The story

The intercultural project manager at Reykjavik City Library created The Flying Carpet after many years of experience as a teacher in Denmark and brought it to Iceland at the beginning of 2008. An introduction to the intercultural encounters project can be booked and if requested the project manager is ready to guide and take part in the preparation of the project. Workplaces can also book intercultural gatherings – everyone can take part.

The Flying Carpet should create

• Frames in which different cultures meet in mutual respect and understanding through different means of expression; interaction between all cultures and all languages. This includes the world languages, both spoken and non-verbal ones.
• Enthusiasm and understanding of differences and similarities in our cultures.
• A frame in which individual children can preserve their cultural identity when coming into contact with a new society.
• Awareness of the value of own culture by introducing it to others.

The goals

• That people of all origin living in Iceland should feel proud of their own culture and share those feelings with others.
• To evolve children’s ability to be active members in society and for them to realize the fact that different cultures can enrich their own.
• Support a respectful integration.
• Stimulate the children’s fantasy, curiosity and creativity.

During the development of The Flying Carpet project an effort is made to make everybody involved feel an ownership to the project, children as well as adults. The experience is that through this project parents participate during the process and teachers often meet new faces among the parents at the gathering itself. 

You can read all about the project on the website www.menningarmot.is

For further information please contact

Guðrún Dís Jónatansdóttir
Manager – Communication & Innovation
gudrun.dis.jonatansdottir@reykjavik.is