Article 12 [cross-reference with articles 4, 5, 6, 14, 15] 1 The Parties shall, where appropriate, take measures in the fields of education and research to foster knowledge of the culture, history, language and religion of their national minorities and of the majority. 2 In this context the Parties shall inter alia provide adequate opportunities for teacher training and access to textbooks, and facilitate contacts among students and teachers of different communities. 3 The Parties undertake to promote equal opportunities for access to education at all levels for persons belonging to national minorities. 1. Promotion of an intercultural perspective of education Specific aim: - to improve understanding about national minorities and to contribute to a climate of interethnic tolerance and dialogue Fields of action : - revision of the school curriculum to include elements of culture, history, religion and traditions of national minorities (also as part of the general teaching curriculum) provision/revision of schoolbooks with multicultural content Coverage : - levels of education - all education levels, including research, geographical areas - the general school system, not limited to areas inhabited by national minorities Actors involved : - state educational actors (including state authorities, at central and local level, teachers, schools heads) minorities participation (including parents and students) bilateral co-operation 2. Teacher training, access to textbooks and multicultural contacts Teacher training: - teacher encouragement/awareness raising/support on the multicultural dimension of education teaching of history - exploring/developing more adequate approaches, designed to enhance the intercultural dialogue Access to textbooks: - availability of quality textbooks for minority languages teaching 32