Social work

Students from St. Ignatius Loyola University of Applied Sciences

In March 7-18, 2021, 15 students from St. Ignatius Loyola University of Applied Sciences (Lithuania) attended course module “Audit of social services”. From Lithuanian side the group visit and studies were coordinated by assist. prof. Egle Purvaneckaite and ass.prof. Laimute Anužiene; from Latvian side – prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane and assist. prof. Dace Dolace. Added value – asist. prof. George v. Durtanosky enriched studies with master class in calligraphy since there was a group of students from Lithuanian ERASMUS mobility.

Discussion about the Istanbul Convention

In December 16, 2020, discussion was organized about themuch-debated Istanbul Convention – its problems and challenges in risk society, about victimizations of women and other issues related to social work theory and practice. The discussion was moderated by Klaipeda University sociologist, prof. Arunas Acus and was attended by social work students.

Strategic partnerships for interdisciplinary research in modern Social work – discussions

Consortium “BE-YOUNG Strategic partnerships for interdisciplinary research in modern Social work issues” organized online ZOOM discussions between partners (Klaipeda University, Biolostok University, Warsaw University, Malmo University) in October 5, 2020. Discussions were focused on interdisciplinarity and other methodological aspects of “Module for SW education”. The discussion was hosted by Latvian Christian academy.

What does the Academy do for the promotion of the Social Europe Consciousness?

In order to promote development of the Social Europe consciousness, Europan Commission  organizes a “Have Your Say for Reinforcing Social Europe”. Key documents like “European Social Pillar of Social Rights”,  “20 Key Principles” and “Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions” are recommended for discussions and analysis. The seminar for LChrA students was held online in October 6, 2020; the seminar was hosted by specialists of the Caritatyive social work study programme.

Prof. Elvyra Aciene from Klaipeda University – DrHC at Latvian Christian Academy

Honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa was conferred to Mrs. Elvyra Aciene, professor in Social work at Klaipeda University (Lithuania), September 25, 2020. Professor Aciene for long time was Head of the Social Work Chair at the Universitt. She has played important role in launching Social Work Doctoral study programme Consortium at Latvian Christian academy (in cooperation with EZA – European Center for Workers’ Questions), participated in international projects and promoted international perspective of Latvian Christian Academy. The Diploma was presented in a special open Senate meeting in September 25, 2020, via ZOOM. We praise and congratulate prof. Aciene with the award!

International Social Work conference at Klaipeda University celebrating 25 Years of the Department

In September 25, 2020, an International social work conference “Humaneness, Social Work, XXI century” was held at Klaipeda University (Lithuania), celebrating 25 years of Social work department. Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane participated in the plenary session with the presentation “Client-focused Caritative Social work in the Risk Society Today”.

SP-YOUNG strategic partnerships at LChrA

Latvian Christian academy launches strategic partnership research on September 1-3, 2020 in cooperation with Social work experts from Malmo University (Sweden), University of Warsaw and University of Bialystok (Poland), and Klaipeda University (Lithuania). The overall goal of the partnership research is to promote the innovative development of Social work profession within the EU context. The work will go on two more years when strategic guidelines for EU universities offering social work study programmes will be presented aiming at Social work with young people. The new guidelines will comply with EC Social Agenda, and upgraded and innovative, European approach to clients will be introduced. A special course module along with the study material will be worked out. The basis for current discussions is discourse “SP-YOUNG Discourse of Cross-Border Situation”, published by prof. Skaidrīts Gūtmane, Rector of Latvian Christian academy. She worked on the publication whole last year and now it is available for further steps of the partnership project.

EZA seminar in Gdansk

EZA seminar “Breaking new ground – efficient organisation and design of educational measures to create added value in the social dialogue” was held in Gdansk, December 5-7, 20919. The venue was chosen with purpose – the building next to the Gdansk shipyard witnessed historical events of 1970 and 1981 when Polish trade-union “Solidarnošč” was founded and social dialog as we understand it today started. Historical Agreement between the Communist government and “Solidarnošč” opened doors for independent trade unions in the then Communist country. Latvian Christian academy was represented by ass.prof. Guntis Dišlers.

Rector of LChrA prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane lecturing in Klaipeda University and addressing Conference of Lithuanian Social policy makers

Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane visited Klaipeda University (Lithuania) as guest professor presenting “Innovation of Caritative social work” to both Bachelor, Master and Doctoral students in November 18-22, 2019. In a plenary session of the conference for Lithuanian social policy makers Rector presented “Innovation of Caritative social work” (November 21). The course was organized by Klaipeda University. In photo: prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane together with KU colleagues; first from the right – prof. Elvīra Aciene, Head of the Social work Chair.

LChrA partnering in the international interuniversities cooperation project

Starting from 2019 Latvian Christian academy participates in the international interuniversities cooperation project “Social professions for supporting youth empowerment in European solidarity context (proj.nr. 2019-1-PL01-KA203-065091)”. Other partners of the project are Klaipeda University (LT), Malmoe University (SE), Warsaw University (PL) and Byelostok University (PL). Rector of LChrA prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane is coordinator of the cooperation.