Immigration to Europe is a multi-faceted and complex problem and schools are called to deal with the inclusion of pupils arriving from different parts of the world in order to ensure them a good education. At the same time it is important to sensitize our students on the immigration phenomenon, in order to reduce xenophobia through innovative approaches supporting prevention and fighting racism, violence and discrimination. Our project consists of 7 schools from 6 countries: Italy (2 schools), Sweden, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal and Cyprus, that have partnered together to exchange the different angles on immigration and share new ideas on methodologies in teaching migrant children. The project “New people, new friends, new horizons” aims at developing an educational environment that will support young people to be open-minded, understanding and respectful to the other people. It focuses on promotion of a spirit of collaboration and solidarity among nations and on raising awareness of the cultural and economic aspects of the immigration phenomenon. The project also aims to encourage students to make the most of their personal skills and talents, thus increasing individuals’ self-esteem and self-confidence. One of our goals is to enhance language, communication and technology skills of students, teachers and staff. To encourage original ideas to approach and solve integration problems is another important purpose. The main activities will be: Diagnostic questionnaires; Erasmus Corner; Researches, questionnaires, interviews, articles about migration and emigration; Logo contest; Christmas greetings’ exchange; Presentations using various ICT tools; Artistic and photographic representations on the idea of inclusion; Slideshows about each school; Creating and singing a song all together; Brochure on methodologies used with students with special needs. We will work in a cooperative way, defining clearly roles and responsibilities. We will use different kinds of ICT tools to learn new ways of teaching. To carry forward students’ activities Cooperative learning, Learning by doing, Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Coding will be precious methodologies. With the help of this project we aim to take a step further towards breaking stereotypes and prejudices and ensure that arriving students are well integrated, promoting a European atmosphere where diversity and multiculturalism are cherished. In order to get the full potential of European citizenship and corresponding values, rights and duties, our project will disseminate an open-minded and tolerant attitude to build Europe together and promote collaboration among European countries. A detailed dissemination has been planned throughout the project with the publication of articles in the local press, social media and on the school websites to involve students, staff and stakeholders on project activities promoting the Erasmus+ program. On eTwinning we will convey all the information and documentation available, with particular reference to the products manufactured in the different project phases. The participants will create a database available to all and provide support to interested colleagues. Students, families, teachers, city representatives and regional media will be invited to the performances and the meetings. Finally, the Internet also allows us to activate a direct contact with potential final beneficiaries all over Europe and to interact with them. The partners will continue their collaboration after the conclusion of the project by carrying out forums, publication of links and materials on the school websites, YouTube, social networks. The Twin-Space channel will remain open as well as the project's page on the schools websites and we will continue to share the activities and good practices even after the end of EU funding. In our schools our Erasmus corner will stay for giving information about similar projects and Erasmus program opportunities. The innovative methodologies used in the project will influence school policies and they will become part of the school curriculum. The participants will cooperate to modify the idea of all stakeholders about foreign people and to reach step by step a high grade of inclusion. The collaboration with local and regional organizations will be maintained to prevent early school leaving, absenteeism by making training and educating activities with the students in the risk group. The project's results will be harmonized and used systematically in the partner schools and disseminated in local and regional environment. The students will continue communication among them with the support of teachers after the end of the funding.
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