need help from professionals (natives) to get it as the inmate was helped by Vincente.

Reaching Santiago de Compostela the second day was impressive! Not only the cathedral itself (some of us have already seen it), but the whole setting which Pedro had arranged with the media. TV, radio and newspapers interviewed several inmates as well as Pedro about the project. Even I made my first interview - in Spanish f- or a local newspaper :-) We also were met by the Principal from the University of Santiago and some other (I'm sure important) men. All together this made the walk very important for the inmates, because they could see for themselves that people care about who they are and what they doto change – to break down the barriers.

All in all: It was a fantastic personal experience, and I wouldn't miss it for the world! Thank you for inviting me (and the rest of our partners) and giving me memorable moments in the most beautiful part of Spain. Thanks to our always beautiful and caring partners; Manuel, Ali, Pedro and Victor for your gentlemen-behavior with me. Thanks to all the inmates for including me as «one of the family», for taking care of me and for sharing many of your experiences from your lives. Best to all of you – you captured my heart. Yours forever,

Bente

(I am sure Pedro will provide us with his splendid photos in his next blog :-)

Camino de Santiago 6ª etapa - 6ª stage

2010-05-20T01:08:00.001-07:00

El pasado viernes, 14 de mayo, realizamos la sexta epata del Camino de Santiago en Galicia, entre las localidades de Castañeda y O Xen.
La etapa comenzó con una recepción oficial en la alcaldía de Arzúa, donde nuestro grupo fue recibido por su Alcalde, D. Xaquín García Couso

On Friday, 14th May, we set out for the sixth stage of the Camino of Santiago in Galicia, between the villages of Castañeda and O Xen The stage began with an official reception at the City Hall of Arzúa, where our group was greeted by the Mayor, D. Xaquín García Couso

En la recepción, el Alcalde nos habló de su región y de la influencia de la ruta xacobea en ella.
Además, nos obsequió con un recuerdo de nuestra visita, que agradecimos sinceramente.

At the reception, the Mayor talked us about his region and the influence of the “Xacobea” route on it.
In addition, he gave us a gift, which we really appreciated.

Tras la recepción, retrocedimos unos kilómetros para llegar a Castañeda donde comenzaría nuestra andadura.

When the reception finished, we stepped back some miles to get to Castañeda where we would begin our journey.

Aunque no nos lo esperábamos por las fechas en las que nos encontramos, otra vez apareció la lluvia por sorpresa y no nos abandonó en el transcurso de toda la etapa, aumentando la dificultad de su desarrollo.

Although we do not expect it since we are in May, the rain came again by surprise and didn’t stop during the whole stage, increasing the difficulty of the journey.

Debo destacar el ánimo con que todos los integrantes del grupo, especialmente de los alumnos, afrontaron esta nueva dificultad, logrando ayudar a vencer mi propio desánimo ante una nueva adversidad en nuestro Camino, que sinceramente he de reconocer está poniendo a prueba nuestra fortaleza.

I must emphasize the spirit in which all team members, especially the students, faced this new challenge, helping me to overcome my own discouragement of this new adversity in our way, and which honestly I have to admit that is testing our strength.

Pero ya estamos muy cerca de llegar a la meta y estoy seguro de que cuando contemplemos las torres de la Catedral de Santiago, aún habremos de valorar más nuestro Camino “Sin barreras”.

But we are very close to reach the goal and I'm sure that when we contemplate the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago, we will evenappreciate more our way "Without Barriers."

Aquí os dejo algunas de las fotografías que muestran nuestra andadura de esta 6ª etapa bajo la lluvia.

Here you have some pictures that show our journey during this 6th stage under the rain.

PHOTOMANIA - just for fun :-)

2010-05-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Pedro

On behalf of the entire group Without Barriers, I think I can say that you have qualified to the title "Photographer of the project".

I watched with great interest how you took in all impressions in Turkey through your camera lens in a variety of positions. We can almost say that you experienced whole Turkey through a 8 x 6 cm camera lens ;-)

So let's just enjoy the photographer and the paparazzi at work with these photos (taken by a photographer with her not quite so complicated camera).

Photographing while walking in the wrong direction,

Even photographers have nice smiles!

My favourite motiv in Istanbul: Pedro shooting the best immages ever! But I think I did a quite nice job on this one.............

Sometimes the proffession requires close contact with the nature.

These amateurs tried their best to make good pictures too, but they lack the proffessional style:

In a "laid back possition" in "The new Mosque". Good it was not siesta-time!

Thank you for your tips and your pacient explanation on how to put good motives together! I think I've learned at least to shoot some good portraits:

FOURTH MEETING WITH PARTNERS IN TURKEY TERMAL

2010-05-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

FOURTH MEETING WITH PARTNERS IN TURKEY TERMAL

On the 26th of April 2010 Spanish and Norwegian groups came to Yalova with ferry and met Turkish group at 3:30 pm and at 6:30 pm German and French groups came.
Turkish group met with partners in front of Yalova ferry with a bus.
Then partners lodged at Çamlık Hotel which is historical and beautifull.
We welcome all the groups at diner. We talked about the following days’ program for WITHOUT BARRIERS PROJECT.

The meeting was held on 27th of April 2010. Termal’s mayor Mr İsmail Atik made a speech. He welcomed all the groups and talked about the Termal’s direction. He talked about the Gold Medal of Termal :
Hammams and hot springs have constituted the basements of many civilizations. They have been the places which people have preferred through out the history not only for its healing and hygienic effects, also for its social activities.

This thought have destined people to search for places which are better, cleaner and more natural. Because of this, natural places with drinkable water have been a cynesure for people.

In 1911, the title of ‘Most Healing Hot Water’ was given to Thermal in a competition held in Rome. This medallion is still exhibited at the entry of Çınar Hotel.

Then Ahmet Tuna spoke about the Turkish Education system and how without barriers effected this system.
He started his speech with our gratest leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words. “Yalova is my city” Because Atatürk accepts all the nations and says “PEACE AT HOME PEACE IN THE WORLD”
The organisation chart of the Termal Public Education Centre was shown to the partners.
Then Ahmet Tuna talked about the:
*Processes of Public Education Centre regulations of the mass education for foreigners education and citizen’s education.
*The Public Education Centre which implements Mass Education Activities
*Tasks, Authorizations and Responsibilities.
*Establishment of Public Education Centre and its functions.
*The basic aims of the Mass Education and its principles
*Courses for citizens and emigrants

We went to the Emmigrant Region “ÜVEZPINAR”. People emmigrated from Georgia to Üvezpınar. Many of them are Georgian, plenty of them Ermenian and also Turkish people composes a good combination at this little place. We visited the Primary School and watched their fabulous Folk Dances. Folk dances theme are about Blacksea Region and South East Anatolia Region

We visited the course for knitting and met the students at the same building because according to Public Education Centre everywhere can be a classroom. Another course centre is visited which is about seewing.

We visited our district menager with our participants. The District Menager Murat Erkan made a speech about the management of the Termal District. Everyone introduced herself/himself at the Project and told about their occupations. Our district manager asked a question which is our main theme of the Project: What is the most important thing that you gained at that Project? Every one told different things. According to Sami before removing boundaries of the countries we should remove our brains boundaries. People should love the other without doubts

Our lunch was at the Social Service Area of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The lunch contained Turkish Traditional Cousine. Güveç, Yoghurt, and Quince Desert.
Turkish people says “S/he eats the quince” During the Otoman Empire Era ; Sultans were really understressed and after they eat the quince they became relax. They used quince in every of their meals. People around the sultan asks something after he ate the quince and they sad each other do not mind he ate the quince we can speak to him .

