SOAS: Cultures of Resistance Scholarships 2015/16

Thanks to a very generous philanthropic donation received from the Cultures of Resistance Network Foundation and the American Friends of SOAS (AFSOAS), a set of new postgraduate scholarships are now available at SOAS. That donation has been matched by an additional contribution from the SOAS Students’ Union to make up the Cultures of Resistance Scholarships at SOAS.

The scholarships will benefit people from countries that have been affected by wars and extreme poverty. This scholarship embodies the values of the Cultures of Resistance Network Foundation, which seeks to empower and enrich communities – especially those that have been affected by armed conflict – through the promotion of human rights, justice for victims of war crimes and the enrichment of civil society and robust grassroots democracy.

Security conditions permitting, scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply their knowledge and skills for the betterment of their societies. In the case of refugees or those fearing repression and censorship in their home countries, we expect that they will seek employment/work/study abroad toward the aim of improving the future of their home country and that of its citizens. We hope that scholarship recipients will pursue careers that, among other things, promote universal human rights, international law, equal justice for all and the enrichment of civil society and robust grassroots democracy.

Two Cultures of Resistance Scholarships will be available in 2015/16. Each scholarship is valued at £15,000 in total. Fees will be deducted from this amount and the remainder will be used toward maintenance.   In addition, each scholar will benefit from a 20% reduction in their tuition fees, from free accommodation at International Student House (ISH) and food vouchers to be spent in the ISH restaurant.

Eligible programmes

The following full-time programmes are eligible:

• MSc Development Studies with special reference to Central Asia
• MSc Globalisation and Development
• MSc Migration, Mobility and Development
• MSc Violence, Conflict and Development
• MSc Development Economics
• MSc Political Economy of Development
• MA International and Comparative Legal Studies
• MA Dispute and Conflict Resolution
• MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
• MA Human Rights Law
• MA International Law
• MA Law, Development and Globalisation
• LLM Dispute and Conflict Resolution
• LLM Environmental Law
• LLM Human Rights, Conflict and Justice
• LLM International Law
• Part-time programmes are not eligible.

Candidate Criteria

Although priority will be given to students resident in Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iraq, Kashmir, Kurdistan, the Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Gaza), Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tibet, Western Sahara, Yemen, West Papua and Papua, the scholarship programme is also open to students resident in the following countries/territories:

Algeria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bir Tawil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chechen Republic, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, East Timor, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Golan Heights, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

• Candidates must hold (or be expected to obtain) a good honours degree, preferably first class, from a UK institution or overseas equivalent.
• Candidates should describe in their personal statement of their admission application:

1. how the political situation in your home country, especially violent conflict, war, poverty, and/or military occupation, has shaped your experiences and ambitions in life.
2. how these experiences have affected your interest in human rights, social justice, and grassroots democracy.
3. what academic and social issues you plan to explore during your studies at SOAS.
4. what you hope to do upon completion of your program at SOAS.
5. what the most pressing problems are in your home country and how the pursuit of education at SOAS in your chosen field would promote human rights, social justice, equality, and the enrichment of civil society in your home country.

• Candidates must have an offer of admission to pursue a full time eligible programme by the scholarship closing date.
• Applicants must meet the English language condition of their offer of admission to study at SOAS as soon as possible but no later than 1 June 2015.  If your offer is conditional on English, please arrange your English test and ensure you meet the English requirements as soon as possible.

Candidate Assessment

• Candidates will be assessed on academic merit by an Advisory Panel, consisting of three academic members.
• The assessment of your application will be based on the information provided in your scholarship application and in your on-line admission application for admission. Selectors will be looking at the degree results and also at academic references, statement and other relevant information.
• On your intention to pursue careers that, among other things, promote universal human rights, international law, equal justice for all, and the enrichment of civil society and robust grassroots democracy.

Scholarship Application Deadline

• Scholarship Applications must be received no later than 17:00 (UK local time) on 20 March 2015.
• You must submit a complete online application to your programme as soon as possible and then submit an application for the scholarship.  Applicants applying for scholarships must also submit an application for admission well in advance.  Please note that complete applications for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year.  You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Notifications of Results

Successful candidates will be notified by the end of July.  If you have not heard from us by the end of July, you should assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Scholarship Application Procedures

You should follow two steps:

• STEP 1: Apply for your programme

You must submit a COMPLETE on-line application for admission.

