Euro Funding to Strengthen Links (02/03/2010)

Staff and students from the College could benefit from major European funding to reinforce links with their opposite numbers on the continent. Exchanging skills, innovative ideas and excellent working practices are just some of the benefits of a Comenius Project which involves five colleges around Europe.

CWA has already developed a strong bond with a German college in Bonn and project co-ordinator Tom Griffiths and Competitive Tendering Manager Chris Challender were among guests at a recent double celebration. The event marked the completion of a lengthy application process and the receipt of a prestigious award for the German college when it was recognised for its extensive work in Europe by the German Government. “The Bonn college can now officially change its name to include the words “European College” and we are happy to have played an instrumental role in that achievement,” said Mr Griffiths.

Following the official project application sign off, the CWA party was invited to join their European partner colleagues on a guest of honour carnival float for a major cultural celebration during the visit. The Principal of the Bonn college, Herr Gerd Dohlen, was presented with a crystal bowl by CWA representative Mr Griffiths in recognition of their achievement, and as a symbolic bonding of CWA and Bonn for the future European working partnership that has been created.

All the colleges involved have applied for funding for a Comenius Project which has been instigated by CWA. The money will help fund 24 exchange visits by staff and students as part of the project over a two year period. “The staff and students will observe, discover and compare new techniques and skills within the selected vocational practices, as well as participating in a different teaching and learning environment. As part of the exchange visits, students will also gain a valuable insight into wider European employment requirements and opportunities, which supports the college’s drive for greater equality and diversity provision,” said Mr Griffiths. The partner colleges are in Bonn, Strasbourg and Paris in France, Drachten in Holland and the College of West Anglia.