Arbaratum is visited. Previosly I have told about you Mehmet Kar’s life and immigration story. He is the member of TEMA: TURKISH FOUNDATION FOR COMBATING SOIL EROSION, FOR REFORESTATION AND THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL HABITATS. Mehmet Kar and Feride Uyar works in Tema together. Feride Uyar is the manager of TEMA and Mehmet Kar is the assistant. There are 7000 kinds of plantation, this is the second biggest arberatum in the world.
We would like to indicate there are 7000 kinds of plant can live at the same garden although they come from different parts of the world. Climate changes, soil changes but they can live.
EVEN PLANTS CAN LIVE TOGETHER WHY CAN NOT WE LIVE ALL TOGETHER AT THE SAME GARDEN?
WE HAVE NO BARRIERS IN ARBARATUM

Norway’ taekwando champion Henry talked about Yasin about Taekwando and said everything is in your brain. Yes everything is in our brain. 
We turned back to Termal and enjoyed from Turkish traditional baths. During the dinner each country gave their presents to us. Thank you for Bremen’s tea, Norway’s broch, French’s bread and Spain’s medal and pen .

On the 28th of April 2010
The meeting was held at Atatürk’s cinema saloon. What can we do for the Project Without Barriers? Was spoken. Pedro talked about the details of Without Barriers and final Report. Cherif Ousman offered to worked together fort he final Project.

Cherif,Birgit, Ali and Ayşe made a meeting for the final report. They decided the topics which was written at the block.

Previously at the block I have told about the İznik, Nicea. It is both important for muslims and christians. We visited the İznik museum, gren Mosque, handicrafts shopping, Ayasofya museum, excavation area of ceramic Kilns.

We turned back to Yalova and drink our coffees at The Moving Kiosk.
Yuruyen Kosk" (The Moving Kiosk), which symbolizes Ataturk's love to nature, was skidded for 4 meters 80 centimeters on ra¬ils, upon Ataturk's order in order not to cut down an oak's arm. Its name roots from that event.

Then Our German and French Partners left Yalova.
We turned back to Termal and at night we watched the Barcelona –Inter match. I am sorry Ali you failed.

Not the same as Barcha but I had to say goodbye to our participants.
I left Termal because the following day I had to work.
Next day Spanish Partners, Norwegian Partners, Sami and Ahmet went to Yalova alltogether in order to g oto their own countries. Ahmet and Sami could not speak English but they could understood each other because they removed the borders of their brains…
Thank you for your coming French partners, Norwegian Partners, Spanish Partners and German Partners 

Preparing the final report

2010-05-15T02:20:00.000-07:00

As we agreed i Tyrkia, every body have to contribute to sumerise and write the final report of the project W.B. We choose 4 topics that we will developed in every delagation (country) in order to have enough text for the report. Some people asked me to develop som titles under each topic to make it easy to write approximatly about the same things. But you everybody is free to write on his own style. You don't need to write more than a page for each topic and you can refer to preavious articles.
According to my understanding, a such report will include an introduction where the background and the aims of the project will be mentionned plus how it's conducted. Then comes these topics we are writing about. In the conclusion can we include our impressions about paricipating in project W.B. (you can prepare som articles about that topic also).

Topic 1: Short description of your country's sosial system
Short about your country (3-5 lines):
Name, population, size, adminstrativ organisation
The Sosial system:
Which rights and har people in marginalise situation?
Which possiblities do they have to improve they sosial conditions?
How are sosial services organised and financed?
Your target groups of W.B. (imigrants / detainies) in the sosial system.
Introduction: History and todays situation. (2-3 lines)
Challanges / difficulties
How is the autority dealing with situation.
Some good exemples

Topic 2 Education and apprentiship
Short about The education system.
Primary – junior secondary shool / high education.
Technical shool – apprentiship
How else can one qualify himself for the job market?
The target groups acces to education and apprentiship
Wich offers / possiblities do they have
Challanges and difficulties to access education and apprentiship.
Some good exemples
Exemples of mesures and initatiaves to assure target groups acces to education and apprentiship.

Topic 3: Sparetime aktivities and positive experiences.
The time after school or job is usually called sparetime. It's usually used to do housework (cooking, cleaning...) and also aktivities for pleasure or sosial relation. Those activites are usually called spare time aktivities and are important for every persons personal wealth and sosialising. They can be one of the chanals to ease the ingration of the target group in the socity and build sosial relations:
Describ the level of participation of target groups in sparetime activites:
Is there any service organising this?
some good exempls.

Topic 4: Alternativ to public services
One of the primary task of the autority (local or nasjonal government) is to help people in marginal situation limit their difficulties and take better care of themselves. But in every country, this task is so big that the autority can not handle it alone. Churchs, NGOs, associations and volontiers usualy contribute helping people in target group.
Describe the situation of this kind of job / contribution in your place.
Take some concrate exemples

Immigrants dancing with elderly people

2010-05-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

My Startgroup, that is immigrants who cannot speak any Norwegian, has joined a group of elderly people 3 Tuesdays. Here they learn eachother dances from different countries, and after an hour on the dancefloor, they talk over a cup of cofee and some cakes.

Both parts take great interest in these moments, and both our immigrants and the elderly learn much about each other, culture in different countries and most important: they get a better understanding of how to integrate in a new country.

Please try this link to our local newspaper to have a look at some pictures and how they dance:
http://laagendalsposten.no/bildegalleri/nyheter-bildegalleri/danseglede-pa-r-de-kors-huset-1.5256635
http://laagendalsposten.no/nyheter/se-ibrahim-og-aud-svinge-seg-1.5254865

Moments

2010-05-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

I must acknowledge the efforts of our Turkish partners in order to prepare their perfect meeting. I think that I speak in name of everybody when I say that we live really many beautiful and emotive moments.
I really have not words to describe all we have lived there. And as an image is better than many words, here you have some images. I could put hundred :) but I have chosen only some of those moments.
Thank you Ayse, Thank you Tuna, Thank you Ali and Thank you Sami. And thank you all Turkish people who gave us so special moments.

Teşekkürler

See you in Norway, land of Trolls and Vikings (now I want to see some of those :) )

The land of the "trolls"

2010-05-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

Be prepared to meet trolls and vikings, a variety of weather (sunshine, rain, wind etc) and people who does like the bear; sleep through a long and harsh winter and wakes up in summer. WE'RE READY TO WELCOME YOU!

Here are some practical information about your visit to Norway concerning how to come here and where to stay. You will get a more practical list of what to bring later.

How to get here by plane:

Oslo Lufthavn, Gardermoen (http://www.osl.no/)
The main airport of Norway. This is near Oslo, in the opposite direction of Kongsberg. You will have to either take the train or the bus to Kongsberg, both take about 2 hours.
Bus costs one way Nok 320,- one way, but you can get 20% discount if you buy both ways at the same time. You must change bus in Oslo, it should not be too difficult. Busses are outside the terminal, and tickets are bought on the bus.
Train costs from Nok 199,- and upwards. Tickets are bought on machine at the at the airport. Train station is situated under the airport.

Oslo lufthavn, Rygge (http://www.ryg.no/)
This is near a town called Moss, situated in the "Oslo-fjord". From here you must take the train to Oslo (about 1 hour) and then another train to Kongsberg (1 more hour).
Ryanair and other "Cheap companies" come to this airport, which is really small and nice.
Traincosts to Kongsberg are about Nok 250,- but first you have to go from the airport to the railwaystation. I'll come back with details later, if you chose this airport.

Oslo lufthavn, Torp (http://www.torp.no/)
This is near the towns Sandefjord and Tønsberg, both situated along the coast.
Also here you can fly with cheap companies, and the airport is nice and small.
Costs from the airport to Kongsberg are about Nok 199,- / 250,- and the train goes from the airport. You'll have to reserve the train-ticket in advance. Please tell me if you chose this option.

Our experiences with (cheap) tickets:

To Turkey we booked Turkish Airways. It went directly from Istanbul to Oslo Gardermoen. Nice company and nice price.

To Spain you might consider to go via Madrid or Barcelona with Iberia or Spanair from Santiago de Compostela, and from there take Ryanair to Rygge airport or SAS to Gardermoen. There was no direct route from Santiago de Compostela, but you have an option with Spanair from Vigo and la Coruna too.

