Associated Schools Project

Taking into account that among target groups UNESCO prioritizes youth the UNESCO Associated Schools Project (ASPnet) gains even greater importance in the 21^st century. The project was launched in 1953 in order to strenghten the commitment of children and young people to actively strive to promote mutual understanding and peace in the world. More than 7000 schools in the world have joined the ASPnet by the year 2002.

Latvia has participated in the UNESCO ASPnet since 1993, gradually embracing 26 schools.

There are four main study themes within the UNESCO ASPnet:

- World Concerns and the Role of United Nations system;

- Human Rights, democracy and tolerance;

- Intercultural learning;

- Environmental concerns.

UNESCO ASPnet involves in the activities of the project not only pupils, teachers and schools administration from participating institutions, but also parents, pupils from other schools, local municipalities, media and the community. Schools participating in the UNESCO ASPnet can exchange their experience among 171 countries, can take part in different Internet conferences, international events. One of the ASPnet schools features is undertaking pilot projects on one the four pillars of education for twenty-first century – learning to be, learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together. Great attention is paid to the implementation of innovative approaches in the educational system and approbation of new teaching methods.

Objective of the Programme

To promote the participation of pupils and students in the development of peace, tolerance and democracy in Latvia and in the world.

Priorities of the Programme

Multicultural and civic education;
Cooperation in environmental education in the Baltic Sea region.