Wednesday morning started with the lecture of teachers and students from University of Palacky in Olomouc, Czech Republic had several parts. In the beginning our university was presented. Then a presentation followed. The aim of this presentation was to study the concepts of diversity and unity from the point of social development. Then a quote from Abdu´l-Bahá was studied. This quote used metaphor of human body and human society. Based on the quote there were discussed several analogies that helped us to understand better the complex and complicated relationships and phenomenon in the development of human society.

In the next part we focused on one of the topics – the need for diversity in the population that enables the society to fulfill many specific tasks as well as the process of social learning typical for our society. There was presented a research focused on the population of students with severe and multiple disability realized in our University. We discussed what is possible to learn from these students based on the outcomes of this research. The statements of teachers in the research were shared and the possibility for development of virtues as authenticity, sincerity, contentment with little, love, friendship, etc. became obvious.

Further we focused on the inclusion of these students in the mainstream population. Based on the theory of social exchange we discussed the ethical side of inclusion. If the inclusion is based on the learning process, when all its participants can have contributions to the society the equal relationships can develop because everybody can give and take. This was important outcome of our discussion. This principle can be adapted also on other social minorities. According to our understanding there is possible to see several milestones of this process that starts with respect, continues with increasing understanding, appreciating the diversity and mutual learning.

This first part was closed by a discussion of participants that were divided into groups according their nationalities. The aim of discussion was to find out several examples that can be considered as positive contributions to the global society on the material, cultural, social a moral level. We also reflected the differences in understanding of participants to what is meant by spirituality or moral development.

In the next part of lecture a practical activity of students and teachers took place. There was a circus performance of Czech students of drama therapy followed by preparing and presenting performances of participants. The goal of this activity was to reflect the ideas of the workshop and present contributions of European nations as well as social minorities from the point of view of participants in the artistic way.

 

On Wednesday afternoon a cultural trip was organized to İznik.It is a historical town which is famous for its tile.İznik has also historical places to visit.The participants were given a mini guidebook about the historical piaces in İznik on the road.At first step ,a tile  and ceramic studio was visited. The participants were informed about the process of making tiles and ceramic.They also had chance for shopping ,they bought some gifts for their families and friends.Later on,the participants were informed about the history of İznik and the historical walls in İznik.Hagia Sofia Mosque and Green Mosque were visited. The participants were taken to a clay studio  and some of the volunteers had chance to make some products from the clay.The participants were glad  to visit İznik and learn about tiles and the history of İznik.