To Germany we went with Ryanair from Rygge airport. The price for two persons was about the same as for 4 packets of cigaretts in Norway :-)

To France we travelled with Air France from Oslo Gardermoen to Lyon via Amsterdam. Another option was via Paris, but the price and time would be about the same. We did not find any cheap flights :-(

Accomodation (hotels etc)
Hurry up - they are filling up!
We have 2 hotels and one hostel in Kongsberg. The hotels are:

Grand hotel:
http://www.choicehotels.no/hotels/hotel?hotel=no052 or the other link
http://www.hotell.no/index.jsp?frame=hotel&hotel_id=1215
(Probably no rooms available the entire period)

Hotel Gyldenløve
http://www.gyldenlove.no/no/Kongsberg/
Prices are:
Singleroom with breakfast Nok 1150 per night
Doubleroom with breakfast Nok 1350 per night
(The hotel is opposit the railwaystation and the bus terminal. It's quite good! Here there are rooms, but be quick about it. The prices are specially for us, so if you want this option, please let me know and I'll book for you)

Kongsberg vandrehjem (hostel)
http://www.kongsberg-vandrerhjem.no/
Prices here are:
Single room with private bath, breakfast included: Nok 690,-
Double room with private bath, breakfast included: Nok 900,-
Rooms with 3-5 beds are also available.
I just talked to the management here, and she would prefer that you booked through me and not through the internet, so please let me know.

All three places are in the center of our town, and you will not need any transportation to get around.

What's important now is that you either book on your own, or send me a mail as soon as possible about what you prefere. I guess some of you want to experience other parts of our beautiful country too, and I will try to do my best on answering whatever questions you have.

WELCOME TO KONGSBERG IN JUNE!!!

German partners continue discussion about diversity / "intercultural opening" in education institutions

2010-05-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

On 22nd of Arpil, Diakonisches Werk Bremen, the German partners of "Without Barriers" and cooperating institutions discussed, how and how far the offered services of help with education to families and young people should be adapeted to needs and customs of persons with migration background in Germany. They discussed the importance of language barriers, conflicts within the migrant communities and with the German population and ways to deal with those and other problems.

The pictures show the invitation and some of the participants

We are going to publish some of the results of this meeting in a later blog.

Jürgen Stein

2010-04-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Leyla's story!

1990

Flight to Bremen. I'm too young to understand it. Then the large family and almost all siblings are younger than me and I have very often take care of my brothers and sisters and help my mother in the household. 7 boys and 3 girls. If I was at least one boy, then things would be easier. Everything is too much. I have to be traversed. My opinion is also important, but I will not be heard. Many tears of despair, I run along the cheek. I stay strong and realize I'm going to grow up too early. I have to look forward. The road is my goal.

1998

Fourth class: I should go in the special school. A shock! Many misunderstandings. But I speak German. I'm just shy, and I see something different than the others. I take my courage speak with the teacher and repeat the fourth grade. Although my teacher tells me if I repeat now the fourth grade and later visit the school, improving not my chances. But I sit by me! I learned when I want to achieve something, I must open my mouth! My family could not help me so I must help myself!

2002

Orientation stage: My teacher suggested me to go to school. Of my parents were married there is little support; girls and take care of the family - there is not an education is so important. I will stay strong - I sit by and visit the school. I am sure that I can achieve my goal.

2005

I make my secondary school - and not all that bad. The seriousness of life begins. My cousin gives me the hint me as a Pharmaceutical Assistant (PTA to apply). The first job. It works. But then I realize that the decision was a mistake. I am not convinced, let me skip school to infect. Everything is too much: family, friends, education, and then the foreign country, another culture. A year passes. I break from training.

2007

There must be something I make, I'm desperate, what should I do ". I am applying again. This time for a school-based training as an educator. I get the point. Soon come to doubt. I want to cancel. I hear from PickUp. Now accept more help. I do not act as weak? I overcome myself go, and. It is unusual to ask for help. Birgit says, the job is right for me. I get back more. There are people who believe just in me. Soon I can believe in me again and I will self-confident.

The training break? Long gone!

2008

Lady Luck has left me not. Dr. Tomandl from Hospital of Bremen Middle / East is at PickUP my mentor. He wants to do something good - not just donate anonymously. Dr Tomandl says he would like to track my development. I will absolutely make the training ended, because we in Germany necessarily more educators would need with a migration background. He asks what I need. Will create a wish list, I do not know what the world! This man wants to help me really easy - he has it?. We buy a laptop for me so I can work in peace for training. We talk about tutoring. And Dr. Tomandl financed everything. I am ashamed for my neighborhood and the environment in which I live. But I want that dr. Tomandl understands where I come from and who I am. So I invite the team of PickUp and Dr. Tomandl with us a woman to go home for dinner. I'm excited, important people learn from my life to know my culture and my family. I am glad that everything went well. I'm very relieved.

2009

By Birgit from PickUp I heared about the Grundtvig-project "Without Barriers". Birgit would ask me if I join it. I am happy about it. There are people who really believe in me. I agree with and do. I learn quickly and put everything at 1:1. I pass on my experiences to young people. Next I develop.

In 2010

Now, my training is almost finished, I put in the middle of exams and apply for recognition of the one-year internship. After that, I would like to make the University student and study perhaps. I think the work that make Birgit and her colleagues very interesting and would also like to work as a social worker. With a completed degree course, I have to work a lot more opportunities in the areas that interest me. "But everything first step by step ..."

2010-04-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Future now!

That means your future is beginning right now. It's the message to the youngsters , most of them are immigrants, at the youth centre. In cooperation with the employers of the youth centre we were giving them the chance making experiences with job interviews, to perfect their applikations and to meet employers of their surroundings.

It was an succesfully projrct, because some of these kids did not believe or were not interessted in their future until this project. Tey thought there is nobody believing in them, nor themselves. And after these two days some of them were upbeat and build an idea what kind of job they will do.

This is my collegue Zara, she's working at the Youth centre, with Izzetin and Ibo. These lucky two guys were passing their youthleader course and could lead their own youth groups now!

2010-04-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hello from Bremen...

After so many weeks we can finally post some information about the nice time we shared in Bremen. Just this much about punctuality, reliability and discipline, the so-called “German virtues“. Enclosed you will find some descriptions of our visited facilities and some of the lectures we listened to. Feel free to post some comments. Maybe some questions or suggestions for our upcoming meeting in Istanbul will result from our contributions. Special thanks to the „Qualitreff e.V.“ which made a big effort to translate these descriptions and lectures into the languages of the project participants! We are really looking forward to meeting you guys in Turkey. Kind regards from Bremen and cheerio!

: (

So sorry, because I can't give you a direct link to the translated powerpoint presentations (it doesn't work). I must give it to you in turkey and here you are getting one more photo of Bremen now...

...at the funfairy

Jardin solidaire’s news paper

2010-04-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

Two hours per week, employees of the “jardin solidaire” come to the GRETA for their communication lesson. During this time they speak about their experiences and problems in garden. These exchanges are very important for them.

Meanwhile, they write up articles for a small news paper to the association members. It calls the “Feuille de rose”.

In this news paper, they explain their work in the garden. For example in the last “Feuille de rose” they reported an interview of a professional gardener about pruning trees.

They speak about trainings which help them to fit into professional life and in every news papers they introduce new comers of the “Jardin solidaire”.

Will we manage to go on Saturday?

2010-04-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

In case you do not see us Monday, this might be the cause :-( Only time can tell!

The Norwegian National day

2010-04-20T02:26:00.001-07:00

The 17th of May is Norway's national day. This is celebrated each year with parades made up by children from every school in the local communities throughout the whole country.

Music is an important part of this parade too, and together with horns, saxophones, drums etc children in their best outfits shout "Hurray" and wave with Norwegian flags. People dressed in national and traditional outfits make a long row along the roads the parade passes. Everybody are happy and cheerful, and this happening makes a tremendous impression on everyone, especially tourists and immigrants in general.

Last year our school formed a group together with "Kongsberg statlige mottak - Hero", the company in which Henri works. Asylum seekers, refugees and other immigrants dressed in their best outfit met up and joined the parade. We went under the UN-flag plus the Norwegian flag, held by "our own" Henri from Cameroun.

