33rd Annual International Summer Workshop in Paris
This summer
the Feuerstein Institute held its 33rd International Summer Workshop in
the City of Lights - Paris, France. This annual two week intensive
seminar offers professionals an opportunity to learn the Feuerstein
approach from the leading professionals in the method. There were over
230 participants from 29 countries, including Korea, Australia,
Guatemala and the Faroe Islands. Participants this year got an extra
special treat; this summer's seminar was hosted by Professor Reuven
Feuerstein himself, for the first time in over five years!
"I cannot
believe he came," gushed one enthusiastic participant from the Chinese
delegation. "This is my fourth time attending Shoresh, and I always
learn so much to bring back to my classroom. To actually get to hear the
Professor speak in person... wow. It's incredible!"
The
Professor, who celebrated his ninetieth birthday this year, led a number
of the larger panels. Among them were the opening plenary, and an all
day conference in honor of his birthday which focused primarily on the
newest projects and innovations of the Feuerstein Institute. However,
most participants agree that they will likely never forget actually
getting to see Professor Feuerstein conduct LPAD assessments in person.
Every distinctively encouraging "Bravo!" Professor Feuerstein gave the
young children he was working with was met with thunderous applause.
It was not
only conference participants who were thrilled at a chance to meet and
spend time with the Professor. The Israeli Ambassador to France, Yossi
Gal, hosted a dinner sponsored by the Feuerstein Heritage Foundation in
his beautiful home in central Paris and addressed Professor Feuerstein
with some very personal remarks. The dinner, which honored the
Professor's achievements, was attended by friends, supporters and fellow
academics.
The Professor
also was invited to a scientific colloquium at the French Senate,
co-organized by the OSE (L'Oeuvre de secours aux enfants) and the
Feuerstein Heritage Foundation. The colloquium was attended by
prestigious people from the areas of Medicine, Philosophy, Culture and
Public Service and featured panel discussions on the Feuerstein Method
and its application in the educational system. Testimonies were also
given by children and parents who had been treated by the Feuerstein
Institute.
At the end of
the very full two weeks, the 33rd International Summer Workshop
participants went home enlightened, energized about the new tools
they've acquired, and exhausted from the non-stop sessions and special
activities. Congratulations to all our newly certified practitioners.
We
look forward to seeing you at the 34th Workshop!
