ALCA – Adults Learning through Creative Activities

ALCA

Adults Learning through Creative Activities

Spain Poland

Norway Turkey

What is interesting about us ? — see it, learn it, enjoy it!

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d n a l o P

Nysa — the city of culture

There are many things to be said about either our institution, House of Culture in Nysa, or the city itself with its rich historical past. Thousands of meaningful events, hundreds of important people whose lives and work were related to the city, picturesque landscapes, impressive landmarks and historic monuments – all these cannot be presented in one magazine. In this issue, therefore, we decided to put only the most relevant, and first of all attractive, information.

Nysa is a place with a difference. Nowadays it may look as a typical provincial town, tidy and cozy, situated by the river as many other Polish cities. But under that sedate exterior, the city bubbles with excitement. Cultural life is very intensive here and the city of Nysa is famous for the picturesque Folk Fiesta Festival that gathers over 300 participants from all over the world and 10 thousand spectators every year. The battle of the Nysa Stronghold reflecting the days of the besiege by the Napoleon’s army is a duplicate of the real events from the beginning of the 19th century.

Close neighbors As we are the close neighbors of the Czech Republic, the common history and culture can still be traced in everyday life of the present citizens of Nysa and the nearby towns – Zlate Hory, Mikulovice, Jesenik. One of the best examples is the gold mining in the eras of the top and late Middle Ages which was characteristic for Silesian cities – Złoty Stok (Golden Slope) in Poland and Zlate Hory (Golden Mountains) in the Czech Republic and brought periods of economic prosperity and stability.

ALCA | Poland

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Metal Stronghold photo R. Okrzymowski

Nysa used to be the capital of the Vroclav bishops and for many years the city flourished as the economic (trade), educational and cultural centre. (tutaj bym dała zdjęcie Carolinum jako przykładu tego flourishing) Some pages of history One of the darkest pages of that common history were so– called witches processes that lasted in the region of the former Silesia (including present Zlate Hory and Jesenik region from the present Czech Republic and Nysa region of the present Polish Republic).They were preceded by the years of religious wars that brought so much suffering and affliction (The Hussite Wars) and Thirty Years Wars that involved slaughter and firing of farm–houses. Certainly it is not a hazard that just in that time of deep economic and moral declination the Nysa region was affected by the wave of spiritual cancer in inquisition trials with alleged wise women. The trials framed in Jeseník and Nysa regions in the years 1622–1684, cost hundreds of human victims.

House of Culture House of Culture in Nysa relies on the best cultural traditions of the city dating back to the thirteen century when the bishops ruling the region patronized the culture. Instead of the old theatre building totally destroyed during the Second World War, a new one was constructed. It is being under reconstruction at the moment and is going to be one of the biggest and most modern culture buildings in the region.

More than 200 cultural events are held here, starting with chamber concerts, photography and painting exhibitions, and finishing with big festivals gathering thousands of people.

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Poland | ALCA

Folk Fiesta The most famous and definitely, the favourite cultural event among the staff members as well as the citizens of the city is Folk Fiesta – a 3–day festival held at the second weekend of August.

More than 300 performers from about 10 countries are invited every year. They are such countries as Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Italy, Netherlands, Israel, India, Mexico, Latvia, Armenia, Georgia, Algeria, Hungary.

The picturesque street parade traditionally starts the festival – the columns of the musicians and dancers in their colorful traditional costumes walk around the city centre dancing, singing, performing short sketches. The citizens usually gather on the streets, sometimes a few hours before the parade starts, just “in case” – they are anxious not to miss anything. The festival is held at the yard of the beautiful Saint Hedwig Bastion.

Though is lasts from 4 to 6 hours every day, the crowds of the audience grow bigger and bigger every day.

The great event finishes at midnight on Sunday with fireworks display.

Metal Stronghold Metal Stronghold – something for those who are keen on loud music. This 3day international festival started ten years ago with a few amateur rock groups, whose concerts attracted mostly their friends only. Nowadays it is a huge festival attracting whole families from all over the country as well as from abroad (mostly the Czech Republic). As it is a really LOUD music (“an onslaught of sound”), the festival is organized in

the old fortress, the remains of the former Nysa Stronghold – that is how the festival got its name.

