The Don Bosco University Centre for Humanities and Education Science, part of the Complutense University of Madrid organises for the year 2003 an International Congress which aims to further the understanding of the theme.

Originally the teaching of literacy was a specific activity, determined by the need to control the reading and writing of the learner. Today the term has acquired a new dimension as an integrating concept. The school of knowledge is making way for the school of skills. This requires a new type of relationship and a new way of thinking and communicating.

Society today is characterised by its level of technology and scientific advances. Nevertheless the human factor is seen to be increasingly important, regulating all relationships, and is a priority for us today. For mankind, to respond effectively to the new needs which arise becomes a matter of urgency, and the only resource available to him to meet them is education. The new literacy has therefore to deal with the development of the person in areas such as:

Science in society
Information and Communication technology
Languages and the new forms of communication
Intra and interpersonal relationships
The relationship between cultures
The effective response of educational needs for integration

We are looking for ways to carry out this new literacy in the widest sense, deepening our understanding of the needs which have arisen. We are concerned and interested in providing new resources and finding out how the society of the 21st century will become more literate.

Our discussions will require the convocation of a forum which will channel all the developments in this matter. Those who take part will need to be aware of their own process in the development of literacy in three areas: personal, educational and social.

The Congress will consist of two parts: a 'virtual' phase, between the 3rd of March and the 11th of April 2003, and a second part requiring attendance at the conference, from the 6th to the 8th of December, 2003. Those interested can sign up for the Congress, participating in any of the six working areas stated above, presenting documents to the Congress (on one or more themes), and take part in the debates via the forum. Following the Congress a document including minutes of meetings, as well as all the documents and conclusions, will be given to all the participants. Participants papers can be presented in any of the official languages of the European Union, although the official language of the Congress will be Spanish and all documents will be presented in their original language, translation not being provided.

For more information on the Congress please use the following web site:
http://www.cesdonbosco.com/congreso
For communication by email please use the following email address: congreso@cesdonbosco.com