As you can see on the photo, Henri and I participated with them, and we had a great time! It gave me a new dimmension walking this parade with our participants and asylum seekers, and undoubtedly they enjoyed it very much. People along the route chered and commented on the importance of having us in the parade, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We are looking forward to this again next month!

Job fair in Kongsberg

2010-04-20T02:11:00.000-07:00

Monday the 19th of April any person from Kongsberg were invited come to a job fair in town arranged by the local office which assist people to find work. Here they could meet employers directly, talk to them and leave their CV for registration.

Many of our participants worked hard to make their CVs look presentable. Some of them did not have very much information to give related to former work experience or school background. This stressed them a little, but we talked about how important personality was, and they decided to focus on this when meeting employers.

We have several immigrants at our school and in our community who really struggles to get their first permanent job. This might be because of the above mention points, but also because of the language barrier they meet. How can you speak fluent Norwegian before you get the chance to take fully part of a community, we ask.

Maybe some of our partners can help me out here? Do you in Germany, France, Turkey and Spain meet the same problems?

To see the article which was in the local paper before the job fair, press here. (Again, you might learn some usful phrases in Norwegian :-)

Norwegian language is the key to integration!

2010-04-20T01:45:00.000-07:00

Ca 30 participants from 18 different nations sat arount the cofee talbe Friday the 16.th of April. With them were 3 teachers from our school plus 10 Norwegian people from the local community.

This was their first café-chat out of total 6 meetings which will take place this spring. Different themes are set up for each meeting, and this first reunion focused on health and freetime activities. Next to come up are themes about:
- the participants wishes for their future in Norway
- Norwegian history from poverty to one of the richest countries in the world
- our National day the 17th of May
- challenges participants meet due to language and culture

Our guests are all well known people from our local community. Some are politicians, others have leeding jobs in big companies, and some are pensioneers with knowledge and connections in the community. One of the main figures, Jan Hansvoll, has worked closely with me during many years now, and he is a person who is deeply engaged in questions about integration. He is also a member of several political groups governing the community, and he therefore find it nessecary to invite other people to see and hear for themselves what immingrants in Kongsberg really stand for, which problems they encounter and what resources they hold.

The conclution after the first café-renuion was very positive; all the participants agreed that this was very motivating and useful, and our Norwegian guests too are already looking forward to the next meeting - next Friday.

You can see the whole article in our local newspaper, Laagendalsposten, here.

Sin Barreras y Azkar Lugo - Without barriers and Azkar Lugo

2010-04-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

El sábado, 10 de abril, 8 alumnos del proyecto Grundtvig “Sin Barreras” junto con los miembros del equipo de Monterroso nos desplazamos a Lugo para pasar un día con el equipo de Fútbol Sala “Azkar Lugo” de la primera división.
Por la mañana, recorrimos las instalaciones del Club, acompañados por representantes del club: sala de trofeos, gimnasio, etc.

Posteriormente, fuimos invitados a comer y durante la comida nos entregaron diferentes regalos entre los que destacaba una camiseta del primer equipo.

Ya por la tarde, asistimos al partido del Azkar Lugo donde pudimos disfrutar de un encuentro emocionante y animar como uno más vestidos con las camisetas del Club.
Queremos agradecer esta invitación y el poder compartir un día con el Azkar Lugo.

La actividad fue recogida por la prensa local y por la propia prensa del club. Estos son los enlaces:

http://www.lavozdegalicia.com/lugo/2010/04/11/0003_8410623.htm

http://www.pronelugoad.com/gal/amplia.asp?id=5064

On Saturday, April 10th, 8 students of the Grundtvig project "Without Barriers" travelled to Lugo with the team members of Monterroso for a day with the football team "Azkar Lugo", team of the National league of football indoor.

During the morning, we visited the facilities of the Club, accompanied by representatives of the club: trophy room, gymnasium...
After the visit to the facilities, we were invited to lunch and we received different gifts among which was a first team shirt.

In the afternoon, we attended the Azkar Lugo match where we could enjoy exciting moments wearing the club shirts.

We want to thank them for their invitation and sharing a day with us.

The activity was reflected for the regional media and for the Club’s Web. These are the links:

http://www.lavozdegalicia.com/lugo/2010/04/11/0003_8410623.htm

http://www.pronelugoad.com/gal/amplia.asp?id=5064

Hello!

2010-04-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

My name is Grete Åkerstrøm and I work with Bente and Knut at Fredheim in Kongsberg, Norway. I am a teacher and I work hard to help the participants at school to learn Norwegian and to help them to understand and take part in the Norwegian society.
My "Without barriers" - project is to motivate - and perhaps push a little - women who mainly go to school and then stay at home doing housework, to be physically active. Some of them are worried about their health and some have put on a lot of weight since they came to Norway.
As a start, I managed to make an appointment at a training centre where only women are allowed to come and do sport. We went there free for 4 days, and had a lot of fun, and I think 2 of the women will become members and start regular training. A small victory!
The next step is to motivate to join a walking group for one and a half hour every week. I will try to find some Norwegian women to join the group, too. "Walk and talk - group" will become a win - win situation. Most of the refugees do not speak much Norwegian ouside school, since they mostly stay at home with their family.
Though I am fond of my job, I have time to do other things as well. If you take a look at my blog, you will see what I spend a lot of time doing - and a lot of money, too.......
http://www.lappe-grete.blogspot.com/ There might even be a picture of me in my colourful jacket on the blog!
And just to show you on the picture above - the spring is about to come to Kongsberg! The snow will probably dissappear before you all come in June!

Feelings about my arrival and stay at Kongsberg reception center.

2010-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Thoughts from Ibn S. A. (26.01.2010), asylumnseeker living in Kongsberg

Long time after my arrival to the reception center, I did not know anything about what is going to happen to me. I slept with my eyes wide open because I did not know the other persons I shared house with. Were they good or bad people? I did not know, even though we come from the same country. All humans are different, and I was afraid of everyone.

Months passed by until we finally got to know each other. Who were these persons now living with me, I wondered. Now I know better. I know who they are by names, I know what part of Somalia they come from, I know a little about their history. But that’s all. I sleep better at night now, but my days always start with the same question: ”What will happen to me today?” My brain is totally out of focus, I have to do something about my case! I do not know anything about my future and what will become of me in the end.

I called some friends of mine some days ago, and asked them about the system here in Norway. They gave me some positive but also some negative answers. Since I’m in a reception center here in Norway, I might just as well get a negative answer from the Government, and that means that I have to og back home. Home to what, I wonder…

I have to keep hope up, hope for a positive answer. Insha Allah! What else is there for me, other than hoping for a positive outcome of my case, so I can stay in Norway, create a new future.

One of m friends live here in Kongsberg now with his family. When he lived in another reception center he had to open a hatch in the wall if he needed to talk to the employees. The rest you know, Henri……. The reception center here in Kongsberg has a much better system. We live free, in normal houses. We can go out, visit friends, talk with people, have a walk in the town. We can come to you to talk in your office. We are all humans, not animals! That is something the Norwegian Government should think about.

I have lived here more than one year now. Your office (Hero) helps us allot. There are many o fus who do not think so, you know, but I really do! But maybe – if your office can be even better talking to us – like you are doing now, I believe that can help many more of us inmates. We need to be listened to, to express our feelings and maybe our despair. I know that can be difficult, I am only one, and you have many more persons and houses to tend to. But now I see that you really try to help us, and it gives me a good feeling.

(Later this winter):

My life has changed, I got a positive answer from the Government, I thank Allah for this! Finally my life can start again, it’s like being reborn! Now I wait to see which municipality will accept me. In the meantime I attend Norwegian course at Fredheim school. That helps me allot, I learn Norwegian so that I can communicate with people. There are many nice teachers there, and that make me learn faster. I’m more motivated now! I hope I can continue to stay here in Kongsberg. I long for my wife to come (she still is in Somalia). But first I have to become integrated in the Norwegian society and get an education. Life is ahead of me now, and finally I’m happy!

