International cooperation

Zentralkomitee der deutschen Katholiken and Semaines Sociales de France have published a Declaration on the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration on 9th May

Latvian Christian academy is member of the Semaines Sociales de France think-tank IXE-group. This organization is guided by recognition of common European values which were put in writing by on the European Founding Fathers Robert Schumann (1886-1963). Commemorating 70 years of the Schuman Declaration on 9th May “Zentralkomitee der deutschen Katholiken: and SSF have published Declaration available here.

R.Schumann insisted that joint labors of European citizens must be aimed at solidarity since only then we can work for peace and well-being in our continent. “The spirit of EU is a spirit of solidarity,” R.Schumann wrote, adding: “national activities should be taken within the context of interpersonal, international and global context.”
Consequently, individual attitudes must be changed and Christian social teaching must be used as foundation to promote respect and protection of every person for the benefit of common well-being.

International seminar for students on “European Sacred Art Heritage for Social Europe of Hope”

An international seminar (online) for students “European Sacred Art Heritage for Social Europe of Hope” was hosted by Latvian Christian Academy in March 20, 2020. Art department students presented four reports which won special Award in the Competition “Best Research paper in 2019”. The seminar was attended by Klaipeda Art College (LT), Orthodox Academy of Crete (GR) with presentations on Ecology issues reflected in Art.

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.

EC EZA General assembly and Kick-off seminar in Aachen

General assembly of the EC organization EZA (“European Center for Workers’ Questions”) was held in November 28-29, 2019, Aachen Germany. It was dedicated to social changes related to Climate Changes worldwide (link to various EC documents here; link to EZA page here here. The Assembly and Seminar was attended by Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrīte Gūtmane and assist.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.

Master-class in Icon painting by Georgy Mironov

Master-class in Icon painting by splendid professional artist Georgy Mironov (Moscow) was held at the Academy for the Bible Art students, October 14-23, 2019. His icons are on display in many Orthodox Churches in Riga, Daugavpils and Jelgava, and his style has essentially influenced many Latvian young artists and Icon painters with his exquisite sense of color, nuanced line drawing and gorgeous gold shine. Latvian Christian academy was privileged to welcome G.Mironov for several sessions since 2008.

On ERASMUS+ at the Senate of LChrA

Participants of ERASMUS+ attended Senate meeting of Latvian Christian Academy in September 25, 2019, to share and discuss their experience and insight in the teaching and personnel improvement and practice mobilities (study year 2018/19). Also head of the ERASMUS+ inter-universities cooperation department Mr Valters Dolacis presented new inter-universities agreements and new ERASMUS+ topicalities.

Glocalisation congress in Cologne: Focus on Social Work Education

International Congress “Social Glocalisation” was held in September 19-21, 2019, in Cologne (Germany). The term “glocalization” describes mutual interaction between global and local initiatives in Social work research and education on a worldwide scale. The Congress gathered wide spectrum of specialists from Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, USA, India, Japan, Ukraine, Iran, African countries. The congress was addressed by Cardinal Tucson, well-known experts in Human rights, education professionals. Rector of Latvian Christian academy prof. Skaidrite Gūtmane presented “Initiative of Caritative Social work in Latvia”, causing great interest and willing to share and exchange contacts. More information about the congress here.

ERASMUS+ in Bethlehem University

Teacher at Biblical Arts study programme assist.prof. Beata Soloveja worked in Bethlehem University (Palestine) within the ERASMUS+ personnel teaching mobility, September 16-19, 2019. She hosted Art therapy master-class for both students and teachers of the Social work programme. Added value: inter-universities agreement between Latvian Christian academy and Bethlehem Icon center.

ERASMUS+ in Bethlehem University

In September 16-20, 2019, assist.prof. Alexander Shabelnik from the Biblical Art study programme at Latvian Christian academy worked in Bethlehem University (Palestine), hosting master-class “The use of the Church art in education of social workers”.