International Parents Alliance’s Parent Summit has been a spectacular experience, bringing together like-minded people from four continents in a very special environment and for a very special purpose.

The Setting at the International Parents Alliance Summit

Our location was the Amonashvili Estate, the headquarters of the Humane Pedagogy initiated by Shalva Amonashvili decades ago and now led by Paata Amonashvili. The estate has expanded over time and is now known as Mzianeti, “Sun City,” which comprises a set of imaginative buildings including a “fortress,” acting as town hall, a “pyramid,” a refectory, and football pitch, and an incredibly diverse garden.

The Estate’s scope has likewise expanded to include training for parents and children alike, which culminate in a special 9-day course that takes place in the summer months. During these courses, children up to 18 become citizens of Sun City, elect their own mayor, who is himself a child, and can work for part of the day to gain “dari,” Sun City’s wooden currency. They can even set up their own business, provided they submit a proper handwritten application to the Mayor.

Children are also responsible for their adults and “provide” for them with their own work. In the afternoon, children are free to engage in a variety of activities ranging from arts to science, while parents train with the Human Pedagogy instructors. Our International Parents Alliance’s Summit couldn’t have asked for a better stage.

The Arrival Experience at the International Parents Alliance Event

Participants started to reach the Amonashvili Estate as early as the 23rd of October, for logistical reasons. Those who arrived at night left Tbilisi airport on transport set up by the Amonashvili estate. Soon the city lights disappeared into the dark, intermingled with the road signs in the unique Georgian script and little dim-lit roadside shops selling fruit, vegetables, and local crafts. Those lucky enough to arrive in the morning were treated with the breathtaking view of the snow-capped, imposing Caucasus mountains and the multicolored foliage of autumn forests under crisp, blue skies.

The Day Before: Exploring Tbilisi and the SILENT Multiplier Event

On the 24th of October, we set out early in the morning in the company of David, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, for a tour of the Georgian capital.

Over the course of the two-hour drive, David discussed anything from history to local soil composition in great detail and with a good measure of humor, while at the same time managing to impress upon us the notion that two things are very much cherished in Georgian culture: tolerance, and wine. According to David, tolerance is embedded in Georgian culture as a result of its being at the crossroads of East and West. For a portion of our journey to Tbilisi, we traveled on the actual track of the old Silk Route.

On the other hand, wine is a staple of Georgian life, with traditional production methods passed from generation to generation. Tbilisi itself is surprisingly lively, a bustling city blending Western and Eastern influences, and surmounted by a giant statue holding a sword and a cup of wine, as a stark memento to both enemies and friends. As part of our tour, we paid a visit to the Peace Cathedral, a church so dedicated to inclusion and interfaith dialogue that a mosque and synagogue have been built within the same compound.

We then reached the location for the Multiplier Event of Project SILENT, one of the many supported by the International Parents Alliance, and engaged in a lively discussion on the scope and results of this project aimed at supporting the hearing families of deaf children.

Day One at the International Parents Alliance Parent Summit

The first day of the Summit opened with the inspiring testimony of Paata Amonashvili and the veteran Shalva, who at the age of 93 gave a passionate speech about the value of education and the need for educators to constantly work on themselves. Paata stressed the Amonashvili Academy’s practice of responding to problems and crises with acts of love and beauty. The words of the International Parents Alliance Director Eszter Salamon PhD set a positive and determined atmosphere.

Parenting and Education in Digital Realities

The first part of the day, Parenting and Education in Digital Realities, started with a keynote speech by Luca László, one of the Ph.D. candidates from Project PARTICIPATE. The project’s aim is to train a new generation of Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) with transferable multidisciplinary and intersectoral skills necessary to work with parents, youth, teachers, and other professionals to more effectively prevent and reduce cyberbullying across Europe. The presentation discussed the defining characteristics of bullying and the results of the scoping review for her own unique research on the role of teachers and parents in the emergence of bullying behavior in children.

Participants took part in a lively workshop that challenged them to identify causes and possible solutions with the help of Anastasiia Petrova, Luisa Morello and Giorgia Scuderi, themselves PARTICIPATE’s Ph.D. candidates, before moving into an engaging presentation of the results of Project Supercyberkids, aimed at fostering cybersecurity and resilience through games, complemented by a dedicated workshop.

