Mezinárodní spolupráce
Mezinárodní smlouva
AWARE - Adaptability of Working Adults in Rural Europe
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A. Rationale and Objectives
1. Common interests/methodology/underlying problem
French and Czech partners share common interests and problems relative to the training available for workers who are vulnerable or in difficulty. This has particular relevance to those over the age of 40, who have to look at their professional future from a different angle, since their maintenance in employment or their rehabilitation presents a problem because of the arduous nature of their work, or the development of skills. On its side, the company needs to take an interest in the management of its employees' ages and future in order to maintain its production capacity.
The French and Czech projects focus on the necessity for developing and improving educational opportunities for people living in rural areas, and will provide training courses for the skills required in country-based jobs, particularly in the agricultural and eco-tourism sectors. The actual requirements of rural workers are related to needs in terms of professional development, together with the necessity to adapt to technological changes and the increased use of information technologies and computers in all areas of the labour market.
Underlying problems:
In France, the problems of recruitment in the agricultural sector have been exacerbated by the retirement of large numbers of post-war generation workers. This intensifies competition with other professional sectors. In addition, the development of the careers of some agricultural employees (especially seasonal workers) is disjointed, so they need assistance in order to make their professional paths more secure.
The aim of this project is to help all the players in the agricultural sector and the rural domain to balance the age pyramid, as well as achieving equality between men and women, by focusing on employees in the second half of their careers.
In the Czech Republic, the Semily District is a mountainous region where the inhabitants of the rural communities are very isolated because of the lack of transport facilities. This means that the demand for training and access to knowledge constitutes a priority, and this needs to be taken account of in the context.
Methodology:
Both partners decide on the main analyses of the target groups in relation to the skills required, and also on surveys regarding potential job opportunities. They will adapt older workers to the new requirements and conditions by preparing suitable training courses for them. The training schedule will be harmonised with seasonal work to avoid inconvenient overlapping. The target groups will be informed constantly about the programmes provided. These will involve various educational activities that will be constantly modified in line with the preferences and needs ascertained, so that the adaptation process can be set in motion and the programmes made available to a large number of disadvantaged people in rural areas.
The transnational partnership has been set up in view of exchanging experiences and good practices. It aims to analyse the target groups and the rural labour market, and decide how to assess the results and incorporate them into practices in order to start off the much-needed changes. Information will be exchanged through mutual study visits, partners' meetings and conferences, all providing an opportunity for presenting and discussing the methods and approaches to be used.
2. Lessons learned from previous relevant actions
CZ-47: The Labour Office in Semily, which initiated the EQUAL II. project, has much previous experience of transnational cooperation. We have participated in European projects, including the Leonardo da Vinci programme (“Services” CZ/A/F/PL/134144 in 2002, “Opportunities” CZ/04/A/Pl/13144 in 2004-2005), which focused on the short-term seconding of young unemployed people from the Czech Republic by employers in the Netherlands. Our experience also includes the Socrates Programme, focusing on the integration of minorities (Grundtvig GRU-PV-9/2002) and transnational cooperation in learning (G2-P-2003-17). We were involved in the PHARE programme as well as other European programmes allocated to the new member states. We also undertook pilot studies for the “First Opportunities” and “New Start” national projects prepared by the Czech Republic Employment Services in 2002-2003. The national partners involved in the DP have experience with adult training courses and lifelong education. They cooperate continuously with the Labour Office and participate in various programmes, including European cultural development, environmental protection and education on the Internet.
FR _2004_NAT_42864:
The construction of training facilities for agricultural employees, at both an individual and collective level, is at the very heart of FAFSEA's mission.
Right from the outset, FAFSEA has taken part in work relating to the FOAD and the production of multimedia resources for the agricultural sector. For example, as part of the Equal 2001_NAT_10583 project, "The fight against the exclusion of people in difficulties from French agricultural jobs", FAFSEA produced a multimedia resource for updating the basic skills of agricultural employees (Saces), and through the 3 2001_NAT_30166 action is currently working on distributing these resources, together with agricultural training centre networks, Personalised Education Workshops and P@T. In this context, the lessons learned from the distribution and dissemination actions currently under way will be of invaluable help to the partners engaged in this activity.
3. The common objectives of the DPs
There are three common objectives for the two DPs taking part:
- To understand the conditions for accessing training in the rural milieu, particularly for people in the second half of their careers.
- To analyse the situation, needs and demands of people in difficulty and who have insufficient skills, especially the training requirements for people over 40 in the rural domain.
- In view of the constraints that cause obstacles to training, to establish the necessary adaptive process to assist the professional development of the target population, by offering the use of new training methods (ICT, multimedia resources, long-distance training, etc.)
