Serbia, Vranjcka Banja – This week, RYCO successfully organized a capacity-building training event as part of the RYCO Superschools Exchange Programme, bringing together 100 secondary school teachers from across the region. This marked a significant milestone as the awarded schools from the 3rd Open Call had their first in-person meeting, allowing them to forge friendships and collaborate on developing their regional exchange plans. The training took place in Vranjcka Banja from September 25 to 28, 2024, and included not only school representatives but also attendees from RYCO, GIZ, and trainers who guided the schools in designing their youth exchange programmes.
As he welcomed the participants, RYCO Secretary General Mr. Albert Hani emphasized the organization’s dedication to promoting mutual understanding, strengthening regional ties, and fostering a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.
In addition to Mr. Hani, other speakers such as Marija Bulat, RYCO Head of LBO Serbia; Dhurata Gazulli, GIZ Advisor; Teadora Stolevska, RYCO Head of Programs; and Mimoza Gavrani, Superschools Manager, took turns congratulating the selected schools on this important new chapter, which promises to be highly beneficial for both educators and young people.
The training aimed to equip teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive as exchange coordinators. Participants engaged in sessions that clarified how RYCO exchanges differ from typical school excursions. Unlike standard trips that may focus on sightseeing, RYCO exchanges emphasize learning opportunities centered around intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, constructive remembrance, and reconciliation. Through interactive games, role-plays, and group activities, teachers experienced firsthand the kinds of learning their students will encounter, preparing them to effectively manage potential challenges in intercultural settings.
Looking ahead, the implementation of the exchange projects will happen from 15th of November 2024 – 15th of April 2025. Each partnership in LOT 1 will include approximately 28 young people, while each partnership in LOT 2 will include around 34 young people. This initiative provides both students and teachers with the unique opportunity to travel, share their identities and customs, and learn about the rich local communities throughout the region.
Background
About the Superschools program
Superschools is a RYCO program for school exchanges in the Western Balkans. Its objectives are to support peacebuilding, reconciliation, and intercultural learning and dialogue among schools, students, and their communities. The program is part of the multi-donor project “Western Balkans School Exchange Scheme,” co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).
About RYCO
RYCO is an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional and intercultural cooperation of young people within and among Western Balkan societies. Its programs focus on creating opportunities for youth to engage in activities that build mutual understanding and reconciliation in civic, social, educational, cultural, and sports domains. RYCO also participates in policymaking and advocates for reforms that empower youth exchange. It supports the development of a political and social environment that encourages and facilitates cooperation among young people across the region.