Health and Well-being: A Priority for the International Parents Alliance

After lunch, participants tackled the theme “Well-being and health – a main concern of families.” They familiarized themselves with and explored the content of two additional projects: DRONE, which aims to provide training to teachers and school leaders to promote digital literacy and combat the spread of disinformation among adolescents, particularly from vulnerable groups, and BIO-STREAMS, whose purpose is addressing childhood obesity through improved data usage, personalized behavioral pathways on nutrition and activity, and stronger liaisons among research, healthcare, and communities.

The workshops were led respectively by Aristos Protopsaltis, PhD., and researchers from the University of Maribor, Slovenia.

After a short coffee break, Judit Horgas PhD took center stage and led a high-energy workshop on linking school learning to family learning, combining insights and resources from Project PERFECT, dedicated to developing teaching/learning strategy based on collaborative cultural production and intercultural exchange, and Project BioBeo, which aimed to create an education program to enhance engagement across society regarding lifestyle, circularity, and bioeconomy.

Day Two: A Democratic Focus at the International Parents Alliance Parent Summit

The second day of the International Parents Alliance Parent Summit was shorter but by no means less action-packed. First on the list was a short presentation of Project DEMOCRAT, whose aim is to strengthen liberal democracy in the European Union (EU) by supporting its embedding and sustainability through participatory redesign and implementation of innovative and context-sensitive Education for Responsible Democratic Citizenship (EfD) curricula and learning methods.

Right after the presentation, participants engaged in a world-café activity based on thought-provoking questions on the adoption of democratic policies in schools, including barriers and necessary resources. In the final section, IPA’s Director Eszter Salamon introduced the results of a Brookings-led project and highlighted the fact that when it comes to the education system, the voice that is most lacking from the vast majority of discussions is the voice of parents, who at the same time are a critical factor to translate any education-related proposal into reality.

Parting ways – the Summit Ends

With the heartfelt words of Paata Amonashvili exhorting participants to act in the best interest of children and Eszter Salamon summarizing two days of intense activity, the Parent Summit 2024 came to an end. As participants exchanged greetings before parting ways, a lingering, palpable feeling of happiness and fulfillment filled the air, together with the promise of meeting again soon, at another time and in another place, for another chapter of our story.

The Perfect Project is one of those projects that really bring people together. Pouring rain and train hiccups didn’t deter IPA and the other members of the PERFECT Consortium from converging in Brussels for the Final Conference of the PERFECT Project. Not every Final Conference is simultaneously engaging and good at getting things done, but the PERFECT Project’s ticks all the boxes. It really was… PERFECT!

What is PERFECT?

The PERForming and Sharing of Local Histories Project (PERFECT) seeks to enhance the quality and innovation of secondary education by implementing a teaching and learning strategy centered around collaborative cultural production and intercultural exchange. This approach is further enriched through the engaging use of digital technology. The project aims to stimulate autonomous learning, creative thinking, and collaborative skills by encouraging students to create cultural products based on local history.

The PERFECT Project fosters international collaboration by promoting the exchange of digital cultural products among partner schools, facilitating interaction between student groups. Additionally, it offers methodological tools to support the replication and dissemination of its “open model” of educational action. A network of primary and secondary schools will be established, dedicated to exchanging student-created cultural products and participating in a European Festival.

The project’s core elements include cultural exchange, didactic innovation, and openness to multiculturalism, promoting respect and understanding of diverse cultural heritages. These aspects align with the principles of Global Citizenship Education and emphasize Europe’s interconnected history and heritage.

The PERFECT Project will deliver key results such as a conceptual model for intercultural cultural production, a handbook for school leaders, collaboratively developed cultural products, evaluation-based guidelines, and a virtual showcase of school-developed projects to inspire future initiatives.

Day 1: the Meeting

The works covered two days. Monday the 14th was devoted to the internal consortium final TPM, covering the entire spanning of the project, its results, and its future challenges.
Our hosts, OBESSU, offered a brief outline of the meeting’s agenda before moving into a healthy, nutritious and energising vegetarian lunch. During lunch, we engaged in meaningful conversations as a way of rekindling extant connections and introducing newcomer members to the team.

