GWIA Barcelona 2008
The next GWIA will be held from 15-19 September 2008.
Grundtvig project: The Grassroots Women's International Academy -
A Peer Learning Strategy applied to the Mother Centers Movement
Mother Centers are self-managed community meeting places, providing support to families of often marginalised background. They are a social cohesion strategy and a rich setting for informal learning and empowerment.
Women from established Centers transfer their knowledge to women interested in starting Centers in their own country. Those will not be passive recipients of knowledge, but go on study visits and actively shape their own learning through the Grassroots Women’s International Academy (GWIA). This unique, field-tested peer learning format, got the 2006 UN Best Practices award. The GWIA-methodology structures a process of peer learning, where participants learn to be owners of their knowledge on coping with everyday issues, to develop strategies based on their competences and skills and to transfer their knowledge to others. It is a basis to strengthen social and political participation, especially for women from marginalised groups. The GWIA-methodology and process will be extended to bilateral peer-exchanges and study visits: the Mother Centers approach will be adapted to different national and cultural settings that include Roma run Centers. Peer learning between established Mother Centers will improve their educational programs. Partners meet during the peer exchanges and study visits, at the GWIA, and at the concluding conference.
