THE EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES CELEBRATED AT THE MECHANICAL-TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOL “15. MAJ”, NIŠ, SERBIA

Abstract

Over a hundred students from the mechanical-technical secondary school “15.maj” upgraded their learning experience by stepping away from their desks and blackboard on September 26^th to take part in an innovative event. “Speak to the Future” was supposed to be just a simple school wallpaper project, but following the perceived interest for exploring different languages and cultures and the visit of representatives of the Council of Europe, the students felt compelled to organize an event that would promote language and cultural diversity and bring people together.

The Council of Europe and the European Union jointly declared the year 2001 the European Year of Languages and successfully joined millions of people from 45 participating countries in celebration of linguistic diversity of Europe and promoting language learning. Due to the initial success of the Year of Languages, the Council of Europe has established September 26^th as the European Day of Languages.