The UNESCO Associated Schools Project

What is the UNESCO ASP?

The UNESCO Associated Schools Project (ASP) is a network of schools throughout the world committed to the ideals of UNESCO. Launched in 1953, the ASP promotes education for international understanding in order to prepare children and young people to meet the pressing challenges facing humanity within the context of the planet's resources.

The main emphasis of the ASP is on integrating international elements into the regular curriculum, rather than to treat them as separate subjects. The four main themes of study:

	World concerns and the United Nations system in dealing with them
	Human rights. democracy and tolerance
	Intercultural learning
	Environmental issues

Who does the ASP represent?

The Associated Schools Project represents a variety of educational institutions. This includes government and non-government pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools and teacher-training institutions.

What is the aim of the ASP?

The ASP network aims at mobilising schools throughout the world with a view to undertaking and participating in pilot projects to strengthen the role of education in promoting a culture of peace and tolerance. Twinning between participating schools and exchanges of materials, teachers and students is an integral part of the ASPnet's activities.

What should an ASP school do?

An ASP school should:

	Contribute, in an active manner, to the strengthening of the aims and principles set out by the UNESCO Constitution both in class and outside of school. Their activities should be guided both by "The Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace Education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms" (1974) and by "The Integrated Framework of Action on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy."
	Develop the concept of intercultural learning.
	Contribute to the network of ASP schools on the local, national and international level where possible.
	Focus their attention on learning to live together. Their work must not be designed to provide only knowledge but that relationships and co-operation with other peoples and cultures are enriching and vital, and a life full of meaning in a future world based on durable peace can be attained only through common efforts.
	Be aware of the elements at stake in the progressive globalisation of our unique and one world.

The schools of the ASPnet should concentrate their activities on such subjects as:

the role of the United Nations system, and its actions in the resolution of world concerns;

education for peace, human rights, democracy, tolerance;

protection and conservation of the natural environment and of the world heritage;

the diversity of this unique and one world

the media and new information technologies

non-violent conflict resolution;

solidarity for victims of violence or of social and ecological catastrophes.

They should also:

Undertake and develop new teaching methods as well as innovative approaches.

Develop their own way of participation in the ASP or Participate in national or international ASP projects.

Transmit a report once a year of the progress of the ASP National Coordinator.

Undertake and develop new teaching methods as well as innovative approaches.

Develop their own way of participation in the ASP or Participate in national or international ASP projects.