Interviewer:

Henri Filmand Komegne

La radio con "Sin Barreras" - The radio with "Without Barriers"

2010-04-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

El jueves 1 de marzo la Radio Galega dedicó un espacio a nuestra actividad del proyecto Grundtvig “Sin Barreras” realizando el Camino de Santiago.
Os dejamos un enlace al programa de Radio

On Thursday, March 1st, the Radio of Galicia dedicated a radio program to the activity of our Grundtvig project "Without Barriers" walking the "Camino".
You can find the program in the next link

http://www.crtvg.es/reproductor/inicio.asp?canal=radio&hora=04/04/2010%2012:05:00&fecha=01/04/2010&arquivo=1&programa=AQU%CD%20GALICIA

Reunión en Monterroso - Meeting in Monterroso

2010-03-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

El pasado viernes, 26 de marzo, se reunió el grupo “sin barreras” de Monterroso para recibir a un visitante muy esperado: el Prior del Monasterio de Samos, D. José Luis Vélez.
Desde nuestra visita al Monasterio, en la segunda etapa del Camino de Santiago, esperábamos la presencia del Prior en Monterroso y, efectivamente, no defraudó.
Con la temática de “Religión como nexo de culturas”, pronto su conferencia entusiasmó al grupo de trabajo “sin barreras”. Su charla fue dinámica, permitiendo la intervención de los alumnos del Centro en todo momento, lo que resultó ameno, instructivo y muy enriquecedor para todos.

El grupo insistió en que el Prior volviera de nuevo otro día y, también D. José Luis quedó muy impresionado de nuestro Centro por lo que planteó la posibilidad de volver otra vez más, esta vez con monjes de su Monasterio para que conocieran la realidad del Centro Penitenciario de Monterroso.
Esperamos que este encuentro se produzca pronto.
Como siempre en nuestro proyecto, también nuestro objetivo es dar a conocer en la prensa nuestras actividades, y para ello contactamos con los periódicos regionales y locales.

On Friday, March 26th, we joined the group "without barriers" of Monterroso to receive a long-awaited visitor: the Prior of the Monastery of Samos, Mr. Jose Luis Velez.
Since our visit to the Monastery, in the second stage of the Camino de Santiago, we expected the presence of the Prior in Monterroso and, indeed, it did not disappoint us.
With the theme of "Religion as a nexus of cultures," the conference soon excited the working group "without barriers". His speech was dynamic, allowing the involvement of the students of our Center at all times, which was entertaining, instructive and very rewarding for everybody.

The group insisted that the Prior returned again and also Mr. José Luis was very impressed by our Centre which raised the possibility of returning again, that time with monks from his monastery. So they could know the reality of the Pentitentiary Centre of Monterroso.
We hope this meeting will happen soon.
As always in our project, our aim is to publicize our activities in the Media, and we contacted with the regional and local newspapers.

Camino de Santiago 5ª etapa - 5ª stage

2010-03-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

El miércoles, 25 de marzo, realizamos la 5ª etapa del Camino de Santiago, entre Palas de Rei y la Castañeda.

On Wednesday, March 25, we realised the 5th stage of the “Camino de Santiago”, from Palas de Rei to Castañeda.

Nuestra etapa comenzó con una recepción oficial por parte del Concello de Palas de Rei, donde fuimos entrevistados por el Gabinete de Prensa del Ayuntamiento, a quienes detallamos los objetivos de nuestro proyecto Grundtvig y, posteriormente, se nos ofrecieron obsequios relacionados con el Camino de Santiago en Galicia.

This stage began with an official reception in the Town Council of Palas de Rei, where we were interviewed by the Press Office of the Council. Here we detailed the objectives of our Grundtvig project and then we were offered some gifts related to the Camino de Santiago in Galicia.

La etapa comenzó con malos presagios en el cielo. Efectivamente, la lluvia nos acompañó durante la primera hora de Camino, pero poco a poco las nubes se fueron despejando y pudimos disfrutar de una jornada apacible.

We set off the journey looking at the bad omens in the sky. Indeed, rain accompanied us during the first hour of the way, but little by little the clouds started to clear and we could enjoy quite a lovely day.

Compartimos nuestro camino con peregrinos de muy diversas nacionalidades: españoles, alemanes, ingleses… y hasta dos peregrinas de las Islas Feroe.

We shared our journey with pilgrims from different nationalities: Spanish, German, English, and even two girls who came from Faroe Islands.

Mediada la etapa, se desplazaron 2 periodistas del Diario “el progreso” para realizar una entrevista “in situ” y así pudimos explicar el desarrollo de nuestro particular Camino y de nuestro proyecto Grundtvig “Sin barreras”

Halfway two journalists of the newspaper "El Progreso" met us for an interview "in situ" and we could explain the development of our particular “Camino” and our Grundtvig project "Without Barriers"

Los diarios locales y regionales publicaron artículos sobre nuestra actividad al día siguiente.

The local and regional newspaper published some articles about our activity the next day.

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/lugo/2010/03/25/0003_8377774.htm

Finalizada la etapa, nos desplazamos al Castillo de Pambre, donde pudimos disfrutar de su impresionante belleza y tuvimos el privilegio de acceder a su interior y recorrerlo.

Once the stage was finished, we went to The Pambre Castle, where we could admire its breathtaking beauty and we had the privilege of getting into it and having a look.

Como en otras etapas, tenemos que destacar la buena convivencia del grupo y su implicación a la hora de seguir recogiendo en sus diarios las anécdotas y vivencias de la etapa para reflejarlas en el Diario final de nuestro Camino “Sin Barreras”.

As in other stages, we must emphasize the conviviality of the group and their involvement in collecting the stories and experiences of the journey in their diaries so that we can show them in the final report of our Camino "Without Barriers."

Diario de un Camino “Sin Barreras” - Diary of a Road “Without Barriers”

2010-03-23T02:34:00.000-07:00

Nuestra andadura en el Camino de Santiago ya ha llegado a su 4ª etapa. Como hemos comentado, no sólo estamos realizando la ruta Xacobea, sino que nuestros alumnos van recopilando sus impresiones y plasmándolas en el papel para, finalmente, crear un Diario del Camino.
A partir de hoy, iremos publicando en nuestro Blog algunos fragmentos de las reflexiones de nuestro Grupo “sin barreras” sobre el Camino de Santiago.

Our journey on the Camino de Santiago has already reached the 4th stage. As we commented before, we are not only walking the “Ruta Xacobea”, but also our students are collecting their impressions and reflecting them on the paper to, finally, create a diary of the Road.
From today onwards, we will publish in our blog a few fragments with the reflections of our group "without barriers" about the “Camino de Santiago”.

W.L.L. ( China )

Dicen que si eres fiel, Dios está contigo siempre. No supe si era verdad o no, pero fue cierto que la niebla desapareció completamente cuando llegamos a la aldea de O Cebreiro. Allí empezamos “nuestro Camino de Santiago” pisando aquellas losas centenarias al entrar en la típica aldea del noroeste de la península Ibérica. Había edificios antiguos que tenían construidas sus paredes de piedra y los techos con paja mezclándose con los edificios modernos.

Pudimos entrar en aquellas casas tradicionales libremente. En su interior había cubiertos y platos hechos con madera y en su patio pudimos ver carros y otras herramientas que no supe sus nombres, también hechos con madera. Cuando los vi pude imaginar qué inteligencia tenían nuestros antepasados; no tenían las herramientas tan útiles como hoy, pero pudieron y fueron capaces de hacer aquellos utensilios tan prácticos.

Llegamos al otro lado de la aldea. Un valle profundo se nos mostró de frente, extendiéndose y luego subiendo gradualmente a lo lejos. Las paredes blancas y los techos rojos de las casas y la tierra de color marrón adornaban el bosque de montaña; las sendas como cintas blancas pegadas a ella nos dejó generosamente a nosotros disfrutar al máximo de su belleza y sus formas graciosas. Las brisas, llevando las hojas viejas, restregaron el suelo y sonó “hua hua”, armonizando el canto de los insectos y de los pájaros que volaban en el cielo, mientras se confundían con en gruñido de las vacas y las cabras ¿No era una música clásica rural que estaba tocando una y otra vez desde hace miles de años?