During three days of concerts about 25 groups can show their talents with the loud distorted guitars, emphatic rhythms, dense bass–and–drum sound and vigorous vocals.

All ages are welcome Besides numerous cultural events, there are afternoon classes organized for people of all ages and interests. Dancing groups of all kinds (starting with 4–year–old and finishing with senior citizens), 3 theatre groups, 2 choirs, gospel choir and music group NaFali, chess and bridge sections, dj–s workshops, film and journalism workshops, photography classes – a wide choice, isn’t it?

The level of performance is very high though the groups gather only amateurs – the dancing groups such as Adagio, DNA and Flames are very popular among the young population of the region and their performances attract crowds of fans.

Hundred of the Little Ones One of the cutest events, that already became a tradition, is “Little Miss and Mister” competition. Hundreds of children aged up to 12 perform on the stage, making that day a real festival of childhood and manifest of children joy.

Festival of Youth Arts The festival of youth arts is already a tradition in Nysa, that was started 4 years ago. During summer, from June to September, every month a different festival is held referring to another kind of music– hip–hop, reggae, house, rock, disco or pop.

Thousands of spectators, hundreds of performers, numerous workshops – all these make summer time unique in our city.

Adagio dancing group at Folk Fiesta

Folk Fiesta 2011 5

Norway

Old sámi traditions are given new life

North Trøndelag North Trøndelag North Trøndelag is a region in the middle of Norway, with 130 000 inhabitants and a lot of nature. Fjords, coastline, mountains, farms and rich forests are typical for the area. The region has 23 municipalities and 6 small towns. The nearest big city is Trondheim, where the national monument Nidaros Cathedral is placed. This cathedral and events in and around Stiklestad centre of National Culture (in Verdal, North Trøndelag) reflect the legacy of King Olav the Holy (Saint Olaf), and show how this region plays an important role in Norwegian history.

The history of the Sàmi people The history of the Sàmi people is also an important part of the history of this region. The Sámis are an indigenous people of the Arctic. Other indigenous peoples related to the Sámis are the Inuits in Greenland and Nenets/Komits in Russia. The Sámis live in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Their settlement area is called Sápmi. The Sámis are a minority in all the four countries. They are also divided into different groups, with different languages. In the middle of Norway and Sweden the Southern Sámis live. There are approximately 2000 people considered ethnically Southern Sámis in Norway and Sweden, and their language and culture are seriously endangered. The cultural center of the Southern Sámis “Saemien Sijte”, is placed in Snåsa, North Trøndelag.

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Norway | ALCA

Culture and literature.

The region of North Trøndelag has a rich cultural life, where music, arts craft, theatre, story telling and traditional dance have long traditions. The cultural schools for children, the local houses of culture, the free organizations and the libraries give a lot of opportunities for creative activities. Some of Norways most known authors were born in North Trøndelag: Olav Duun, Magnhild Haalke and Kristofer Uppdal. Three of the young writers of today have got scholarships which the County of North Trøndelag gives to young professional artists. These writers are: Ingrid Storholmen, Carl Frode Tiller and Eivind Hofstad Evjemo.

Steinkjer is the county administrative center Steinkjer is the county administrative center, where nearly 21.000 people live —around half of them in the small town, and the other half in the big countryside area. In Steinkjer municipality you can find one of the most known rock carvings of Norway, called Bølarein. The church of Steinkjer is often called the Weidemann cathedral, as a tribute to the famous painter who decorated the church of his hometown.

The County Library of North Trøndelag The County Library of North Trøndelag builds competence and gives support to public libraries and to school libraries.

We coordinate library cooperation and projects where the

Carl Frode Tiller, writer from Namsos

Eivind Hofstad Evjemo, writer from Levanger

aim is to develop better services for the public. Lifelong learning and participation through public libraries are some of the main tasks for the County Library. North Trøndelag County Library contributes to give knowledge about the Southern Sami culture, through literature, exhibitions, workshops and lectures, in cooperation with the cultural center of the Southern Sámis “Saemien Sijte”.

As a partner of “Adult learning through creative activities” the county library has brought ideas from different projects and organizations that focus on reading and writing as main methods in non–formal adult learning.

Ingrid Storholmen, writer from Verdal

“Reading mentors” and reading support.

