25. Jul 2008 - 03. Aug 2008

European Democratic Education Conference 2008

Sudbury-Schule Halle-Leipzig e.V.
Garskestraße 31
04205 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: 0341 / 2 56 62 11
Fax: 0341 / 2 56 20 75
Email: kontakt@sudbury-hl.de

Link to the organizer

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Freie Schule Leipzig e.V.
Am Lindenhof 22
04277 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: 0341 - 3 01 33 43
Fax: 0341 - 3 01 33 43
Email: kontakt@freie-schule-leipzig.de

Link to the organizer
URL of event

Conference / Convention

Education, Culture & Sports

Registration required

Leipzig
Leipzig

Germany

What is the European Democratic Education Conference? The European Democratic Education Conference, EUDEC 2008, will be a meeting for people involved or interested in democratic education in Europe. The conference aims not only to support the exchange of ideas between democratic schools but also to give interested members of the general public an opportunity to learn more about democratic education in theory and practice. The inspiration for this conference comes from IDEC, the International Democratic Education Conference, which has taken place every year since 1993 in a different part of the world, hosted by democratic schools. Many participants from European countries have been complaining for years that they can only participate in IDECs at great cost in time and money, and that it is often completely unaffordable for students. Over time, participants from around the world have begun to discuss the value of additional meetings at a regional level. In August 2006, a group of people from several European countries met at Sands School in England and decided to take on the project of organising a European conference. The idea for EUDEC was born. When and where will EUDEC 2008 take place? EUDEC 2008 will be held from 25 July to 3 August 2008 in Leipzig, Germany. The University of Leipzig will offer its facilities and campus for the conference. Who is organising EUDEC 2008? EUDEC 2008 is being hosted by the Freie Schule Leipzig in cooperation with the University of Leipzig and the Sudbury Schule Halle-Leipzig. Additional support is being provided by the National Association of Free Alternative Schools in Germany and the European Forum for Freedom in Education, effe. A European-wide planning group made up of students and educators from schools and organisations throughout Europe (see Collaborators) has been actively involved in the organisation of the conference and the establishment of a European network for democratic education (see European Democratic Education Community). What can I expect at EUDEC 2008? We anticipate around 300 participants – including students, teachers, parents, academics and researchers – from across Europe as well as a few guests from non-European countries. Those who attend the full, 10-day, conference will have the opportunity to join working groups which will meet regularly over the course of the programme and to offer their own workshops during the open schedule which will be organised for the first 5 days. Two days of the conference will be planned as a Public Session and open to members of the general public. This session will offer a scheduled programme of talks and presentations along with a “Democratic Education Expo”. The first general assembly for the European Democratic Education Community will be held on the final day of the conference, along with a wrap-up session during which working groups can present their results. For more information on the full conference and public session, see Programme.