IDEALS​

 

In a world increasingly shaped by diversity, collaboration, and shared values, fostering democratic principles, social cohesion, active citizenship, and intercultural dialogue has never been more critical. Our project addresses these needs across schools in the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey, and Romania—countries with rich cultural diversity and evolving educational priorities.

This initiative aligns with European Union policies and OECD research emphasizing the transformative role of education in cultivating responsible, engaged citizens. Extensive studies demonstrate that civic education enhances social well-being, academic success, and community belonging. Recognizing these benefits, our project aims to empower educators and students alike to champion democratic ideals and active participation in society.

Objectives:
O1. By the end of May 2024, develop a comprehensive curriculum for teachers that promotes democratic values, social cohesion, active citizenship, and intercultural dialogue, including an assessment strategy, which will be reviewed and updated annually.
O2. By the end of Jan 2025, design and deliver a complete training program based on the developed curriculum, including appropriate training materials, which will be reviewed and updated annually, to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to promote democratic values, social cohesion, active citizenship and intercultural dialogue.
O3. By the end of Aug 2025, create a comprehensive knowledge web-based platform that will offer a broad range of learning information and a resource pack for teachers to develop specific portable skills that are complementary to the competencies specific to their academic subjects.
O4. By the end of March 2024, conduct a thorough investigation of European educational policies that will increase the importance of teaching and learning active citizenship. It will produce a report that will be shared with policymakers, educational institutions and stakeholders, with the goal of improving the education system's effectiveness in promoting active citizenship.
O5. By the end of June 2024, design and deliver a training program that will equip students with the interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication and active participation in civic public life. The program will be integrated into the schools’ curriculum, reviewed and updated annually.
O6. By the project’s end, empower students to exercise and defend their democratic rights and responsibilities in society, value diversity, and play an active role in democratic life.

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