We proceeded to run an in-depths SWOT analysis using sticky notes and an engaging, novel nautical setup. All partners worked together to identify strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of the project so far.

We then listened to the narratives of the different PERFECT pilot projects, combining literature, dance and history in a novel and engaging method for students to approach the study of History and their local heritage.

Day 2: the Final Conference

The final conference took place at a youthful location with a distinctive vibe. We were greeted by an informal yet comfortable setting, warm, freshly-baked biscuits, and an agenda packed with interesting and relevant engagements.

We listened to a retelling of the genesis of the Project, steeped in the connection between music and storytelling. Subsequently, Claudio Dondi and IPA’s Director Eszter Salamon each presented one of the most important outcomes of Project PERFECT: the Guidelines for School Team Leaders and the Guidelines for Schools, Teachers and Students. Both tools are research-based, practical resources have been developed to facilitate a seamless application of the PERFECT Project methodology to different institutions in different contexts. Any interested party can consult or download both guidelines completely free of charge.

Following up, participants in the Final Conference listened to the inspiring testimonies of a panel with distinguished keynote speakers before splitting into two groups to engage in a round of practical activity through two exciting workshops:

• The therapeutic value of art education: building children’s resilience
• The value of interdisciplinary and art-oriented project-based learning.

Looking Forward

The PERFECT project might be nearing its end, but plans are already being discussed to ensure that its impactful results can be useful to a wider platform of students and education professionals.

What is Project PARTICIPATE?

Project PARTICIPATE is an innovative network focused on bridging the gap between academic research and the public. Its main objective is to create a strong collaborative environment where researchers, local organizations, and communities come together to promote knowledge sharing and community-based problem solving. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Project PARTICIPATE works with early-stage researchers to help them develop vital skills, particularly in the areas of research dissemination, community engagement, and policy communication.

The project provides training programs and workshops to equip doctoral candidates with the tools necessary to share their research effectively with non-academic audiences, ensuring that their findings benefit local communities. This collaborative approach allows the research to create real-world impact and helps address pressing societal challenges. The project’s most recent event was a training session held in Athens, offering key insights on the importance of research dissemination, among other topics.

Key Lessons on Research Dissemination from the Athens Training Event

From the 23rd to the 25th of September, the PARTICIPATE network gathered at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, bringing together doctoral candidates, their supervisors, and experienced professionals for a comprehensive training session. International Parents Alliance was on the ground too. The event focused heavily on research dissemination, giving young researchers practical tools and strategies for reaching out to the public and sharing their findings in accessible ways.

The training began with a two-day session led by Professor Liza Tsaliki and Dr. Despina Chronaki, where participants explored how qualitative research methods can be better communicated to non-academic audiences. One of the primary takeaways was the importance of understanding how a researcher’s epistemological stance impacts the way they present their findings. Both Prof. Tsaliki and Dr. Chronaki emphasized that researchers must be mindful of their approach to ensure that their work reaches the right audiences, particularly knowledge holders and community organizations.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, the trainers shared personal stories of overcoming the challenges of engaging with communities. They offered practical advice on working with NGOs to help bridge the gap between academia and real-world issues. Volunteers from SCI-Hellas, a local branch of an international organization dedicated to community-driven change, provided further insights on how local collaborations can enhance the impact of research dissemination.

An essential component of the event was learning from local media professionals. Journalists from an online newspaper and radio station shared their experiences in integrating academic research into mainstream news coverage. This session offered researchers valuable tips on how to present their findings in a way that is compelling and understandable for the general public. By learning how to adapt complex academic work into more digestible formats, participants gained a better understanding of how to disseminate their research more effectively to a broader audience.

The event also featured presentations from two doctoral candidates from the host university, who showcased their research on bullying in Greece. Their findings highlighted the unique cultural and social dynamics that influence bullying behaviors in schools, providing a real-world example of how localized research can inform broader conversations on social issues. Their presentation underscored the importance of tailoring research dissemination strategies to the specific contexts in which the research is conducted.

One of the more interactive sessions was led by Kainaat Maqbool, who conducted a workshop using “zenies” created by young Afro-Greek participants in her research. The exercise demonstrated how cultural background influences individuals’ perceptions of research materials, sparking a lively discussion among the participants on the need to consider cultural differences in research dissemination strategies.

