On the initiative of PhD students from the University of Gdańsk, the conference ‘Social Contexts of Education’ took place, organised in cooperation with the European Centre for Cultural Education of People with Disabilities (ECEKON).
The conference, which took place on April 12, 2024, was organised in cooperation with ECEKON by PhD students from the Doctoral School of Humanities and Social Sciences: Dagmara Kubiak (discipline: pedagogy) and Magdalena Popowska-Bracka (discipline: sociological sciences).
This meeting was not only a source of new knowledge but also a source of inspiration for all participants. The conclusions and ideas presented during the papers and panel discussion provided a solid basis for further activities in the field of social education. The interdisciplinarity of the conference fostered a fruitful exchange of views and the integration of diverse scientific perspectives. The event was attended by speakers both from the University of Gdańsk and from outside the university environment, which further enriched the discussion and perspectives presented during the conference.
Jarosław Łepek (General Education Schools Complex nr 8 in Gdynia): - Participation in the conference entitled ‘Social Contexts of Education’ was a good and important experience. Particularly inspiring was the panel discussion on inclusion and accessibility, where everyone's voice was equally respected - regardless of whether it was the speaker or a person with an intellectual disability. Questions and comments were present from each of the groups attending the event. It is always a pleasure to work with the conference organisers and the hosts of the conference venue (ECEKON). The topics covered were proof that education in a social context is a living and constantly seeking better solutions mechanism with passionate people behind it.
Liudmyla Zdorovets (Autistic Support Association): - The conference discussed various problems that exist now, the situation in the world of education in Gdańsk and in Poland in general using the example of Gdańsk. The issue of children with migration experience at school, the individual and collective development of intercultural awareness, the current digital competencies of students, education as more than the state education system, etc., were all discussed. The atmosphere of the proceedings was conducive to discussion and encouraged the exchange of views. I consider participation in this conference as a good opportunity to share experiences and to network. The organisers created an interesting and ‘comfortable’ field for networking.
The conference, under the patronage of the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, was the inaugural event of a series devoted to education and its social implications.
