Strategies for Effective Intercultural Communication for School Children

In this article, commissioned for OSI's 2005 Education and Open Society Conference, Oleg Smirnov of the Integration and Development Centre for Information and Research gives an overview of practical steps in education to promote a more tolerant society on the Crimean peninsula, which is often referred as “a multiethnic region with high conflict potential.” Smirnov presents the experience of different intercultural communication practices implemented on preschool and school levels by local NGOs and directed at the creation of a wholesome, inclusive environment. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms of introducing new interactive methods of education, provided by local NGOs, into the regional education policy.