The event concluded with a discussion on how to communicate effectively with policymakers, led by Dr. Lila Mastora from ActionAid Hellas. This session reinforced the importance of translating academic research into actionable recommendations that can inform policy decisions, a critical step in ensuring that research has a tangible impact on society.

The Importance of Research Dissemination for Broader Impact

Research dissemination is a crucial aspect of the academic process, as it ensures that the knowledge generated within academic institutions reaches the public and informs real-world change. Project PARTICIPATE’s training event in Athens underscored the importance of this practice by equipping doctoral candidates with the skills needed to share their findings effectively. Whether through collaborations with local NGOs, interactions with the media, or engagement with policymakers, the event emphasized that successful research dissemination depends on the ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and actionable manner.

By involving community-based organizations like SCI-Hellas and media professionals, the PARTICIPATE network demonstrates the value of multi-sectoral collaborations in enhancing research dissemination. The ability to reach diverse audiences, from local community members to international policymakers, ensures that research findings do not remain confined to academia but contribute to meaningful societal progress.

For young researchers, mastering the art of research dissemination is critical to ensuring their work has a broader impact. The event in Athens offered invaluable lessons on how to engage effectively with various stakeholders, adapting their communication strategies to different audiences. Whether you’re involved in academic research or interested in promoting the public good, learning how to share knowledge and research with the wider community is essential for making a lasting difference.

Wellbeing at School in the Digital Age

Wellbeing at School was the central theme of the eTwinning Annual Conference, held in Brussels on 26-28 September 2024. This conference marked a key moment for the Supportive Partners of the European School Education Platform to come together and discuss how we can better support school education within the European Union.

A major topic was how schools can adapt to the digital realities of today’s world. One significant message came from James O’Higgins Norman, UNESCO Chair on Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace. He emphasized that banning mobile phones in schools has no proven positive effects and could even harm students’ sense of respect and autonomy. Importantly, the lack of digital citizenship education in schools was also a critical issue highlighted during the event.

The Need for Digital Citizenship in Wellbeing at School

A crucial problem raised during the conference is the absence of real digital citizenship education in schools. Students often feel alienated by mobile phone bans, especially when teachers are not subjected to the same rules. While students are expected to refrain from using their phones, teachers freely use theirs, even for non-school-related activities. This inconsistency is perceived as unfair and uneducational. The solution, as discussed, lies in fostering collaboration among parents, teachers, and students to create balanced regulations and teach responsible smartphone usage. It is evident that wellbeing at school today must include addressing how students engage with digital tools and how schools can better prepare them for the digital realities they face daily.

Resilience and Rights in the Digital World

On the second day, the focus shifted to wellbeing online, and it was encouraging to see discussions moving towards building resilience rather than just limiting access to digital spaces. It was clear that protecting children from the online world is no longer a sufficient approach; instead, the emphasis must be on educating them to thrive within it. Interestingly, Parents International has been a vocal advocate against COPPA, the U.S. law that bans children under 13 from registering on social media.

With data showing that 97% of 10-12-year-olds spend significant time online, many parents are complicit in helping their children bypass these restrictions. The issue is not that children register early, but that they gain access to adult features when they turn 18—often at their most vulnerable age.

Collaborative Solutions for Wellbeing at School

The conference was not just about digital issues; it also offered valuable insights into parental engagement and how to foster collaboration between parents and teachers. The Supportive Partners of the European School Education Platform met for the first time in person, sharing ideas on how to enrich the platform’s content and how to foster bilateral and multilateral collaborations. During a workshop titled “Better Together,” a group of 43 teachers from across Europe discussed the challenges of engaging with parents.

Using models like Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model and the Ladder of Parental Engagement, participants devised solutions to improve communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, reinforcing that real engagement goes beyond primary school. Teachers shared that engaging parents at all school levels remains a challenge.

At the end of the workshop, International Parents Alliance introduced a range of tools to support teachers in fostering better relationships with parents. These tools included Parents Engage, Parent’R’Us, Future Memory, SAILS, DRONE, PARTICIPATE, Co-Map, and BioBeo projects, providing resources for both teachers and parents to work together in promoting wellbeing at school.