AEGEE Election Observation Training in Köln successful
From 30 September to 7 October 2015, 30 young Europeans gathered in Köln, Germany for an intensive introduction to the theory and practice of international election observation.
Representing in total 14 nationalities – Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom – the participants of the AEGEE Election Observation Training spent six full days studying, discussing and rehearsing, covering a wide range of subjects from the philosophical principles underpinning democracy to the practical challenges of being an international Short-Term Observer.
The Training was conducted by six young European trainers, contributing from their broad practical and academic experience in the field. They employed a great variety of working methods, ranging from lectures about the international legal system to role plays simulating an entire election day in an imaginary country. Particular importance was given to participants' active individual contribution, leaving considerable room for discussion and reflection.
Though anticipated as potentially difficult, the multicultural setting, not least in terms of political culture, proved to be a blessing. Participants showed admirable respect and openness towards each other, appreciating the diversity of experiences and views represented among the group. Throughout the project, the atmosphere was friendly, constructive and indeed enthusiastic. As a result, an important part of the learning experience was not just technical and academic, but also cultural and social in nature.
In retrospect, we conclude with pleasure that the Training can be regarded as having fully and to some extent even over-achieved its objectives. Not only has it provided its participants with valuable knowledge and skills, but also with a crucial element of professional orientation, as many of them stated afterwards. And not least has it created a network of friends and colleagues, sharing a joint commitment to making Europe and the world a better and more democratic place to live in.
Our great gratitude goes to AEGEE-Köln for dealing with all the logistics, to our trainers for their professionalism and superb contribution, to all participants, and to the Erasmus+ funding that made this event possible. We look forward to 2016 for a second edition!