Applicants must have an offer of admission to pursue one of the eligible programmes at SOAS by the scholarship application deadline. A complete application for admission includes transcripts, an explanation of the grading system for any degrees obtained outside of the UK, two references, CV and a personal statement.  The panel will be considering your scholarship application TOGETHER with your on-line application for admission.  Please note that complete applications for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of the year.  You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods.

• STEP 2: Apply for the scholarship

You must apply for this scholarship via the on-line scholarship application form, which will be available from this page from 16 February 2015.  Please check this page again then.

For enquiries, please contact:

Scholarships Officer
Registry
SOAS, University of London
Thornhaugh Street
Russell Square
London
WC1H 0XG

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The South East Europe Summer Academy: HUMAN RIGHTS IN ACTION 2015

The South East Europe Summer Academy:

Human Rights in Action 2015

Regional training in Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights for school heads, teachers and community actors

Cetinje/ Montenegro

19-27 June 2015

Organized in cooperation between the Council of Europe, the Ministry of Education Montenegro, the Bureau for Educational Services, Montenegro, and the European Wergeland Centre
with support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norway

Background:
Democratic societies and peace can only be built by democratic citizens. Today as never before the sustainability of many democracies in Europe is at stake challenged by ongoing conflicts and violence, racism, discrimination, xenophobia and corruption. It is in this context, that education plays a crucial role in promoting respect for human rights, democracy and the role of law, and to prepare young people for an active life in democratic societies.

Schools have a great potential to provide a place where democracy roots and growth – a place where young people are encouraged to learn and pratice democracy and human rights. But how to develop a democratic school culture which can build the backbone for democratic socities?

The CoE Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education, adopted by Recommendation CM/Rec(2010), underlines EDC/ HRE as a primary way of “equipping learners with knowledge, skills and understanding and developing their attitudes and behaviour” so that they promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Besides teachers, who obvisouly play a vital role here, the Charter acknowlegdes the role of other stakeholders in education and in the community to join efforts towards creating democratic institutions.

This is why the Regional Summer Academy is based on a whole-school approach. By bringing together school heads, teachers as well as local NGOs, teacher training instiutions and parents to transform classrooms, schools and comunities into inclusive, democratic environments, a wider impact can be reached. The Academy has proven to proven to facilitate dialogue, exchange and collaboration among participants coming from South East Europe. In a regional context with a history of conflict this is quite significant.

Since 2012, the South East Europe Academy Human Rights in Action has been organised as a joint and annual event by the Council of Europe (CoE), the Ministry of Education and Sports Montenegro, the Bureau for Educational Services, Montenegro, and the European Wergeland Centre (EWC).

Aims and objectives:
The Summer Academy is organised with the aim to strengthen a democratic culture in schools in member states through training of educational professionals and community actors, and to develop further their capacity to promote and implement EDC/ HRE in their schools and communities in South East Europe.

• Facilitate sharing of experiences and good pratices in EDC/ HRE
• Support participants in developing and implementing a local EDC/ HRE project
• Support the development of a network of multipliers in EDC/ HRE
• Encourage cooperation and partnership among different actors involved in education and between the participating countries
• Facilitate the implementation of the CoE Charter for EDC/ HRE and of CoE materials at local level

General approach:
Using CoE tools, the Academy model follows a whole-school approach to EDC/ HRE and adresses different spheres of school life, such as teachers’ competences, learning and teaching activities, decmocratic school governance and partnership with the local community. This approach encourages the active participation of all stakeholders of school life in building an environment, where principles of human rights and democracy can be learned and pratices. The SEE Summer Academy is composed of the following 3 phases:

Phase 1: Online preparatory phase – introduction to the training (May to June 2015)
This phase is designed as an introduction to the residential seminar. The main aim is to get to know each other and to get familiar with selected CoE teaching materials, EDC/ HRE concepts, approaches, learning teaching activities.

