Internationalität ist bunt Erasmus Project

Project Title

Internationalität ist bunt

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 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning; EU Citizenship, EU awareness and Democracy; Creativity and culture

Project Summary

In the Erasmus+ project “Internationalität ist bunt!” three schools from three different countries will participate: Instituto de Educación Secundaria Al-Ándalus (IES) from Spain, FILEKPAIDEYTIKI ETAIRIA ARSAKEIA TOSITSIA SCHOLEIA ARSAKEIO GYMNASIO IOANNINON from Greece and Leipzig International School (LIS) from Germany. LIS is responsible for coordinating the project. The three schools are very different but, at the same time, they are located in three European countries which roughly, share a common political and historical development.

When it comes to the differences, the school in Almunecar is a state school with mainly Spanish students aged between 12 and 18, the one in Greece is a private middle school with students aged between 12 and 14 and with a small number of students, whereas LIS, although also a private school, it has a larger number of students, many of which are of different nationalities. Although these schools are located far away from each other, they share our common European mind frame and the many of the challenges faced by nations across Europe and . Almunecar is located by the Mediterranean, opposite Morocco from where many people from the African continent migrate to Europe seeking a better future for themselves. Because of Greece´s geographical location, the influx of migrants from the Middle East and further beyond has raised many questions. Germany has often have an open arms policy for asylum seekers, a practice which recently has very much come into question. On top of this, these three countries also share a very roughly common political and historical background. Spain suffered Franco´s dictatorship, Greece´s the rule of its generals junta and Eastern Germany, where Leipzig is located, the rule of the communist SED party. Due to these authoritarian regimes, the people in these three countries had quickly to learn to play by the rules of democracy, which include learning to respect each other´s views. This respect is key to be an European citizen, specially when currently we all face European wide challenges like immigration and political radicalitation, which could be highlighted with the upcomng economic crisis caused by the Corona-virus.

The students target group are aged between 12 and 18 years of age. As part of the main content of the project, participants will learn about the influence of the Greco-Roman democratic traditions in solving issues through dialogue and how these inheritad traditions have influenced our current governing democratic systems. The rule of the majority is to be analysed and evaluated from the perspective of the minorities. In other words, whether the decisions taken by a majority should ignore the rights of the minorities and individuals, if everybody fundamental rights are to be protected and to avoid oppresion. Needless to say the human rights embeded in the EU charter and in our national constitutions are set to protect individuals, regardless of their political views, creed, ethnicity or sexual orientation. With activities based around our democratic traditions, experiences, abuse of minorities, rights of individuals versus the majority rule and basic human rights we aim to promote common values, social and the educational value of European cultural heritage. The life-long competences promoted within the issues above-mentioned will be empathetic listening, team work and handling new situations. In discussion groups students will engage in critical thinking and evaluate different approaches. They will get to debate with their partner students and consequently develop their English language skills. In addition, the participants will get to know each others location and appreciate their own and others´cultural diversity. Students and staff alike will benefit alike from learning about cultural heritage and diversity.

The result of this two year partnership will be a handbook and worksheets for every school about the topic of „Internationalität ist bunt“ (being international is colourful). The handbook and worksheets will be used interdisciplinary in the school lessons of the participating schools. These documents will collect evidence of the activities carried out and their results. The common language between the schools will be English. The three schools want to establish more interdisciplinary projects in their curricula.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 82100 Eur

Project Coordinator

Leipzig International School gGmbH & Country: DE

Project Partners

• FILEKPAIDEYTIKI ETAIRIA ARSAKEIA TOSITSIA SCHOLEIA ARSAKEIO GYMNASIO IOANNINON
• Instituto de Educación Secundaria Al Andalus