W.L.L. ( Chinese Republic)

It is said that if you are faithful, God is always with you. I could not know if this was true or not, but the certain thing was that the fog vanished completely when we reached the village of O Cebreiro. There, we set off our “Camino de Santiago" stepping on those centenarian stones to enter a typical village of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. There were old buildings with stone walls and thatched roofs mixed with modern buildings.

We could go into those traditional houses freely. Inside, we could see cutlery and dishes made of wood, and, in the courtyard, we found Galician traditional carts and other tools also made of wood, but I do not know their names. When I saw all this I could imagine the intelligence of our ancestors; they had no such useful tools as today, but they were able to make those practical utensils.

We went across the village. A deep valley stretched in front of us, and then rose gradually in the distance. The white walls and red roofs of the houses and the brown earth adorned the woods in the mountain. The trails, like white ribbons attached to the hill, generously let us enjoy the most of its beauty and graceful forms. The breeze, carrying the old leaves, scrubbed the ground and it sounded "hua hua", harmonizing the song of insects and birds which were flying in the sky, and mixing with the mooing of cows and the bleating of goats. Wasn’t this a rural classical music which has been played once and again for thousands of years?

Reunión en Monterroso - Meeting in Monterroso

2010-03-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

El grupo de Monterroso “Sin Barreras” se reunió los pasados días 5 y 12 de marzo. La temática de esta conferencia fue: Inmigración y Crisis.
En la primera sesión, a través de la proyección de vídeos del profesor Leopoldo Abadía, experto en Ciencia Económica, se expuso de manera pedagógica y en clave de humor el origen y el desarrollo de la actual crisis económica.
En la segunda sesión, se leyeron distintos artículos de periodistas y especialistas en economía sobre la actual crisis y su impacto sobre el colectivo inmigrante. Se presentaron artículos con opiniones contrarias respecto al impacto de la crisis sobre de la inmigración, que se analizaron por el grupo y se debatieron en profundidad.
Como conclusiones, el grupo extrajo que la población inmigrante fue sobre la que primero repercutió la crisis, a uno de los colectivos que más afectó y que, probablemente, sea el colectivo que más tarde dejará de sufrir los efectos de la misma. Además, se apuntó el hecho de cómo los políticos utilizan a la población inmigrante como moneda de cambio en los debates políticos según sus intereses en cada momento.

The Grundtvig Group of Monterroso "Without Barriers" met on March 5th and 12th. The topic of this conference was: Immigration and Crisis.
In the first session, watching the videos of Professor Leopoldo Abadía, an economic expert, the economic crisis was exposed in an educational and humorous character.
In the second session, we read articles of journalists and other specialists about the current economic crisis and its impact on immigrants. We presented articles with different opinions regarding the impact of the crisis on immigration, which were carefully analyzed and discussed by the group.
In conclusion, the group stated that the immigrant population received the first impact of the crisis, they were one of the most affected groups and they will probably be the group which later will cease to be affected by it. Furthermore, the group exposed how politicians use immigrant population as an excuse in political debates according to their particular interests.

Camino de Santiago 4ª etapa - 4ª stage

2010-03-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

El pasado jueves, 11 de marzo, realizamos la 4ª etapa del Camino de Santiago, que comprende los 25 kilómetros entre las localidades de Portomarín y Palas de Rei.

Antes de comenzar el camino, nuestro grupo “sin barreras” fue recibido por la Alcaldesa de Portomarín, Dª Silvia Rodríguez, quien realizó una recepción oficial en el Ayuntamiento y nos obsequió con el desayuno característico de los peregrinos de la zona, denominado “parva” que consiste en pan con azúcar regado con aguardiente.

Tras la recepción, comenzamos la etapa. Por fin, pudimos disfrutar de una etapa bajo el sol, sin lluvia. Esto nos permitió deleitarnos realmente del camino y poder compartir con otros peregrinos nuestro caminar. Queremos recordar que realmente éste es uno de nuestros principales objetivos: compartir las experiencias no sólo entre los miembros del grupo, sino con otros caminantes que coincidan en la ruta con nosotros.

Aquí os dejamos algunas fotos con los momentos más significativos de esta 4ª etapa de la ruta Xacobea.

En los comentarios podéis encontrar una reseña sobre la etapa que nos gustaría pudieseis compartir con nosotros, todos los socios del proyecto que tengan la posibilidad.

A la recepción asistió el periodista de la Voz de Galicia destinado en la comarca, Penoucos, quien publicaría un artículo en el diario del día siguiente:

http://www.lavozdegalicia.com/lugo/2010/03/12/0003_8349188.htm

On Thursday, March 11th, we walked the 4th stage of the Camino de Santiago, which includes the 25 km. between the towns of Portomarín and Palas de Rei.

Before the road, our group "without barriers" was received by the Mayor of Portomarín, Mrs. Silvia Rodríguez, who gave us an official reception at the City Hall and offered us the characteristic breakfast of the pilgrims in the area, called "parva" consisting of bread with sugar washed down with “aguardiente” (strong liquor).

When the reception got finished, we started the stage. Finally, we enjoyed a day under the sun, without raining. This allowed us to really delight the road and share our journey with other pilgrims. We recall that this is really one of our main objectives: to share experiences not only among group members, but to share with other travelers on the road with us.

Here you can see some pictures with the most significant moments of the 4th stage of the route “Xacobea”.

This reception was also attended by the journalist of the daily “La Voz de Galicia”, Penoucos, who published an article in the newspaper the next day.

http://www.lavozdegalicia.com/lugo/2010/03/12/0003_8349188.htm

In the comments you can find an overview about the stage we would like to share with all project partners who have the possibility and can be interested in.

PROGRAMME OF MEETING YALOVA TERMAL

2010-03-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

TERMAL KAYMAKAMLIĞI
Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü
(Halk Eğitimi Merkezi Müdürlüğü)

GRUNDTVIG PROJECT “WITHOUT BARRIERS”
PROGRAMME OF MEETING YALOVA TERMAL
PUBLIC EDUCATION CENTER
26-27-28 APRIL 2010
26 April 2010 Monday
18.00- Meeting infront of the Yenikapı Ferry.
19.00- Lodging at the Çamlık Hotel
20.00- Dinner welcome.

27 April 2010 Tuesday
9.00- * Meeting at the District Building of Termal. Termal Public Education Center is at the District Building.
* National Education Directorship European Union Projects
Coordinator Mehmet Kalkan’s presentation.
* Lieutenat Colonel’s conference.
10.00-10.30 Coffee Break
10.30- * Presentation of Logic Model of Termal Public Education
Center and the Project.
*Workshop
12.00-13.30 Lunch
13.30 * Visiting the Roman Street (Immigrant Region)
* Visiting Üvezpınar Street (Emigrant Region)
16.00 Visiting Yalova Merkez Çağdaş Yaşam Çeçenleri (Yalova Center Modern Life Chechens).
18.00- 20.00 Strolling Termal
20.00-21.30 Dinner

28 April 2010 Wednesday
09.00-Visiting the District Building of Termal
09.30-Visiting the NationalEducation Center
and Public Education Center
10.00-10.30- Coffee Break
11.00-11.30- Visiting the Termal City Hall
12.00-13.00 Lunch
13.30-14.30 *Visiting the courses of Public Education Center
*Visiting the Bahçeşehir College and Balkan Emigration Association
14.30- Workshop
15.00-19.00 İznik tour
20.00-21.30 Dinner

"El Progreso" y "Sin Barreras" - "El Progreso y "Without Barriers"

2010-03-08T02:02:00.000-08:00

El pasado domingo, 28 de febrero, el Diario “El Progreso” de Lugo dedicó un artículo especial a todos los que trabajamos en el proyecto Grundtvig “Sin barreras”.
En el artículo se refleja el trabajo que se realiza en nuestro Centro de Adultos así como las actividades realizadas en el marco de los proyectos europeos.
Todos los alumnos miembros del grupo fueron entrevistados, recogiéndose en el artículo las experiencias de algunos de ellos.

