Colorful and strong – fit for a peaceful coexistence Erasmus Project

Project Title

Colorful and strong – fit for a peaceful coexistence

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: Health and wellbeing; Recognition (non-formal and informal learning/credits)

Project Summary

Our project ‘Multicultural and strong minded – living peacefully together’ was intended as a project to promote the social and intercultural competencies of our pupils, a peaceful way of dealing with each other in our mini school democracies and to prepare them for the wider vision of ‘Europe’. The goal for our children was that they become multiculturally minded and strong. In order to achieve this, our highest priority was for them to develop a range of competencies, so that they can achieve a harmonious way of dealing with each other in daily life. With this in mind, the focus is on respect, tolerance and open mindedness within the class, in the local schools and with our European partner schools. There was a comprehensive variety of suggested subject-based activities to be followed through simultaneously with the participating schools: – experiential lessons to promote social abilities – the organization and development of a European working group with pupils from each of the schools – the development of a literature project – artistic and creative experiences (such as theatre groups, creating places of peace/symbols of peace, the planning and taking part in flashmobs and songs) – the pupil led development of a ‘tool box’ for the prevention of violence and mediation strategies between pupils The latter activities have been put into effect through regular meetings (both internally and with the partner schools), ongoing sharing, e-twinning, followed by reflection. In the phases between the meetings, the pupils had the chance to follow through on the planned activities. These results have been be presented at the next meeting, reflected upon together and in this way was continually improved upon. In regards to the experiential lessons in the areas of co-operation, communication, as well as problem solving, the tasks have been took place in nature, on the school grounds or in class lessons and were tailored to the needs of the individual groups. We experienced a co-operative, open ended methodical approach, as well as the pupils having a voice at all levels as a very important implementation in our communication. We believe that the pupils would benefit for their entire lives from the problem solving experiences and strategies learned, as they would become reference points in later life. We believe that the ongoing raising of consciousness as to the importance of valuing each other on a daily level would have a positive influence on the entire school community. The experiences, reflections, awareness raised and friendships made (both between pupils and teaching staff), as well as outcomes such as the tool box, songs and places of peace, would have a ripple effect beyond the Erasmus project itself and create a basis for further interactions in the future. In summary, we want to equip our children with life long social competencies to help create the basis for promoting a peaceful multicultural Europe.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 59934 Eur

Project Coordinator

Konradin-Grundschule Kaufbeuren & Country: DE

Project Partners

• Ankarsrums skola
• Ecole des Grands Cèdres
• ELTE Bolyai János Gyakorló Általános Iskola és Gimnázium