4. The (common/complementary) products/deliverables foreseen
In the context of the two partners' joint action, it is clear that even if no production or product results from the work undertaken, the information produced will make it possible to achieve a number of objectives within the framework of the TCA, as follows:
- to formalise and promote good practices
- to test the (successful) approaches to training in a different national context
- to organise study visits for trainers and experts in view of enriching their practices
- to profit from policy maker meetings to widen their national approach to a European level.
5. Added value on the strategy and intended results of each of the DPs involved
The French partner
The French DP consists of:
Two major institutions from the agricultural sector: the MSA, an institution for the social protection of the agricultural and rural world, and the FAFSEA, an unemployment insurance fund for agricultural employee training, together with representatives from:
Four agricultural production networks that wish to join in the fight against discrimination as regards older employees: landscape companies, farm and forest work companies, horticulture and nursery producers and horse breeders.
And lastly, an institution for studying questions on ageing workers completes this partnership, which will enable:
An in-depth analysis on the situation of workers over 40, The creation of experimental systems to develop the skills of workers of over 40, including evaluation and orientation methods and appropriate training facilities, within the framework of existing training systems. The development of new models for organising the provision of training and evaluations to be carried out in the context of long-distance training (LDT) through multimedia resources and e-learning.
The Czech partner
The Czech DP brings to the TCA its previous experience in retraining and integrating unemployed people into the labour market, and its understanding of the specific political, cultural, legal and educative problems and practices arising from the historical period of real socialism. These different areas of knowledge could be of great use to our French partner (which has lived for a long time in a democratic society) in helping it to recognise the latent problems, risks and limitations relating to the differences in mentality, and to avoid methods that are unproductive. We expect to compare the results of the analyses and surveys undertaken, and discuss the various aspects of lifelong education in rural conditions, particularly the training of older workers in the agricultural sector, mountain localities and eco-tourism. We hope to acquire knowledge on France's educational and support systems, as well as knowledge about lifelong education in rural areas. The aim of the transnational cooperation lies in applying the best practices for increasing and improving the adaptability and necessary skills of our target groups, and thus help them to integrate with the changing labour market, and in promoting equal opportunities for men and women, as well as for young and old people, in the countryside.
6. Added value and financial viability of associated partner(s)
No associate partners
B. Work Programme & Working Methodology
1. Transnational activities foreseen
a. Overall transnational strategy
The common objective of the two 2 DPs is to set up the means to facilitate access to training for people in the rural milieu, and more specifically people aged over 40 who work in the rural milieu and have particularly arduous jobs.
In this context, the strategy at the heart of the transnational partnership will take the form of information and experience exchanges, together with the promotion of good practices.
The aim will be not only to communicate and exchange know-how, in order to deal with training problems in the rural areas of the Czech Republic, but also to understand the issues that might be at stake in French rural communities.
The partners' priority is the exchange of information on the methods and educational tools used.
This will enable each partner to learn how to use the methods and tools that would be useful to it.
It should be noted that the situation of women will be of particular concern on at each stage of analysis and action.
b. Typology of activities
| Transnational activities intended | Rating |
| Exchange of information and experiences | **** |
| Parallel development of innovative approaches | ** |
| Import, export or adoption of new approaches | ** |
| Joint development | * |
| Exchange of trainees/trainers/staff | *** |
c. Description of the activities
| Name of activity | Description |
| 1. Exchange of information and best practices | PARTNERS MEETINGS These will be non-technical events designed for the exchange of views and experiences between Czech and French DP Partners. Firstly, the schedule, number and composition of delegates and other organisational aspects of our cooperation will be planned early on in the project (2005). Next, meetings will be organised for exchanging current views and perspectives among partners and stimulating the exchange of good practices. The main task of the second meeting will be to discuss the analysis methods and approaches to lifelong education in rural areas in relation to existing possibilities, conditions and situations, as well as the relation between adult education and national social policies, support systems and other wider areas of correlation. ONGOING COMMUNICATION Transnational sections on national Web sites will be prepared and regularly updated to highlight ongoing events and activities at an international level, not only between DPs but in the wider EU context. The Web site will also be used as a tool for exchange, communication and decision-making. Transnational coordinators will inform each other about the updating of the national Web site, and maintain regular contact via traditional communication tools (e-mail, phone, etc.). TRANSNATIONAL CONFERENCES These will be organised as international events to discuss the problem of lifelong education in rural conditions, and disseminate the results obtained by the two DPs during the course of the project. Experts and administrators with competence in these sectors will be invited to give talks on the topic, and the proceedings of the conference will be prepared and distributed. We prefer to organise two transnational conferences – one in France, and one in the Czech Republic (probably in Liberec), to ensure that both partners' results and project activities are properly disseminated STUDY VISITS The exchange of best practices will also be carried out through study visits. Representatives of the DPs will exchange practical approaches to the training of rural workers (particularly those over 40) and information about educational systems, the political aspect and supports. They will discuss the practical problems arising from the introduction of innovative training approaches, their application, the possibilities of adopting the partner's methods, and any suitable modifications. Some of these experts will come from the DPs' internal staff, while others may be external consultants. |
| 2. Management of partnership | TCA COORDINATION TCA coordination will be the responsibility of the MSA of the French DP. Within the Czech DP, the contact point for all transnational activities will be done to the MSA ,which will regularly liaise with the TCA coordinator. TCA Activity Reports are one of the main tools. These will be produced after each meeting to structure the exchange of information and best practices. TCA EVALUATION Internal evaluation: Part of the coordination will be the monitoring and assessment of project activities and results by means of a peer review between the Czech and French DPs. This will be undertaken regularly, and at least after each shared activity, to ensure continous evaluation of the transnational cooperation. |
2. Methodology for sharing information, results and working tools
Partners' Meetings: these will make it possible to set up coordination between the partners from not only a political but also a technical point of view. Minutes of meetings and reports of events will serve as a basis for the final report.