On Sunday, February 28th, the newspaper of Lugo "El Progreso” published a special article to the members of the Grundtvig project "Without Barriers".
The article reflects the job done at our Adult Center and the activities conducted into the framework of European projects.
All the students of the group were interviewed, gathering in the article the experiences from some of them.

An Emigrant Story

2010-03-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Mehmet Kar. He is an emigrant. Last week we met in a restaurant. He is the member of our project. We both ate our fish and spoke about his emigration to Turkey. He is 53 years old. He was born in Macedonia, in Skopje. He emigrated to Turkey with his family. He has double identity. After Ottoman Empire lost her domination over Macedonia, they decided to move to Turkey. His father was soldier in the Macedonian Army, in the socialist party’s Tito’s era. They were rich, they had plenty of fields. Why did you emigrate? I asked, at the same time I saw a big amount of water tumbled from his eyes.
“This is too difficult Ayşe” he replied. “
We have lost our family, relatives, friends. Maybe I cannot remember easily but my parents remember.
“What did you do after coming to Turkey?” I asked.

“We had nothing” he replied.
Turkish goverment showed a place to them at the east parts of Turkey. They rejected. They settled in Yalova. They were poor but they worked hard. The society was different, culture was different.
“I could not studied.” He told.
His biggest ambition was educated himself and we participated Turkish Faundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats. He educates himself about nature. He substantiates his ambitions in education and also I learn lots of things about nature with him.

Conferencia Europea sobre educación en prisiones - European Conference on Prison Education

2010-03-02T00:47:00.000-08:00

Durante los días 22, 23 y 24 de febrero asistimos a la I conferencia sobre educación en prisiones celebrada en Budapest y organizada por la Comisión Europea.
En ella fuimos invitados a presentar nuestro proyecto Grundtvig “Sin barreras” ante representantes de todos los países europeos y dar conocer nuestro trabajo dirigido a la población inmigrante en el proyecto Grundtvig así como pudimos exponer las actividades realizadas hasta la fecha.

Nuestra intervención tuvo una extraordinaria acogida entre los asistentes a la Conferencia por lo que nos sentimos muy orgullosos de nuestra participación así como de haber podido compartir “sin barreras” en toda Europa.

Queremos agradecer la oportunidad que se nos ofreció y confiamos que sirva para dar un pequeño empujón más a nuestro proyecto así como agradecer también la ocasión de conocer un gran número de profesionales de España y de otros países que trabajan en una línea similar a la nuestra.
Incluimos el artículo de prensa que se publicó de nuestra participación así como un enlace al artículo on-line

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/lugo/2010/02/24/0003_8314822.htm

During the days 22, 23 and 24 February we attended the conference on prison education held in Budapest and organized by the European Commission
Here we were invited to present our project Grundtvig "without barriers" to representatives of all European countries and to show our work aimed at the immigrant population in the Grundtvig project and so we can present the activities realized to date.

Our intervention was extremely well received among those attending the conference so we are very proud of our participation as well as being able to share "without barriers" across Europe.
We welcome the opportunity which they gave us and we wish that it will serve to bring closer our project. We thank for the opportunity to meet many professionals from Spain and other countries working on similar ways as ours.

We included the newspaper article which was published on our participation as well as a link to the article on-line

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/lugo/2010/02/24/0003_8314822.htm

Conferencia Europea sobre educación en prisiones - European Conference on Prison Education

2010-02-20T08:48:00.001-08:00

Mañana viajaremos a Budapest (Víctor, Susana, nuestra profesora de inglés y Pedro) a la I Conferencia Europea sobre Educación en prisiones organizada por la Comisión Europea y que tendrá lugar los días 22, 23 y 24 de febrero. En ella, estamos invitados a presentar nuestro proyecto Grundtvig "Sin Barreras", por lo que nuestro trabajo será conocido por toda Europa en la Conferencia.
Esperamos que "sin barreras" sea reconocido como un trabajo excepcional de un grupo de personas ilusionadas de Noruega, Turkía, Francia, Alemania y España.
Deseo que nuestra representación esté al nivel de todos vosotros.
Si estáis interesados, podéis consultar la Web de la conferencia:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/grundtvig/doc2047_en.htm

Tomorrow we will travel to Budapest (Victor, Susana, our English teacher and Pedro) to the European Conference on prison Education, organized by the European Commission which will take place on 22, 23 and 24 February. In it, we are invited to present our Grundtvig project "Without Barriers", so that our work will be known throughout Europe in the Conference.
We hope that "without barriers" be recognized as an outstanding work of a group of excited people from Norway, Turkey, France, Germany and Spain.
I hope that our representation can be to your level.
If you are interested, you can visit the website of the conference:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/grundtvig/doc2047_en.htm

Norway's social stystem

2010-02-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Adult immigrants in Norway have a right and an obligation to complete a minimum of 300 hours of Norwegian language training. 50 of these hours should be devoted to providing an insight into Norwegian society in the immigrant’s mother tongue or another language the person understands. The aim of obligatory Norwegian language training is to improve the immigrant’s chances of actively participating in the labor market and society.

In week 8 (22. – 26. February) our immigrants will participate in social studies, in total 25 out of 50 hours obligatory training. People with good English skills will be at Fredheim school, other immigrants have to travel to Drammen, a nearby town, where they are offered the course in their own mother tongue. Themes we work with during the complete 50 hours course are:

• Immigrants in Norway
• Democracy, welfare and values
• Health
• School, education and gaining qualifications
• Work, working life and labor market
• Children and family
• Population structure and nature

During the social studies course, we use special constructed web pages. These web pages are a supplement to the student book Intro, which provides an introduction to Norwegian social studies for adult immigrants.

Since YOU are coming to Norway in June 2010, I would strongly recommend you to take a peek into these pages. You will learn allot about our beautiful country's system. Have a nice trip into my world!

Deporte e Inmigración - Sport and Immigration

2010-02-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

El pasado miércoles, 11 de febrero, realizamos una nueva conferencia con el grupo de trabajo del proyecto Grundtvig “sin barreras”. En este día, la temática elegida fue: “El deporte como medio de integración social”. Para la conferencia, se desplazó a nuestro Centro el Gerente del Azkar Lugo, equipo de fútbol sala de la categoría nacional, Óscar Hermida.

Durante el desarrollo de la charla, Óscar expuso el proyecto de la Fundación Azkar centrándose en los valores que se buscan en su Fundación a través del deporte y la integración social. Su intervención suscitó un gran interés en los miembros del Grupo, lo que dio lugar a un intercambio de opiniones e ideas que el propio Gerente calificó de tremendamente instructivo para el Grupo y para él mismo.

No es la primera vez que el Azkar Lugo colabora con el Centro de Monterroso y tenemos que agradecer este nuevo esfuerzo. Además, a raíz de la conferencia, se establecieron las bases para futuras actuaciones, planteándose la posibilidad de asistir a algún partido de su primer equipo de fútbol sala y un posible partido entre el Azkar y los miembros de nuestro grupo, partido que aunque damos por perdido de antemano, será muy positivo como actividad del proyecto.

La Web del club recoge un resumen del acto que podéis consultar en la dirección:

http://www.pronelugoad.com/gal/amplia.asp?id=4861

On Wednesday, February 11th, a new lecture was held with the working group of the Grundtvig project "Without Barriers". The topic of this lecture was: "Sport as a means of social integration”. Oscar Hermida, the Manager of Azkar Lugo, an indoor football team of the national category visited our centre in order to attend the act.

During the talk, Oscar explained the Azkar Foundation Project, focusing on the values which are sought by this Foundation through sport and social integration. His speech aroused great interest among the members of the group, which led to an exchange of views and ideas that the manager described as tremendously instructive for the Group and for him.

