Ordizia, ciudad educadora

Abstract

In this text we present the analysis and results of the launching of a project - “Ordizia, Educating City” – drawn up by the town of Ordizia in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa from 2008 to 2012. The experience continues to be a positive one. First and foremost we reflect on the role of Educating Cities as a driving force for the educational potential existing in our cities. We also incorporate contributions regarding the management of socio-educational networks as boosting entities for greater cooperative efficacy, and we take on board some of the principles of the Learning Communities in the launching and the development of an Educating City project. The project was designed by Council officers at Ordizia Town Hall and a team from the University of the Basque Country, and initially developed from 2008 to 2011. The plan currently continues to be fully in operation. Fruit of this project is the Agenda of activities we drew up for 2011, renewed in 2012, in which 25 associations and groups were involved, with a catalogue of 34 inter-institutional co-operation initiatives. Schools, local associations and groups and various Local Authority departments actively participated in this project for the Educating City. One of the main conclusions drawn from the project was that, fruit of educational co-operation, the overall performance of the Town Hall was improved and optimised and, at the same time, the effectiveness of the various bodies involved was reinforced.