Phase 2: Residential seminar (19-27 June 2015)
The residential seminar is the core of the Academy. The trainers and participants work face-to-face together, and share their experiences with EDC/ HRE. Participants analyze the current situation in their school and community and reflect on their practice in view of EDC/HRE principles. Based on this analysis, and supported by a trainer, each team develops an action plan with concrete local activites and projects addressing challenges faced in their school and/ or community.

Phase 3: Follow-up (September 2015 – May 2016)
This phase supports participants in implemeting their local EDC/ HRE projects (action plans). The projects are expected to be implemented during the school year 2015/2016. Throughout this phase, trainers provide ongoing support to all teams via EWCs’ online platform Share&Connect. Particular attention is given to ongoing collaboration, discussion and exchanges of experiences, as well as networking.

Alumni Academy Network:
Given the interest of former Academy participants to continue with school-wide EDC/ HRE efforts and their professional development, the EWC set up an online Alumni network. This network connects all alumni participants of any Academy training. It creates exchanges of experience and good pratices between former and new participants, and it supports local and national initiatives and actions based on the principles and values of the Summer Academy programme. You can also find cooperation partners for bilateral or mulilateral projetcs. After completing the Academy you will be invited to join this network.

Target groups and profile of participants:
Participants are invited to join the Academy as a team of three members. Each team consists of two representatives from the same school, including the school head and a teacher, together with one representative of a) an NGO that already cooperates with the school or wishes to do so or b) a parent association.

The Academy is available for teams from the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Kosovo.1

Working language: The training will be held in English.

CoE tools: CoE Charter on EDC/ HRE (2010), Democratic Governance of Schools (2007), How all teachers can support citizenship and human rights education: a framework for the development of competences (2009), Compass – A Manual on Human Rights Education with Young People (2002)
! New edition 2012 http://eycb.coe.int/compass/download_en.html, School-Community-University partnerships for a Sustainable Democracy (2010)

Venue, trainers and organizers
Venue: Hotel Grand, Cetinje/ Montenegro
Addresses: Njegoseva 1, Cetinje
Tel: + 382 (0)41 231 651
http://www.hotelgrand.me

Trainers/ experts:
The training will be run by an international team of experienced trainers/experts in the field.

Organizing bodies and contact persons:

The Bureau for Educational Services Montenegro:
Contact person: Ms Vidosava Kašćelan, Senior Advisor
Tel: +382 20 408 938
Fax: +382 20 408 927
E-mail: vidosava.kascelan(at)zzs.gov.me
Website: www.zavodzaskolstvo.gov.me

The European Wergeland Centre:
Contact person: Ms Caroline Gebara, Senior Advisor
Tel: +47 21 08 24 14
E-mail: c.gebara(at)theewc.org
Website: www.theewc.org

The Council of Europe:
Contact person: Mr Samir Hećo, Administrative Assistant
Tel: +33 390 21 51 83
Fax: +33 388 41 27 06
E-mail: samir.heco(at)coe.int
Website: www.coe.int
Costs:
Travel costs, accommodation, meals and all activities included in the training program are covered or will be reimbursed by the organizers. Please note the following details:

Travel and visa reimbursement
For the selected teams, travel expenses to and from Cetinje/ Montenegro, including travel insurance for the stay, will be reimbursed by the Council of Europe. Further information on travel arrangements will follow at a later stage, and will be send to you by Mr Samir Hećo: samir.heco@coe.int.

Subsistence expenses:
All meals and activities included in the program are covered by the Montenegrian host for all participants.
Application and selection procedure:
Please go to the online application form 

Applications must be submitted online by March 2, 2015, 10 am.

The organizers will select 13 teams (39 participants) on the basis of their profile. The selection will take into account balance between countries addressed, sexes, EDC/ HRE experiences, motivation and ideas for dissemination. Only candidates who will be selected will be informed about their participation by 16 March.

Certificate of attendance:
Upon completion of the SEE Summer Academy, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance, signed by the organizers.

