Learn



At The Ratiu Center we believe that democracy as a way of life implies more learning than teaching. Post-authoritarian regimes typically perpetuate a conservative, perfectionist, top-down 'teacher-knows-all' educational culture that may work with reading and writing, but may also stunt creativity and freedom, limiting democratic participation. Ratiu Center staff-members share a belief that: 'irrespective of background and training, when it comes to democracy, we are all learners'. Ratiu Center learning programs seek to foster rich democracy-centered learning through a variety of formats and pedagogies.

Turda Democracy Gatherings

Coordinators: Madalina Mocan and Indrei Ratiu

Annual experiential summer democracy camps offering young people from different religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds with opportunities to experience the practice of democratic principles first-hand and to witness the result. Program launched in 2005.

'Off to Democracy School...'

Coordinators: Vasile Boari, Mircea Ratiu

A weekly Socratic seminar that explores the origins of democratic thinking and practice, inspired by the learning-provoking questioning demonstrated by Socrates in the Dialogues of Plato. Designed originally for local citizens, irrespective of educational or cultural background, the event attracts participant aged between13-85. Program launched in 2007.

Debating Club

Director: Pamela Ratiu; Coordinator: Florin Stan

Turda's Debating Club encourages young people to discover and practice the skills of parliamentary debate as an essential feature of democracy. Club members participate regularly in regional, national and even international competitions as well as training events organized by ARDOR, the Romanian Association for Rhetoric and Debate and others. Program launched in 2006.

Round Tables

Coordinators:  Madalina Mocan si Indrei Ratiu

Periodic, respectful encounters between communities that do not normally meet together, for the purpose of mutual learning. Topics have included: 'Equal by Birth - the concerns of citizens with special needs'; 'Art for Living versus Living for Art - different perspectives on practicing art'. Such round-table events typically provoke practical outcomes - the opening of an art-gallery; organizing a special-needs sporting event etc. Program launched in 2005.

Human Trafficking Awareness

Director: Pamela Ratiu; Coordonitors: Oana Botezan, Gratiela Anghelus, Joe Martin
       www.notforsale.org

Romania ranks high as both a transit and sourcing country for young people, especially women, tricked by traffickers into surrendering their freedom in the hope of a better life abroad. The The Ratiu Center's human trafficking awareness program seeks to ensure awareness and self-protection for all younger members of the Turda community. Program launched in 2005.