Ongoing communication: these communications are the normal method of communication in this project. All aspects are concerned: telephone, e-mail, Visio conferences,web sites, etc.
Transnational conferences: during the transnational conferences, all partners will meet each other to share information obtained during the studies. They will be international events organised to discuss the problem of the exclusion of the over-40s, and questions relating to the project on the rural situation and difficulties in lifelong education. During this seminar, a final report will be presented on the results obtained by the two DPs during the project.
Experts and administrators with competence in the various sectors will be invited to give talks on the topic, and the conference proceedings will be prepared and distributed.
Study visits: Study visits involving experts, trainers and representatives of the DPs will be technical seminars aimed at exchanging experience and know-how between experts, researchers, trainers, counsellors etc. These events will have a specific technical output, which will be used to improve the DPs’ respective models.
TCA coordination: after each meeting, the partners will be kept regularly informed by any means permitting them to obtain the details they need to structure the information, and to have the most apposite analysis of the questions addressed during the meeting. This exchange of information will make it possible to consolidate the approach, which should be based on good practices.
TCA evaluation: the evaluation will be made by cross-referencing information according to criteria previously laid down by each party, in order to obtain the most objective appraisal possible.
3. Time schedule for milestones, outcomes and events
September 2005 – partners' meeting in the Czech Republic (Semily district, the Giant Mountains) to arrange detailed plans for the transnational cooperation.
Beginning of 2006 (probably at the time of the International Agriculture Exhibition, between 25/02 and 05/03/2006) – partners' meeting in France (Paris) to discuss the analysis methods and more widely related aspects of the project programmes.
September 2006 – study visit involving experts and trainers in the Czech Republic (Semily district, the Giant Mountains) to exchange practical experiences and discuss the problems associated with lifelong education in rural areas.
December 2006 or January 2007 – study visit involving experts and trainers in France (in a selected rural region) to exchange practical experiences and discuss the problems associated with lifelong education in rural areas.
October 2007 – transnational conference in France (probably Paris) November or December 2007 – transnational conference in the Czech Republic (Probably Liberec)
C. Financial Provisions
1. Breakdown of budget for each activity (€)
| 1 | 2 | Total | |
| CZ-47 | 25 500 | 2 500 | 28 000 |
| FR-NAT-2004-42864 | 31 000 | 2 000 | 33 000 |
| Total | 56 500 | 4 500 | 61 000 |
2. Arrangements for cost sharing and avoiding double funding
Within the framework of the project, estimated costs mainly concern individual expenses, which should be covered by each DP. As regards shared costs, the partners shall subscribe to the principle of reciprocity. Therefore the costs arising from the organisation of meetings and other events will be shared by the DPs.
Activity involving the exchange of information and good practices
- Partner's meetings, study visits and transnational conferences are planned from September 2005 to the end of 2007.
- As regards expenses for partners' meetings and study visits, the partners shall agree on the principle of reciprocity. The cost of transport, accommodation and meals will be borne by each DP, while the organisation of the meetings will be covered by the host country (costs relating to the hire of the hall, translation facilities, etc.).
- The cost of the final conferences will be shared by both DPs, on the principle of reciprocity. The organisation of the conference will be covered by the host country (translations, interpretations, rent of conference room etc.)The costs of transport, subsistence and accomodation will be borne by each DP individually.
- The transnational section of the national Web sites is financed by each DP.
Activity management
- Costs arising from TCA coordination will be individually covered by each partner.
- The evaluation will be financed according to the reciprocity principle of shared costs
D. Organisational and Decision Making Arrangements
1. Contribution and responsibility of each DP
Each DP is responsible for the coordination of these activities organised in their own country. Transnational coordinators of both DPs are in charge of ongoing communication, updating the transnational sections of the national Web sites, compiling reports of shared activities, writing peer reviews for the internal evaluation and providing favourable conditions for the transnational cooperation.