More information:
You will soon find more information about the SEE Summer Academy “Human Rights in Action” on the EWC web page: www.theewc.org

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and EF Education First (EF), “Youth for Change” UNAOC-EF Summer School 2015 in NEW YORK

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and EF Education First (EF) Announce
Their Third “Youth for Change” UNAOC-EF Summer School in NY

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and EF Education First (EF) are pleased to announce the third edition of their UNAOC-EF Summer School.  This summer, 75 selected youth leaders from around the world will engage in dialogue across borders, form collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, and build skills for peacebuilding and global citizenship. The UNAOC-EF Summer School 2015 will take place at EF’s New York campus in Tarrytown, NY, USA from 13 to 20 of June 2015.

The UNAOC-EF Summer School’s interactive program of workshops, discussions and site visits provides the participants with hands-on experience on how to address shared social challenges across diverse communities and religions.  Specifically, the Summer School focuses on how to better understand diversity, manage and promote it, and how to leverage differences in identity to shape a world that is healthier, safer, more peaceful and inclusive. Different approaches are applied, including advocacy, narratives, multimedia, negotiation, theater, and social entrepreneurship.

The UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser says: “How can we resolve problems that have spanned generations without seeking fresh input, ideas and perspectives in search for solutions? The Summer School was established as a way to give young people the opportunity to learn from each other and trail-blaze new paths to peace and inclusiveness.” He adds: “I wish to emphasize UNAOC’s appreciation for EF Education First’s support, commitment and collaborative spirit in this partnership.”

“The Summer School is a perfect opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and exchange. As a language education organization, we feel confident in providing a setting for participants of different nationalities and cultures to come together and find a common language and a common understanding,” says Eva Kockum, President, EF Education First. “We are proud to once again join forces with the UNAOC to achieve lasting social progress through dialogue and exchange.

Registration (www.UNAOCEFSummerSchool.org) is open to youth aged 18 to 35 from now until 9 March 2015. The application process includes the submission of a resume as well as essay questions on past achievements and future impact potential. The selected participants will be notified in April 2015. Last year, more than 100,000 youth expressed their interest to take part in the weeklong discussions and dialogues at the Summer School.

About the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Established in 2005 by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the UNAOC’s mission is to improve cross-cultural understanding and cooperation among countries, peoples and communities. We live together in an interconnected world, in which globalization goes side by side with a search for often narrow-based identities. How can extremism, polarization and divisions be best resisted? This is part of the global conversation to which the UNAOC contributes. Learn more about the UNAOC atwww.unaoc.org.

About EF Education First
Established in 1965 with the mission to open the world through education, EF Education First (EF) is the world’s leading international education company. EF (www.ef.com) has helped millions of students learn a new language and travel abroad. With a network of 500 schools and offices worldwide, EF specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degrees, and cultural exchange programs. EF has published the English Proficiency Index (www.ef.com/epi) measuring the English ability of adults in countries across the world.

Application now open (www.UNAOCEFSummerSchool.org)
to youth aged 18 to 35 from now until 9 March 2015.

BLGU: Call for Applications 2015

The Balkans let’s get up! programme connects theory and practice of active citizenship. To strengthen civic involvement in our Balkan Region, we provide capacities for your very own civic idea. In one of the two international Spring Schools you can first discuss relevant societal topics, learn aspects of project development, meet with experts, and develop your own project ideas. This year we set the focus on the topics: Rethinking, Reusing, Recycling – Community-Based Activism (taking place in Kosovo) and Gender and Democracy (taking place in Montenegro). However, your later project ideas do not have to be connected to the topic, they can evolve from other fields of your interest as well. After the Spring Schools, there is a possibility for project grants and the participation in further trainings on project management and impact evaluation.

For applying, your educational and occupational background and experience in international exchange or project management are welcome but no precondition. We ask for them in order to be able to compose a diverse group of participants for the seminars and therefore we also encourage persons with e.g. no experience abroad or no previous scholarships to apply.

Furthermore, Balkans, let’s get up! supports and encourages people regardless of their ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. If you are motivated to play your active part in your society, you are the right person to apply for the Balkans, let’s get up! Programme.

Each of the seminars is conducted in a country in the Balkan Region. The working language is English.

