BHS / ENG
Director of programmes Center for Democracy and Reconciliation in Southeast Europe (CDRSEE)
The Center’s most prominent project is “The Joint History Project (JHP)”, an ongoing, social, political and educational initiative that begun under the auspices of the CDRSEE in 1999, aiming at an informed, significant and realistic change in historical research and education in all countries of Southeast Europe.
The objectives of the project are achieved through the production of a set of alternative history-teaching education materials currently available in eight languages– designed and written by prominent experts from all over the region – along with continuous teacher training, outreach and media work.
Ethnocentric teaching is still prevailing in the region and old grievances are far from overcome. Very often our books are perceived as a threat that deconstructs the national story line and thus undermines the national identity. Education communicates the goals of a society and has always been politically laden. The sensitive historical past of Southeast Europe with its complex national identity issues has triggered SEE societies to become anxious about whether societal goals and national priorities are well reflected in their education policies. These national driven education policies are in conflict with educational reform needs and counter the goal of European integration or regional integration.