It is not the first time that Azkar Lugo collaborates with the Centre of Monterroso and we are thankful for this effort again. Furthermore, after the lecture, the groundwork for future action was laid, raising the possibility of attending a game of their first football team. In addition to this we were talking about the possibility of organising a match between Azkar and the members of our project, a match that, although we take for lost in advance, will be very positive as a project activity.

A summary of this event is provided in the web of the club, which you can see at:

http://www.pronelugoad.com/gal/amplia.asp?id=4861

Camino de Santiago: 3ª Etapa - Stage 3

2010-02-11T00:39:00.000-08:00

El pasado jueves, 4 de febrero, nuestro grupo del proyecto Grundtvig “sin barreras” realizó la 3ª etapa del camino de Santiago, entre las localidades de Sarria y Portomarín.

La etapa comenzó con la recepción ofrecida por el alcalde de la localidad de Sarria, D. Claudio Garrido, quien nos mostró su apoyo a la iniciativa del proyecto Grundtvig. En el acto, el cronista de Sarria Xaime López Arias, experto en la ruta Jacobea, realizó una exposición sobre la historia del Camino y, concretamente, de la ruta que íbamos a recorrer. Tenemos que agradecer la prediposición de la alcaldía, por su cortesía recibiéndonos y, además, entregándonos unos regalos conmemorativos del acto.

A la recepción asistió el periodista de la Voz de Galicia destinado en la comarca, Penoucos, quien publicaría un artículo en el diario del día siguiente.

La etapa era realmente dura desde el comienzo, a lo que hubo que añadir un tiempo poco agradable. Pero, nuevamente, la experiencia resultó gratificante para todos, por los buenos momentos que compartimos durante las horas que caminamos juntos.

Durante la etapa, conectó en directo con nosotros el programa de radio “hoy por hoy” de la Cadena Ser, quien nos entrevistó y así pudimos exponer las actividades que estamos realizando para nuestro proyecto “sin barreras” y dar una mayor difusión de los proyectos europeos Grundtvig.

En esta etapa, compartimos el camino con 4 internos, cuyas nacionalidades son Francesa, Franco-argelina, china e irlandesa, quienes esperamos que hayan recogido los momentos más emotivos de la experiencia y los plasmen, posteriormente, en los relatos que trataremos de recoger en el diario del Camino.

On Thursday, February 4th, our group of the Grundtvig project "Without Barriers" made the 3rd stage of the road to Santiago, between the towns of Sarria and Portomarín.

The stage began with a reception by the mayor of the town of Sarria, Mr. Claudio Garrido, who gave us his support to the initiative of the Grundtvig project. During the ceremony, the reporter from Sarria, Xaime López Arias,an expert on the pilgrimage way to Santiago, made a presentation on the history of the Way and, specifically, on the route we were going to set off. We have to acknowledge the courtesy of the mayor for welcoming us and for giving us some gifts commemorating the event.

This reception was also attended by the journalist of the daily “La Voz de Galicia”, Penoucos, who published an article in the newspaper the next day.

The stage was really hard from the beginning, and the weather was quite unpleasant. But again, the experience was rewarding for everybody since we could share good moments during the hours we walked together.

During the stage, the radio programme by Cadena Ser, “Hoy por hoy,” connected live with us. We were interviewed, so we were able to outline the activities we are doing for our project "Without Barriers" and to provide a greater dissemination of the European Grundtvig projects.

We share this stage of the Way with four inmates, whose nationalities are French, French-Algerian, Chinese and Irish. We hope that they have captured the most emotional moments of this experience to write about them later, in the stories we are trying to collect in our Way’s Diary.

Reunión en Monterroso 2 - Meeting in Monterroso 2

2010-02-03T03:09:00.000-08:00

El pasado viernes, 29 de enero, realizamos la segunda parte de la actividad con el grupo de trabajo “Sin barreras” de Monterroso.
En esta sesión se acabaron de presentar las gráficas explicando los fenómenos migratorios de la actualidad, sus distintas implicaciones (políticas, económicas, etc), desde los puntos de vista de los países receptores y de los países de origen. Se realizó un análisis comparativo con los movimientos históricos analizados en la sesión anterior y, basándose en datos de organismos internacionales como el Fondo Monetario Internacional, el Banco Mundial o la ONU, se aportó un enfoque diferente que cambió la idea preconcebida que tenían muchos de los alumnos sobre la inmigración. Como ejemplo, una de las ideas más extendidas es que la inmigración mantiene siempre una dirección Sur-Norte; cuando hemos comprobado que hay otros flujos migratorios como el de Oriente Medio o de los propios países desarrollados a otros en similar situación (emigración hacia Canadá, Australia o EE.UU). También se analizaron las distintas políticas puestas en marcha por los países desarrollados, para abordar la problemática de la inmigración (Unión Europea, EE.UU, etc.), estudiando conceptos como el de la “inmigración selectiva”, defendido por países desarrollados y criticado por los países menos desarrollados.
El debate que se estableció resultó muy didáctico, no sólo para los alumnos, sino también para nosotros, que como docentes pudimos comprobar las diferentes visiones que se tienen del fenómeno migratorio, dependiendo de las culturas, ideologías o religiones de los integrantes del grupo.

On Friday, January 29th, we developed the second part of the activity with the working group "Without barriers" from Monterroso.
During this session we kept on showing the graphic lines which explain the migratory phenomena today, and its various implications (i.e.political, economic, etc), from the point of view of the recipient countries and of the guest countries. A comparative analysis was realised using the historical movements which had been discussed in the previous session and based on data from international bodies like the IMF, the World Bank or the UN. A different approach came out that changed the preconceived idea that many of the students had about immigration. For example, one of the most widespread ideas is that immigration always keeps a south-north direction; however we found out that there are other migration flows such as that of the Middle East or even the flow of some developed countries to others in a similar situation (emigration to Canada, Australia or USA). We also analyzed the various policies implemented by the developed countries to deal with the problem of immigration (European Union, USA, etc..), studying concepts like the "selective immigration", supported by the developed countries and criticized by the least developed countries.
The discussion proved to be very educational, not only for the students but also for us, who, as teachers, could see the different views about the migratory phenomenon, depending on the cultures, ideologies and religions of the members of the group.

Reunión "sin barreras" en Monterroso - "Without barriers" meeting in Monterroso

2010-01-27T01:54:00.000-08:00

El pasado viernes, 22 de enero, se reunió el grupo de trabajo del proyecto Grundtvig “without barriers” de Monterroso.

La actividad elaborada para esta reunión fue la presentación de un itinerario, a través de la historia, mostrando los distintos movimientos migratorios que se produjeron en la humanidad desde sus orígenes, hasta la actualidad, llevada a cabo por los miembros del grupo Grundtvig de Monterroso, Manuel Sánchez y Alí Lahna.

La actividad se realizará en dos sesiones: viernes 22 de enero y viernes 29 de enero.

En esta primera sesión, se expusieron, analizaron y debatieron diferentes movimientos migratorios en pueblos diversos como fenicios, romanos, árabes, celtas,… hasta la época de los movimientos de población esclava a América.

En la próxima sesión se enlazarán todos estos movimientos con la problemática actual de la emigración y se abrirá el debate para el análisis de todos los miembros del grupo.

On Friday, January 22nd, the Grundtvig project working group "Without Barriers" from Monterroso held a meeting.

The activity designed for this meeting was the presentation of a journey through history in order to show the various migratory movements that occurred in humanity from its origins to the present. This activity was carried out by the group members of Grundtvig from Monterroso, Manuel Sanchez and Ali Lahna.

The activity will be developed in two sessions: Friday, January 22nd and Friday, January 29th.

In this first session, various migratory movements which happened in different nations were presented, discussed and debated such as those of the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Celts, ... until the time of the slave population movements in America.

In the next session we will try to establish a connection between all these movements and the current problems derived from migration and finally,all group members will analyse this topic and discuss about it.

Your Arrival to Türkiye

2010-01-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

My Dear Colleques,
As you will come to Turkiye in April, I have searched some hotels for you. Please contact me from my email: aysetopay@mynet.com and I can help you
BEST REGARDS FROM REALLY COLD TÜRKİYE
:))))