Mission and Values Statement

MISSION AND VALUES STATEMENT

European Christian Academy Mission Statement

European Christian Academy (ECA) is an autonomous private Academy – university of applied sciences. It was founded in 1993. It was born right after collapse of Communism in former USSR and has grown within the Judeo-Orthodox Christian tradition. From its view of synergy between the God and the human, ECA endeavors to be a place for open discussion of social, philosophical and ethical issues and a critical centre of reflection in and for the Christian community.

ECA offers its students an academic education based on high-level research, with the aim of preparing them to assume their social responsibilities.

ECA is a research, internationally oriented Academy. The institution acts interdisciplinary focusing for European Standards and Guidelines as basis. ECA works together actively with its research partners at home and abroad.

ECA pays attention to personal initiative and critical reflection, to open exchange of ideas, solidarity and academic autonomy. It pursues a proactive diversity policy for its students and staff.

ECA aims to cultural debate with public in wide and the the advancement of a knowledge-based society. It works for service to modern society, especially to its most vulnerable members.

From a basis of social responsibility and scientific expertise, ECA provides high-quality, comprehensive both client-oriented caritative social work and problem-oriented social work, supervision, higher education in visual arts, specialized in iconography. In doing so it strives toward optimum accessibility and respect for all students.

ECA carries out its academic activities in cooperation with employers are two alumni associations, professional associations in social work and iconography.

We see our graduates and interdisciplinary experts in applied humanitarian professions. Studies are based on empirical evidences in caring for people. Social dialogue and employers’ organizations, trade unions and European universities are our are platform.

Our mission is based on such values:

  • Our values ​​are based on ancient European anthropological tradition in professions where one have to work with people.
  • Unity and engagement: We are fully aware of the importance of togetherness in finding solutions in the post-secular age of the global world. We work with partners and stakeholders.
  • Togetherness:we are an ally for students.Students are an ally in counseling and are active voice in it. We are connected with colleagues and look for answers to students needs together with our partners and networks.
  • Honesty is revealed in our intentions and wishes to implement applied education. We teach and learn openly, ethically and independently – with respect for each other and to the work of another.
  • Responsibility and enterprising to students and society. We take every opportunity to ensure that students are pleased with the education they obtain and the applicable result of it.
  • Innovative: We believe that contemporary challenges require new answers. We find them in innovations resulting from the “anthropological traditions of ancient Europe”. With this, we are different from other universities and are able to bring this innovation into the common European higher education area. We dare to introduce them into professions that innovatively lead the people in crises to an effective result.
  • Critical and broad-minded: We believe that an open, innovative, and critical spirit is essential for a well-functioning academic environment, educating social workers and other social welfare professionals as well as artists. We use old ideas to find fresh approaches to professional development and research.
  • We support flexible learning methodologies so that students are culturally educated for the modern labor market.
  • Judeo-Orthodox Christianity means open and inclusive approach to all people and situations with a decent and honest attitude towards them. This is because we often question the way we work. We aim for quality. We are not afraid to pioneer and innovate.
  • Looking ahead: we believe in the power of students and strengthen them. We also bring the best in each other.

Jūrmala, 3 April 2019