Topic Week: Focus Belarus. Protests – Plans - Potentials.

Hello! Welcome to the online theme week "Focus Belarus - Protests, Plans, Potentials".

The project was rooted in a long-term cooperation between the Technische Universität Dresden and Belarusian Universities mainly regarding projects on Academic Self-Governance. The continuation of the necessary exchange between both countries – especially in challenging times like this  – was the motivation for this virtual program. It was of utmost importance to write and debate about the current circumstances in Belarus and support those who are directly affected by the state repressions, among them to a great part the academic world. The project was formed and realized in a cooperation between TUD and German Association for East European Studies. A significant contribution to this continuous work did few but very committed students and the team of Institute of Slavic Studies.

The online topic week was addressed to two target groups. For the German publicity several information events were organised to discuss the political situation in general, socio-culture and political aspects of the protest movements, diaspora activities and repression in society and in the academic world.

A special program was created for Belarusian students by high qualified trainers. The following themes were covered: fundamentals of democratic society, student self-administration, German higher education system and enrolment opportunities, self-help during emotional crises and traumatic experiences, dealing with (dis)information and propaganda in the media.