A visit to the Parliament of Cantabria was included in the workshops on intercultural competence and social and civic skills.
Guided visit to the Parliament of Cantabria with an explanation of the functions carried out by this political institution in the region, the characteristics of the building where it is located and explanations about the composition and activities that take place there.
It is the regional headquarters of the government and the greatest example of democracy in the region.
Aim of the best practice:
The main aim of this visit was for the participants in the workshops on intercultural skills to get closer to the institutional and political world of Cantabria, as well as to improve their confidence in politics thanks to the knowledge.
Objectives of the best practice:
Among the different objectives that were sought with this practice was that the participants learn about the headquarters of the Cantabrian Government, the functions and activities that take place there and that they have the opportunity to visit the most important building related to politics and democracy in Cantabria.
In addition, thanks to the explanations of the guide, the participants were able to have their questions answered regarding political decisions, parliamentary groups, president of the autonomous government, etc.
To carry out this practice, the participation of a group of NTPs interested in learning about institutional aspects of the host community is necessary. Likewise, it is necessary to have a person to act as a guide in this type of visit and who can answer the most important questions of the participants.
In this way, the main actors are not only the participants but the other people who are part of the visit and help the participating TCNs to get to know and understand institutional, political and democratic issues of the host society.
For the visit to be carried out in the best conditions, the number of participants must be at least 5 people and a maximum 15. This number of participants is the most advisable so that it is easier for the TCNs to participate and they can interrelate and communicate in the best possible way.
The recommended duration of this practice is a maximum of 7 hours. The guided tour lasts 2 hours, to which must be added the journey to the site, the introduction to the visit and the final part where, in addition to evaluating the practice, the participants can ask any questions they may have.
To carry out this practice it is necessary to have certain resources:
Humans: local companions of TCNs and a facilitator to coordinate the group, introduce them to the topic of the visit and make the appropriate clarifications and explanations. In addition, it is necessary to have a guide who explains all the details of this institution and answer the questions of the participants.
Materials: depending on the linguistic capacity of the participants, it may be necessary to use audio guides in the native languages of the participants. In addition, depending on the distance to the site, the use of transportation may be necessary.
The greatest strength of this practice is the importance and significance that a visit of these characteristics has for the participants. Being able to go to the most important institutional building in the region and the axis of political and democratic decisions reinforces the knowledge acquired and offers an increase in trust in the political life of the host society.
Likewise, as it is an emblematic building and frequently appears in the media, being able to visit its facilities and see first-hand the work that is carried out in it, turns the participating people into protagonists and part of the political framework and institutions of the region.
For the application of practices of this type, it is advisable that participants are previously offered relevant information on this topic.
It is also important to leave the necessary spaces to answer questions and share information with other people.
It would also be advisable for a recognized member of the political community to explain their