Hidden Memories – Follow Up

Since 2017, “Hidden Memories” mobile application, which can be downloaded both in Apple Store and Play Market enables the users to experience different perspectives on Maidan events 2013/14 through the format of a walk-in audio installation. Within this follow-up-project, tailor-made pedagogical modules are developed in cooperation with the local teachers and recommended for use at secondary schools. As a result, it contributes to overcoming the current polarization of the Ukrainian society and supporting dialogue about common values.  

Project Goals

The project’s goal is to increase the appreciation of dialogue about fundamental values among Ukrainians and thereby contribute to a democratic and pluralistic society. We are developing pedagogical modules that will serve as a framework, built around the app “Hidden Memories” or the experience that was received during the work on it. We believe that a constructive dialogue on the fundamental values of a democratic, liberal order can be held in a safe environment and aim to create more of such spaces.

In combination with the concept of historical memory and creative tools, we want to establish a space of freedom of expression in which a far less polarized but rather critical and differentiated discourse on the topic of the recent Ukrainian history and its underlying values is possible. Thus, we encourage a peaceful dialogue, tolerance towards different opinions and enable teachers to develop critical thinking among their students.

Target Group

The primary target group of the project are teachers of Ukrainian secondary schools. Together with 26 teachers from 24 oblasts of Ukraine we develop the pedagogical modules which will be available to all Ukrainian teachers and trainers of non-formal education in the end of the project.

Activities

1. Kick-Off Meeting – took place in August 2020
2. First Training of Trainers – took place in October 2020: participants received an introduction to historical memory and peaceful dialogue facilitation. Having analysed topics, which should be raised at schools but teachers feel a high sensitivity when discussing them, the group has identified 6 topics, on which they want to develop pedagogical modules: religion, fall of the USSR, lives of internally displaced persons, gender, information wars and revolutions in modern Ukraine. As a continuation of the training, participants visited a row of webinars delivered by famous Ukrainian experts on the topics of historical memory, dialogue, non-violent communication etc.  
3. Test Phase – March 2021: participants implement the newly-developed pedagogical modules and gather feedback from the students. A special focus during the test phase lays on evaluating in how far the chosen methods suit discussing sensitive topics in the school frame. Based on the results of the test phase modules will be adjusted to the needs of teachers and students. Consequently, the modules will go through the examination at the Ministry of Education of Ukraine and receive an expert evaluation.
4. Second Training of Trainers – planned for summer 2021: teams consisting of students and teachers will develop 20 mini-projects in their regions. The aim of the mini-projects is to raise the sensitive topics of modern history of Ukraine in the communities and enhance open dialogue in the society.
5. Implementation Phase – planned for summer 2021: mini projects planned an the second training of trainers will be implemented.
   Evaluation Seminar & Final Event – planned for September 2021: the publication with educational modules as well as results of the mini-projects will be presented by teachers and students to the interested guests and partners.

Outcomes / Achievements

Within the follow-up we equip teachers and trainers with pedagogical modules that encourage a secure and differentiated exchange on the topic of Maidan 2013/14 and other sensitive topics, like revolutions, integration of internally displaced persons, annexation of the Crimea or remembrance about the fall of the USSR. These pedagogical modules shall facilitate discussions about underlying fundamental values standing behind the different perspectives on the topics. This way the project contributes to overcoming the currently rather polarized and heated atmosphere when it comes to debates about the recent events or Ukrainian past. Beyond that it supports crucial democratic values such as peaceful dialogue, tolerance and pluralism.