In cooperation with the public libraries and the organization Leser søker bok (Books for everyone) the County Library help to recruit and build networks of reading mentors.

A reading mentor/reading representative is a person who reads aloud to others who are not able to read by themselves, either as a volunteer or as a part of her/his job.

Weidemann Cathedral

Nidaros Cathedral

ALCA | Norway

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Reading support

The public libraries collaborate with the administration for local Health and social services, participating institutions (retirement homes, psychiatric day care, homes for mentally disabled etc.) and volunteers.

This is a highly welcomed offer for people who suffer from dementia or aphasia, for stroke patients, mentally disabled or elderly people with impaired sight etc. A reading mentor can spread joy and inspiration and help improve the quality of life for many people.

The reading mentors report that this has a great value also for them. The listeners appreciate the service, and the mentors experience and learn a lot by offering the service.

Leser søker bok (Books for everyone) Leser søker bok (Books for everyone) is a national organization that supports and promotes adapted books. Their goal is to provide adapted literature for all kinds of people who have difficulties in reading ordinary books. Their philosophy is that everyone should have access to literature, regardless of their reading abilities.

Steinkjer Public Library offer help with homework to women with a refugee status.

The project is initiated by the regional Red Cross Refugee Guide–coordinator, Steinkjer Adult Education and Steinkjer Public Library.

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Norway | ALCA

The main purpose of the project is to strengthen integration of the women in the local community as well as giving them valuable experience in practicing Norwegian. The women meet in the library once a week.

The project idea is that the themes being discussed in the group might help the women in their daily activities e.g. connected to their children’s or their own school activities; or when encountering enquiries from public offices; in their leisure activities; or when having special experiences with Norwegian culture as opposed to their own culture.

There is a group of 7 volunteers in addition to Anne Hulbækdal from Steinkjer Public Library, who offer this help. Several of the volunteers are retired teachers.

Read and write for life Through writing and reading literature in groups, family members of drug addicts help themselves to cope with their difficult life situation. The method is introduced to a voluntary organization in Steinkjer by assistant professor Brit Arna Susegg, North Trøndelag University College.

The main focus is: 1. A close connection between the readers life and the characters in fiction.

2. The reading of fiction has an effect on the reader’s life.

The main aspect is that mental images are created in the mind of the reader. The participants of the group are in focus.

They are “invited” into the text by a coach. Together they reflect about how the literature is related or is getting related to their own lives.

Some of the effects from using the method are expressed by volunteer Vigdis Aasegg: Better listeners; Joy of reading; Writing inspires reading and reading inspires writing; Meaningful reflections – the literature helps to understand and explain your own life.

Library service in a prison The government in Norway has decided that every prison should have a library. Quite a lot of money has been granted to make these plans come through.

One of the new prison libraries is in Verdal, North Trøndelag, and opened its doors for 60 prisoners in March 2011. 6 of the prisoners are woman. The average age of the prisoners is 27 years. The prisoners stay in this prison for 40-60 days. They have work and school at daytime. General knowledge about the prisoners´ situation of life is important when the library activities are planned, and influence what kind of literature that is bought for the collections.

The prisoners use the library a lot. About 30 prisoners visit the library every day during opening time.

Fademe, engaged in this weeks' homework, together with her homework helper Anne.

Home work group having a break in the room of Kristofer Updal, a famous writer in Norway

Searching for books at the prison library

ALCA | Norway

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h s i n a p S Culture

from the Spaniards´ point of view There are many stereotypes related to the Spanish culture such as bullfights, flamenco dancing, siesta, etc. With the opinions provided by some members of our school community, we would like to show you what is different and distinctive about Spanish culture and its people in relation to other cultures.

Life Style The Spanish are a very open–minded, fun loving people and very sociable. Meeting friends and neighbours in the streets and stopping for a chat to catch up on things is nothing out of the ordinary. In comparison with the lifestyles of people from centre and Northern Europe (countries that are more focused on productivity) family and friends become a very important aspect of the Spaniards’ everyday life and living without this constant interaction would seem unnatural to them.

It is generally said that the Spanish way of life is somewhat slower than the rest of Europe. However, when the Spanish work, they work hard. Traditionally businesses closed for a few hours after lunch, to leave time for the “siesta”, and while such customs still prevail in provincial towns, shops and businesses in the larger cities will remain open all day.