2. Role and tasks of TCA secretariat and external expertise
The secretary of the Transnational Cooperation Agreement has the following mission:
- to define the joint and individual objectives
- to organise all the necessary meetings (2 to 3 times a year)
- to be in charge of the organisational aspect
- to ensure proper organisation of the budget.
All these points should be defined during the first transnational meeting, to be piloted by the secretary.
He is to be in charge of the transnational schedule even if the partner organises the get-together according to the pre-established schedule.
All meetings will be supervised by the secretary, who will be in charge of ensuring that the meetings take place at the given date.
3. Arrangements for decision-making
Decision-making will be carried out according to a system with two levels of decision:
The TCA will be managed via a technical coordination committee and a management group, which will follow the project through.
The technical coordination committee will take care of meetings and workshops and organise 4 technical committee meetings with the following aims:
- an evaluation of activities
- an evaluation of the results obtained
- an evaluation of the problems encountered
- an update of the working method and work schedule
- a schedule of future activities
The management committee, consisting of two steering committees, one French and one Czech, will make the strategic decisions.
The two committees will be consulted by the project coordinator.
Decisions will be made by the common agreement of all members of the committee.
4. Working language(s)
- EN
E. Monitoring and Evaluation Procedures
1. Mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating of transnational experience and results
OBJECTIVE 1 : Exchange of experiences and good practices
1.1 Partner meetings :
Producing an innovative approach for training in rural areas
Indicators : Production of a report after each meeting
Quality of the speakers
Number of meetings
Number and profile of delegates
Sources : Report at the end of each meeting
List of those attending
Periodic reports Information on the Web sites
Final report
1.2 Ongoing Communication for more effective sharing of knowledge:
1.2 a) Regular updating of the transnational section of the national Web sites
Indicators Operational efficiency of the computer system for the transnational section of the national Web sites
Number of documents integrated into the sites
Integration deadlines
1.2 b) Use of sites in the decision-making process
Indicators Number of documents integrated into the sites Integration deadlines
Sources E-mail correspondence archives,
Overview of phone calls,
Updating of Web sites,
Periodic reports of activities
1.3 Transnational conferences :
Dissemination and presentation of the innovative practices and output of the transnational cooperation.
Indicators Speakers' level of expertise,
Local, national and international impact:
- type and number of media presented,
- number of conferences,
- number of delegates,
- number of participants
Dissemination of the final report (how many copies, to whom)
Sources
Transnational sections of national Web sites
Conference reports
Summaries of material presented
Media monitoring (published articles and reports)
List of delegates
Final report
1.4 Study Visits:
Exchanges of good practices
Indicators Set-up of a methodology protocol for access to training in a rural milieu
Analyses of local problems (documents collected and generated)
Number of visits Profile and number of experts
Sources Documents by experts,
Information presented on Web site
List of participants
Reports of get-togethers
Activity report
Relevant passages of final report
OBJECTIF 2 : Management of TCA / Coordination & Evaluation
2.1 Coordination of transnational cooperation :
Organisation of the coordination between the two DPs Coordination of all partners
Indicators Performance indicators for monitoring actions and compliance with schedule Compilation of documents relative to working methods/meetings Compilation of periodic activity reports and the final report Number and profile of participating coordinators
Sources Periodic reports Final report Minutes of meetings Transnational section of websites (decision-making, validation of reports, presentation)
2.2 Evaluation of transnational cooperation :
Set-up of a structure enabling cross-referenced evaluation (peer review) between partners
Indicators Integration of the evaluation into the periodic activity reports Production of the final report
Sources Periodic activity reports and the final report Evaluation reports on the basis of peer reviews
2. Mechanisms for updating work programme, working methodology and organisational arrangements
Any changes to the work programme or methodology or other TCA elements will be based on the ongoing evaluation of the TCA's relevance, efficiency and impact, undertaken by the TCA coordinator. The process for adopting any changes can be summarised as follows :
- Acknowledging the need for change in one of the TCA elements
- Proposing changes via e-mail to the TCA Management Unit (Management Committee and Technical Coordination Committee), asking for opinions and suggestions within a specific deadline
- Discussing, reviewing and adopting changes at the next Technical Coordination Meeting
F. Other
Hyperlink(s) to other information/material
- 1. Links to other information/material:
www.krakonos.com, http://sm.uradprace.cz - 2. www.fafsea.com, www.msa.fr, sites that will provide links to the AGRIQUADRA project site when it is up and running.
2. Links to other linguistic versions of the TCA
Other linguistic versions of the TCA should be displayed on Web pages.