STEPS to Tolerance for European Pupils

STEPS represented the common approach of 6 schools in different countries(Romania, Spain, Lithuania, Greece, Italy, Portugal) to create a tolerant Europe that promotes equality of chances, equity, civic responsibility and respect for diversity. The strategic partnership answered to the theme of tolerance and understanding in Europe. The idea of this project came from the awareness that there is one world and it’s different and the acceptance of diversity, social, ethnic, religious and cultural differences is a necessity for all of us. The partners had similarities as: activities to promote tolerance, to combat discrimination and aggression, to integrate disadvantaged groups in school, priorities of similar institutional development (social inclusion, equality, fight against xenophobia, racism, violence, promotion of democratic values, increasing the motivation of students to learn, encouraging tolerance unto others, promoting intercultural dialogue and innovative education, common learning needs This partnership aimed to promote inclusion in diversity and fundamental values (tolerance, freedom, non-discrimination) in order to ensure high quality education for all students, creating conscious and sustainable civic attitudes in students towards the phenomenon of discrimination and social exclusion so that they become more tolerant, more responsible and better people. The project objectives were in line with the priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy that promote inclusive growth and ensure social cohesion. They covered the following aspects: increasing the awareness of students and teachers by 50% on the prevention and combating of discrimination, implementation of innovative practices for a number of at least 300 teachers in order to ensure a stable and positive learning environment, promoting the principles and rules of European democracy and bringing up a social and responsible behavior, the 80% reduction of the aggressions in the school environment by the end of the project, promoting equal opportunities and personal development for each student, educate at least 500 students in support of tolerance and respect for racial, religious diversity, for Europe’s culture and traditions, for people with disabilities, improving interpersonal and social competences for increasing the relations between students, students-teachers, students-teachers-parents, supporting students to become adults of an inclusive multicultural society, the creation of positive alternatives for conflict resolution in order to improve the educational process, improving civic, communication, digital and cultural skills The project activities included 4 mobilities with 12-13 years old students, 2 learning activities for teachers. Each country organized local activities: workshops, competitions, videos, exhibitions, dissemination activities, management meetings, volunteer and anti-bullying campaigns. The methodology included:10 virtual meetings between school partners for communication, permanent monitoring of indicators and results, 2 online meetings due Covid19 situation, elaboration of questionnaires, surveys, technical and financial reports on implementation of activities, didactic materials, dissemination campaigns, elaboration of management documents, workshops The partners developed through generated benefits for students, teachers, school managers, institutions. For students these benefits consisted in: efficient communication, work in teams, reducing aggressive behaviors and any kind of discrimination, promoting cooperation, understanding, respect for oneself and others regardless of religion, culture, ethnicity, nationality, adopting positive behaviors that will allow them to reintegrate into society much easier. Among the teachers, activities facilitated: developing the ability to integrate students at risk of marginalization and ensuring high quality education, using and adapting new interactive methods in activities with students during classes, developing relationship skills in achieving a tolerant, peaceful, learning-friendly school environment. At school level, the project contributed to: increasing the capacity of organizations to cooperate at European level, developing new approaches that respond to new challenges in the field of education in order to increase the community's and students' interest in the school's educational offer. We registered a lot of final products: logo, anthem, a comparative study on tolerance, guide of good practice to combat intolerance, mini-dictionary with common phrases, dissemination brochures, newsletters, the site of the project, photo albums, videos for promoting Tolerance, cookbook, childhood games book, guide for final report. We consider that the activities and project results were in line with the topics, priorities and principles promoted by UE. STEPS project represents an example of good practices for promoting Tolerance, Equality and Respect for Diversity in European context.