The requirements are:

• Age between 18 and 27

• Willingness to contribute to your society with a civic initiative

• Ability to discuss in English

• Citizenship of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia or Slovenia.

• Motivation and time to take part in each step of the programme:

Spring School Rethinking, Reusing, Recycling – Community-Based Activism, May 2nd – 10th 2015, Kosovo

Or Spring School Gender and Democracy, May 9th – 17th 2015, Montenegro

In two different international Spring Schools we will discuss innovative approaches to sustainable forms of living, gender diversity and democratization, to what democracy means on different levels of society, and which forms of active citizenship are possible to individuals and groups. You will meet like-minded people from all over the Balkans. The Spring Schools can be the starting point for realizing your project, alone or in a team.

 

Project Management Training, June 28th – 3rd 2015, place to be determined

The best project drafts will be selected and you will be invited to a Project Management Training. During this week we will support you in further developing your project plans. Various aspects will be planned according to the particular needs of your individual projects. Topics such as time management, team work, communication, public relations, and fundraising will be a part of it.

Between the Project Management Seminar and the Evaluation and Perspectives Seminar you will have time to implement your project. You will be accompanied by experienced Mentors.

 

Evaluation and Perspectives Seminar, October 25th – 30th 2015, place to be determined

This seminar is one more forum for reflecting upon the results, the impact and the process of your projects. It addresses future chances that open up due to the new experiences and networking opportunities acquired within the programme year, which allow for sustainable engagement and support, but also employability. You will get acquainted with local and regional NGOs and other young people taking action in the region.

How to apply:

 

For Spring School “Rethinking, Reusing, Recycling – Community-Based Activism” apply here

For Spring School “Gender and Democracy” apply here

 until 01.03.2015.

 

Send us:

 

• Filled out application form for one of the Spring Schools

• Answer to the topical question in the online form in a short essay, poem or short story.

• A letter of motivation: Why do you want to take part in the “Balkans, let’s get up!“ programme?

   

By applying you agree to our Programme Agreement 2015 attached to the online application form.

We are looking forward to your application!
Your Balkans, let’s get up! Team

TRAIN Programme 2015: Call for Applications Fostering policy dialogue in the Western Balkans

The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) is launching its call for applications for the 2015 edition of the TRAIN programme (Think Tanks Providing Research and Advice through Interaction and Networking).

Providing think tanks from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia with training and networking opportunities, the TRAIN programme seeks to foster a fruitful policy dialogue between think tanks and political actors in the Western Balkans. During a series of seminars, participants will receive training on the conduct and efficient communication of policy research and will have the opportunity to exchange their research findings with decision makers in Brussels as well as at the national level.

Each participating researcher is expected to draft a policy paper relevant to the EU integration process of his/her respective country or the region as a whole. The general theme of the TRAIN programme 2015 is the strengthening of democratic institutions in the candidate countries and potential candidate countries of South Eastern Europe.

The TRAIN programme is funded by the Federal Foreign Office (Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe) and run by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).

The deadline for all applications is February 15, 2015.

For further information, please refer to the “Call for Applications” and the application form posted below.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Advanced Programme in Law and Economics for the Eastern and Southern Partnership Central Asia and Western Balkans

Applicants are required to supply the following:

• Motivational letter

• Description of present job function

• Curriculum vitae, which should include at least 2-3 years of professional experience

• Copies of university diplomas

• Recommendation letter from the current employer

• Confirmation of the ability to undertake studies in English

Applications should be submitted online and the deadline for submission is 19 January 2015.
A selection committee will review all applications, and results will be announced by 2 February 2015.

The programme starts on 13 April 2015 and participants will be assisted in applying for a visa in Latvia for the purpose of attending the programme.

Graduation is planned for Friday 3 July 2015.
Additional programme information will be posted on the RGSL web site
(www.rgsl.lv) under the heading of the
Advanced Programme, which will include the list of eligible countries.
Questions may be submitted to the contact e-mail address: advanced@rgsl.edu.lv

LOCATION
The teaching will take place on the premises of the Riga Graduate School of Law, located in the elegant embassy quarter of central Riga, which is characterised by its Art Nouveau architecture.

BROCHURE