On March 11 and 12 2010 the education ministers of
46 European countries will celebrate the 10-years anniversary of the
Bologna-process in Vienna and Budapest.
Considering the current
situation and the ongoing protests in many European Universities this
celebration is a mockery for all of us.
Not only has the Bologna-process clearly failed to achieve the agreed goals of improved mobility; it also led to more restrictions for students and their studies and to greater social selection of access to higher education in general.
The fact that the entire process is based on the
understanding of education as only producing workforce dictated by the
market is reflected in the agreed goals. Therefore our aim is not only
to measure success or failure of the Bologna-process but furthermore to
question the process and its foundations itself. Master and PhD as
elite programs, which especially exclude women, introduction of study
fees and under-financing of universities as well as de-democratization
within the university system are obvious symptoms.
The difficult
financial situation increases the corporate influence on education and
scientific research. The orientation of teaching towards corporate
interests does not only affect universities, but the entire education
sector in general. Hence the possibilities of self-determined and
critical learning are restricted.
In view of this disastrous situation we don't see any reason to celebrate the Bologna-process. The European-wide protests of students, teachers and others show that the economization of education is directed against their interests.
Therefore the week from 8 to 12 March 2010 shall accompany this conference with demonstrations, strikes and blockades as well as a counter-conference, where we are going to discuss European education policy, as well as the common goals of our protests.
We formed four groups, which focus on different aspects of the event:
Demonstration/blockade
For
the time the ministers are holding their meeting we are organizing a
demonstration (Thursday, march 11). Different ideas of blockades are
being discussed.
Strike
Using the occasion of this
event, we are planning to go on a university-strike in cooperation with
the teaching staff for at least two days.
Counter-conference
In
this part of the event, we want to work on, discuss and exchange
experiences openly about the bologna process and possible better
education policies.
International mobilization
A
big part of this event should also be the gathering of all the
protesters from different countries and fields in order to work on a
common strategy.
We want this event to be organized and held by all protesters together. This is why we are calling for your participation not only at the event itself, but also during the preparations (eg.: input at the counter-conference, etc.).
Together we will show that we do not agree with the
celebration of a process, that limits education to the production of
human capital!
This protest and its further development lives from our participation!
Contact: mobilization.bolognaburns@gmail.com
Homepage: bolognaburns.org
Date and location: Vienna, March 11-14