Social Inclusion and Gender Equality Erasmus Project

Project Title

Social Inclusion and Gender Equality

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Gender equality / equal opportunities; Inclusion – equity; Teaching and learning of foreign languages

Project Summary

To be included and equal is the wish of all young people, and the pupils from Ballygar, Paderborn and Kortrijk worked on this theme. They looked at the topic of social inclusion and gender equality, also keeping in mind the experience of migration in each country.
The pupils improved their key skills of foreign language learning, communication, teamwork and tolerance. They furthered their awareness of and responsibility towards others and built on their commitment to equality issues in Global Goals, especially numbers 4,5,10 and 16.
Participants were pupils from Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar, Ireland, Gymnasium St Michael, Paderborn, Germany and Lyceum OLV Rhizo, Kortrijk, Belgium. On each leg of the exchange 10 students from 2 countries visited the third country. Participating students were aged 14-18 and came together first in February 2019 in Ballygar. The students worked on the topic of inclusion and equality. They experienced school life and visited cultural attractions. They stayed with host families and so became immersed in the social life of the family. The three groups met again in September, in Paderborn, in Germany. They again worked on the topics of inclusion and equality, this time in more depth. In November 2019 the participating groups met for a third time, but this this time in Kortrijk, Belgium. By this time, the project work and peer learning was more relaxed, and could be even more in depth. The preparatory work was done through initial contacts between students and online surveys, giving information on which to base further work. By working together the pupils developed solidarity and a sense of community between the three EU countries.
The project used various methodologies. Firstly, the pupils themselves came up with areas to research, aided by a facilitator. In small groups they researched information from their own countries. They discussed and focussed on areas where people might feel excluded or unequal, e.g. migrants,minorities or women. There was an exchange of experiences and peer learning. Learning took place in a formal and informal setting. They presented their information by way of photos, multimedia and roleplay. There were bonding sessions with icebreaker games and activities. There were many visits to cultural attractions and workshops with outside facilitators. During the exchange the teachers also furthered their language skills and exchanged good practice – a wonderful way to connect with other teachers.
By taking part, the students enhanced their social and intercultural experiences and improved their foreign language skills – except for West Flemish!. They developed a consciousness of social inclusion and gender balance. They became more tolerant of difference and intolerant of inequality. Pupils with disadvantage were equally able to participate and this also broke down prejudice and intolerance.
The exchange broke down barriers between the three very different cultures. The tiny rural town of Ballygar is definitely now able to consider itself a leader in tolerance and equality. Pupils will continue to grow and work in their communities with pride in their inclusivity and social equality. The communities themselves, first the school community, then the wider community will become better European and global citizens, welcoming people of all nations and ethnic groups, of all genders and creeds.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 74784 Eur

Project Coordinator

Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar & Country: IE

Project Partners

• RHIZO1
• Gymnasium St. Michael Paderborn