The weather is quite good most time of the year (although we also get minus degree temperatures in winter). From spring onwards Spain enjoy more hours of sunlight what encourages people to be outdoors and meet.

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Spain | ALCA

Weather The weather is hot in summertime (you can get 40 Cº at midday in some areas of the country), that is the reason why you will not find any Spaniards around the street in the middle of the day. We may rest and have a “siesta” after lunchtime to make time to go outdoors when the climate is much cooler.

Festivals “Fiestas” and festivals are also a very important part of the culture in Spain and play a big role in the social life of local people. Almost every town and village has its own annual fair –usually in summer time– that lasts from a few days to a few weeks. This attracts people from other areas (tourists too) as well as locals living in the city.

Some village festivals also involve people going on a pilgrimage to a certain shrine. In our area the pilgrimages of Virgin Rus and Manjavacas are very popular. They are a mixture of tradition and religious feelings.

Cordoba Mosque

Food Regarding food we are said to have the healthiest and most balanced diet for the human body, so called Mediterrean diet.

Our cuisine comprises a mixture of meat (chicken, pork, lamb, beef) and vegetables, along with fish and a variety of different spices. Garlic and onion are used to season most dishes.

Some of the more popular Spanish dishes include “paella”, which is a rice dish that features a variety of ingredients. In rural areas like Castilla–La Mancha people still have traditional meals, specially stews made with vegetables and meat (potaje, cocido, estofado) and tomato sauce (“pisto manchego”)

paella

Hot chocolate and “churros” is a popular sweet meal throughout Spain, especially for breakfast on Sunday mornings.

Spain is also famous for its aromatic wines. Wines from La Mancha are becoming more and more popular competing with those from France and La Rioja. Other alcoholic beverages include sangria or “tinto de verano”, Cava and authentic Spanish beer.

Geography The landscape of Spain is varied and rich, ranging from the beaches surrounding the Peninsula (on the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Cantabric sea), an spectacular range of mountains (Europe Peaks, the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, etc) and the extraordinary archipelago (The Balearic and Canary Islands).

In Castilla–La Mancha you can enjoy a landscape characterized by flat lands in an endless horizon, dotted with a myriad of wineyards and cereal crops everywhere.

Historical and Culture Heritage From the cultural point of view there are many places worth visiting for its historical interest. This is because of our past, that left us important monuments and a significant heritage like Cordoba’s Mosque, The Alhambra in Granada, El Escorial Palace in Madrid, many Gothic Cathedrals (León, Burgos, Toledo...) Segovia’s Aqueduct, the Roman city of Mérida...

Furthermore we have one of the best art galleries in the world: El Prado Museum in Madrid.

ALCA | Spain

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Empty street at siesta time

Not so good points Regarding negative aspects, Spanish people are said to be rude and noisy. We have the habit of shouting and laughing loud in places where there should be silence, such as public buildings and transport.

Another thing that could be highlighted is having bad behaviour regarding civic rules, the environment and animals.

We can sometimes find people breaking traffic rules, smoking in places where it is not allowed to any more, throwing rubbish in the countryside or not showing any respect towards animals, even their own animals. Fortunately only a minority of the population has this anti–social behaviour.

Prejudices against foreign people can sometimes be found.

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Spain | ALCA

Not every foreigner is a target of their aversion, just Moroccans, South Americans and Romanians. They tend to blame on them for crime and the unemployment situation in Spain.

Once again these feelings are just shown by a small percentage of the population.

A last bad point to mention is that the Spanish are hopeless at learning foreign languages, including English. Unfortunately not many people are able to speak it fluently, although the new generations are becoming more competent.

This is what we as Spaniards think of our own culture. We do not know if these ideas match with the ones you previously had. We hope you can experience the real Spanish culture by yourselves when you come to visit us.

e t o x i u Don Q the book shows us who we are and who we could be Miguel de Cervantes is one of the best ambassadors of the Spanish culture around the world. He is the author of the worldwide–known the novel "Don Quixote".

We want to show you how important this book is for our people and our educational centre. Here you have some facts about this book: • It is considered the first world's modern novel.

