1. INTERCULTURALDimension in romania ROMANIAN PEOPLE-OPEN TO INTERCULTURALITY

2. The largest of theBalkancountries, Romania hasseennumerousempires come andgofromtheRomans, totheOttomans, theAustro-Hungarians and many others…

3. People:Nationality: Romanian(s).Population: 21.7 million.Ethnic groups: Romanians 89.5%; Hungarians (includingSzecklers) 6.5%; Roma 2.5%; otherethnicgroups -1.5% .Religions: EasternOrthodox - 86.7%; Roman-Catholic-4.7%; Protestant - 3.2%; Greek-Catholic - 0.9%, Evangelical - 0.1%; Unitarian - 0.3%; otherreligions - 0.4%.Languages: Romanian (official), Hungarian, German.

4. Much of whatweknow as Romania today, wasoriginallythe Roman province of Dacia. EmperorTrajanconqueredthe Daci peoplearound AD 106, and set aboutthe building of roadsandbridges. The GothsforcedtheRomans back acrosstheDanube in the 3rd century AD, andotherinvadersfollowed. Throughoutthe inter-marriagesandassimilationthatfollowed, theromanisedpeoplestillheldontotheir Latin languageandculture. Towardsthe end of the 13th century, the roaming Magyarsexpandedtheirterritory. The peoplewhowereforcedfromthe western provinces over theCarpathiansthenestablishedtheprincipalities of Walachiaand Moldavia; underHungarianandPolish dominion. WhentheOttomansdefeatedtheHungarians in 1526, Walachiaand Moldavia came underTurkish control for threehundredyears. RussiaalsofoughtmanywarswiththeTurks, as theytriedtoadvancedownthecoast of the Black SeaandintotheBalkans. In 1861 Walachiaand Moldavia united, andwererecognisedbytheTurkish sultan as theautonomousprincipality of Romania. Romanian independencewasfinallyrecognised in 1878.

5. What we got from all these peoples that inhabited us: Latins: language, culture, self Slavons: romanticism, religion, mysticism Turks: courage in the battle, intrigues, food Magyars: pride, food, elegance Germans: order, cleanness, diligence

6. Roma minority has a special status The dialogue with this people is hindered by numerous stereotypes and prejudices: they respect only their laws, they steal, beg, don’t want to work or to learn. They are currently perceived as a social problem and a source of national shame, but if there is a sustained investment program in their education, the problem could become a benefit not only for Romania but for the EU itself.

7. What is the Intercultural dialogue? Intercultural dialogue is a process that comprises an open and respectful exchange or interaction between individuals, groups and organisations with different cultural backgrounds or world views. Among its aims are: to develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and practices; to increase participation and the freedom and ability to make choices; to foster equality; and to enhance creative processes. In this sense, intercultural dialogue processes or encounters are to go beyond a mere 'tolerance of the other' and can involve creative abilities that convert challenges and insights into innovation processes and into new forms of expression.

8. What people say about the intercultural dialogue: “…is a coulourfulexchange, more than a conversation, moreeventhan a dialogue, in whichboundaries are beingcrossed, assumptions put aside, newvisions come tomind…(Maria, Romanian magyar) “ It doesn’t matter if we are Magyars or Germans or Romanians, we were grown up together , we went to school together, we speak the same language…we don’t even realize when we are speaking our native language, we understand each other in any of them” (Klaus, from Sibiu) “According to me, it means to be open and have a genuine respect for an unknown culture. To let go prejudices, to try and understand the other…” (Georgeta, student in Bucharest)

10. “In every member state we have to take what is better from its cultural and spiritual legacy. We will have to face these challenges with responsibility, and we will succeed only if we break down the barriers of ignorance through dialogue. The ignorant and offending stereotypes regarding one people or another should for ever disappear.” Jan Figel, the European Commissioner for Culture and Education

12. Researched on intercultural aspects in Romania

13. Designing a questionnaire

14. Interviews and discussions with adults in our target group

15. Announcing the application of the questionnaire

16. Workshop – Intercultural dimension- presenting the HID project

17. Dissemination- in educational system in Bucharest- 50 schools and high-schools in Bucharest received the briefpresentation of HID project

18. Presentation of HID project on the website of the Teacher Training Center Bucharest

19. Creating the discussion group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HiD2009

20. Cecilia IUGA Simona LUCA CCD Bucharest, ROMANIA