Annual international seminar “Young qualified workers: empowerment and participation strategies in the Baltic States and EU” will be held in May 27-29, 2021. The seminar will deal with the importance of qualification for young workers for themselves and their integration and further development in the labour market, but also for social development. A key question is what steps are necessary to integrate young people successfully and sustainably into the new world of work – also taking into account the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The employability of young people is seen as a cornerstone of social development. Particular attention is paid to the digital economy and new business models resulting from it which require special knowledge and skills. The seminar will host experts from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Link to EZA webpage.
Conferences
International conference at Kolpingo University College, Lithuania
Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrite Gūtmane and assist. prof. Guntis Dišlers participated an international conference “The importance of eco-thinking in modern society”. In the Plenary session prof. Gūtmane presented her research of Ecology and Social work client: Anthropological practice of Antioch”, whereas assist. prof. Dišlers joined the section with “Mainlines of the risk society and challenge of Patristics for human ecology”. Both speakers dealt with methodology issues in their presentations. The conference used MS TEAMS for participants’ communication.
EZA seminar on “Adult education on the European social dialogue in the digital age”
An international EZA (“European Center for Worker’s Questions”) seminar on adult education on the European social dialogue in the digital age was held via ZOOM in March 9-10, 2021, from Portugal. Assist. prof. Guntis Dišlers from Latvian Christian academy attended the seminar online. The seminar speakers explained key differences and encouraged to apply diverse teaching methods in the Covid pandemic time.
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.
Conference for Middle School Teachers and Pedagogy Researchers
Conference for Middle School teachers and pedagogy researchers “Cooperation competence in modern and future education” will be held in Ulbroka Cultural Center, Riga, October 22, 2020. The goal of the Conference is to promote alignment of the school pedagogy practice with research in modern pedagogy science. Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane will take part in the plenary session with presentation “Open Education Systems in Art and Social Education in Unity: Methodological Challenges”.
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”.
Annual RENOVABIS Congress
Rector of LChrA prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane attended the annual RENOVABIS Congress in September 8-10, 2020 (online). Cooperation models between the Church and educational institutions were discussed. RENOVABIS is a solidarity initiative of the German Catholics with the people in Central and Eastern Europe; Latvian Christian academy is parnering with RENOVABIS since late 1990-ies.
Stamp commemorating “The Gospel from Jersika” presented
In August 22, 2020, Latvian Orthodox Church in cooperation with “Latvijas Pasts” and Latvian Christian academy presented postal stamp commemorating 750 years since the “Gospel from Jersika” was copied by Latvian Orthodox believer named Jurģis. It is the oldest known Gospel text from Latvia. The presentation was done in Riga Latvian Society House and was attended by President of Latvian Academy of Sciences Dr. Ojārs Spārītis, Director of Fundamental Library of Latvian University Dr. Venta Kocere, clergym artists and academics. Rector of Latvian Christian academy adressed the audience with extended history overview illuminating development of Orthodox Christianity in Latvia.