• It has been translated into 50 languages: Don Quijote (Spanish), Don Kichot (Polish), Don Kişot (Turkish), Herr Quijote (Norwegian), Δον Κιχώτης (Greek), Дон Кихот (Russian) • There are around 45 films based on this novel.

• All Don Quixote's adventures take place on the Plains of La Mancha, our region.

But what really makes a book so famous? Don Quixote is a country old gentleman who lives in an unnamed area of La Mancha. He has become obsessed with books of chivalry and believes their every word to be true. He appears to other people to have lost his mind due to a lot of lack of sleep and food for devoting all of his time to reading. One day he decides to set out as a knight–errant in search of adventures together with his friend Sancho Panza.

This may look a simple adventure story. But it is not so because it certainly represents a satire of orthodoxy, credibility and even nationalism. Its central ethic shows us that individuals can be right while society is quite wrong and seen as disenchanting by its citizens. At this point, a question echoes in our minds: can we make anything to change the world or is the world which changes us?

Taking into consideration the eccentric behaviour of Don Quixote let's try to think about what we consider sensible in opposition to insane. All through the novel Don Quixote tries to impart justice in every of his acts, while people laugh at him

because of it. This may lead us to the conclusion that only insane people do the right thing (Don Quixote) and normal people cheat, break rules and make fun of justice. But, if we have a look at the world around us, can´t we think, as the writer of Don Quixote did 400 years ago, that justice has no place in this modern world? Don't we see day after day how bad people deceive justice and never pay for what they did wrong?

Regarding this scene, it is hard to think about heroes. Are heroes possible or are they just an illusion in these modern times? Shouldn't Don Quixote come out the novel and put the world things in order again? Shouldn't Don Quixote teach us the meaning of justice once more?

Eugenio Higueras Massó Teacher at AULA Las Pedroñeras (CEPA “Campos del Záncara”) ALCA | Spain

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Cuenca The cit y of

Some years ago, when I studied for the public examination to get a job as a teacher in Castilla–La Mancha, I daydreamt that I would pass it and I could live in the beautiful city of Cuenca.

It is not that I did not know anything about the other capital cities of Castilla–La Mancha, since I had visited all of them several times before. It is difficult to forget Albacete lively atmosphere, Guadalajara strategic situation, so close to Madrid, or well–connected Ciudad Real crosscut by the first high speed train built in Spain. It is almost impossible to overlook the imperial city of Toledo, the capital of the region, a melting pot of cultures, so famous for its historical heritage. In spite of this stiff competition, Cuenca has a special place in my heart, and I am sure it will also be something special for our Grundtvig project partners.

Cuenca, with its fragile appearance, searches its survival against modern times, fighting from its defensive watchtower (“Torremangana”) to preserve that unique skyline where buildings and nature melt into one. Rivers, trees and stones are part of the urban landscape due to the peculiar location of the city, set up between two ancient ravines carved by the rivers Huécar and Júcar.

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Spain | ALCA

Up in the old town, we can find the oldest Gothic cathedral of Spain, the Hanging Houses on the ravine of the Huécar River and many more monuments, set on a medieval plan which take us back to a journey to the Middle Ages. Way down, at the foot of the historic city centre, lies the modern city, dotted with small beautiful spots, shops and characterized by a lively urban activity.

Declared World Heritage in 1996 together with Toledo, our provincial capital is located in the centre of the province with its same name. If we stuck a pair of compasses on a map of Cuenca and if we traced a circle, we could do a drawing of this wonderful province which embraces a myriad of landscapes, including the mountainous and wild area of Serranía de Cuenca, the flat and green Alcarria and, in the South, the planes of La Mancha dotted with little vegetation and a lot of wineyards where we can find the historical town of San Clemente, which will welcome you warmly next March.

Luis Durán Güell Teacher at CEPA Campos del Záncara, San Clemente

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What is ALCA?

The exceptional, international project involving participants across the multicultural Europe. Adults, teachers, NGO's and public institutions from Norway, Spain, Poland and Turkey work together in the language of cooperation and understanding. The aim of the "Adults Learning Through Creative Activities" is to bring people together and try to find a common language in modern Europe.

All the people try to find the cultural heritage and enrich the tradition and art of their own country.