Earlier this month, an IV meeting took place in Budapest. The meeting focused on the further development of IV as a European network for Christian education. Christijn Snippe attended as a guest, with a special interest in the renewal of the IV website.
One of the main topics was how IV can become more visible, accessible and recognisable online. The new website should make it clearer who IV is, what the network does and how schools, organisations and partners across Europe can connect. This renewal is not only about design or technology. It is also about telling the story of IV more clearly and inviting new members to become part of the network.
The meeting also focused on the future development of IV. Participants discussed possible new members and ways to strengthen existing European contacts. Another important theme was AI and Value Based Education in Christian Schools. The group reflected on how artificial intelligence relates to value based and Christian education, and what this means for schools, teachers and school leaders. Several keynote speakers are currently being contacted for this theme.
The wider IV programme was also discussed. This included upcoming activities, such as the study trip to Northern Ireland from 12 to 15 October. The meeting also looked back on recent European contacts and events, including the CoGREE meeting in March and EUFRES in April. CoGREE is a European coordinating group for religion and education. EUFRES is a European network connected to religious education, exchange and professional dialogue.
The Budapest meeting showed that IV is actively developing as a European network. Through the renewal of the website, IV wants to become more visible and accessible for schools, educational organisations and partners across Europe. In this way, IV continues to build a recognisable and welcoming platform for Christian and value based education.