Before this project, we had been part of a KA1- project in 2018 and also in a Comenius project from 2000 to 2006. In our first KA1- project, our school wished to expand knowledge on learning and find international networks. Six teachers were involved and multiple others were interested but did not fit for the program as the maximum number of participants was already reached. Therefore we had the need to start a new KA1- project. In this project, we aimed to expand our knowledge on different themes, such as physical, mental and social well-being, inclusion and occupational health. We believed that these themes are strongly linked to the core values of our school. We value well-being, multiculturalism, environmentally healthy choices, equality and respect of one another. The participants of the project consisted of both primary and secondary school teachers as well as teachers of instruction preparing for basic education. We believed that by applying professionals from multiple different fields to this project, we would find valuable outcomes and knowledge that can be shared in the working community.
Kaukovainio school is a comprehensive school consisting of a pre-school, primary school and secondary school with students aged between 6 and 16. Other services include after-school activities, adult education centre classes and youth centre. We have 463 students and 42 members of educational staff including teachers and teaching assistants. The latest Finnish curriculum emphasizes the well-being of the school community as well as international education. Our school is a multicultural learning and teaching community that follows the guidelines of the national curriculum. When we applied for this project, we hoped that the courses would provide us with international networks, new teaching methods, improved occupational and school well-being, a deeper understanding of European cultures as well as a chance to develop our professional capacity and update our language skills in authentic surroundings. We aimed to focus on aspects that would provide us knowledge and new ideas on physical, mental and social well-being. We believed that through the project we would be able to share the knowledge to our working and learning community - both for the students and the teachers.