CAMINO: Twenty years of cultural enrichment in reunified Europe is a project initiated by the University of Latvia, which aims to celebrate the 20 years of membership of the countries that joined the European Union in 2004 in an innovative, interesting and international way.
CAMINO project has united higher education institutions across the Eastern, Northern and Central Europe in a joint attempt to educate about defining experiences in modern European history and to commemorate EU enlargement by celebrating the year 2004 EU accession. Project aims to enhance the understanding of the Union, its origins, purpose, diversity and achievements and to raise the awareness of the importance of mutual understanding and tolerance for better European integration.
Throughout the year 2024 CAMINO project will deliver a set of events such as an international student photo competition and exhibition; public events for EU20 Celebration; international flashmob “Ode to Joy”; production and screening of a Documentary film on the importance of cultural diversity; development and piloting of a lifelong learning open course on Intercultural Communication and developing a Network of European universities, university culture centres, student unions and other similar units, supporting the participation of university students and employees in different non-formal art and culture education programs and maintaining the presence of culture within the university and local community. The Network will be designed with the aim to expand it across the EU countries and to develop cooperation also with other stakeholders from cultural and creative sectors in order to promote a wide range of quality cultural activities and events, open opportunities for all to take part and to create, strengthening links between culture and education, social affairs, urban policy, research and innovation, etc.
Project events
International photo contest for students INSPIRED BY EUROPE
20 years ago, eight countries from Central and Eastern Europe along with Malta and Cyprus joined the European Union (EU). Back then, it was our dream of freedom and new opportunities. Today, it is #reality. Even if we walk our unique paths, we stay united in common #values. We can choose to follow traditions or aim for new horizons. We have the #choice. We have the #freedom to be. To mark the 20th anniversary of our EU membership, the CAMINO Project announces an international photo contest for students, Inspired by Europe.
More information HERE.
Opening of the international student photo exhibition “Inspired by Europe” in the European Parliament
The international photo exhibition “Inspired by Europe” was officially opened on Monday, 15th April 2024 in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, and had been on display until 19th April. The event took place in the framework of the cultural cooperation project “20 Years of Cultural Enrichment in Reunified Europe” (The CAMINO Project), and gathered the representatives of all CAMINO Project partner institutions, authors of the exhibited photographs, as well as guests. The event was hosted by the Latvian MEP, Ms Dace Melbārde.
More information HERE.
Celebrating Europe Day and commemorating the 20th anniversary of Lithuania's EU membership at Vilnius University
The Europe Day celebration at Vilnius University is implemented within the framework of the European Union-funded project "CAMINO: Twenty years of cultural enrichment in reunified Europe".
More information HERE.
Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of culture seven universities of Central and Eastern Europe
On the 29th of May 2024, seven European universities gathered in Riga (Latvia) and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of culture. The signing ceremony took place at the University of Latvia in the framework of the international project “Twenty Years of Cultural Enrichment in Reunified Europe” (the CAMINO Project). Vilnius University (VU) was represented by the CAMINO partners in Lithuania – VU Culture Centre – and the Pro-Rector for Organizational Development and Community Affairs at Vilnius University Prof. Dr. Vilmantė Pakalniškienė.
More information HERE.
Course “Intercultural Awareness in Central and Eastern European Context“ presentation
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of "Intercultural Awareness in Central and Eastern European Context", an online course designed to enhance your intercultural competence, foster empathy, and promote inclusivity.
The presentation of the course took place on November 26th at 13:00 h (Lithuanian time), in “Microsoft Teams“ platform.
What's in it? Our course is divided into 5 engaging modules, each offering a unique perspective:
- Cultural Awareness – Explore the concept of culture, intercultural sensitivity, and dimensions of culture while reflecting on your own cultural background.
- Effective Communication with Vytautas Kontrimas – Discover how to navigate social rules, recognize communication styles, and manage time across cultures.
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration – Build tools for seamless cooperation in multicultural environments, focusing on educational and professional settings.
- Stereotypes and Prejudices with Milda Varnauskaitė – Challenge biases and learn strategies to counter stereotypes and discrimination, particularly in the Central and Eastern European context.
- Diversity – Reflect on power dynamics, intersectionality, and strategies to foster inclusion and critical thinking.
The course will be available on the „Moodle“ platform shortly.
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CAMINO: Twenty years of cultural enrichment in reunified Europe.
Documentary film “Ordinary Life. 20 years in the EU“ premiere
Twenty years ago, the European Union opened its doors to ten new nations in the largest single expansion in its history. Time has passed, but what about the struggles, dreams, cultural clashes, and political discourse? In commemoration of Human Rights Day we celebrated the interwoven lives of these nations' people, that are not only ordinary but also extraordinary.
Event program:
18:00–18:30 Discussion on the theme of Human Rights Day "Gender equality, human rights, LGBT, and disability – what changes have taken place at Vilnius University over 20 years in the EU?"
Panelists:
Lina Garbenčiūtė – VU Equal Opportunities Coordinator with a decade of experience in disability advocacy and inclusive education.
Marija Norvaišaitė – VU Equal Opportunities Coordinator.
Ilona Michailovič – Associate Professor at VU Faculty of Law.
Klėja Merčaitytė – President of the VU Student Representation.
Ivan Trunov – Chairperson of the University LGBT+ Group.
Moderator: Kristina Valente, Coordinator of International Studies Programs at the VU Institute of International Relations and Political Science.
18:30–19:30 “Ordinary Life. 20 years in the EU“ film viewing
19:30–20:00 Q&A with the film crew
The screening of the film took place on December 10, 18:00, VU IIRPS, 402 auditorium (Vokiečių st. 10)
More about the film.
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CAMINO: Twenty years of cultural enrichment in reunified Europe.
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Project partners:
University of Latvia (UL, LV), lead partner, lead structural unit – UL Culture Centre
Vilnius University (VU, LT), VU Culture Centre
Tartu University (UT, EE),
University of Opole (UO, PL),
J. E.Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP, CZ),
Comenius University Bratislava (UKBA, SK),
University of Public Service (UPS, HU),
King Danylo University (UKD, UA),
VERY films studio (VF, LV).
Projects is funded by European Union
