The MICR@S project aimed to achieve three main objectives. Firstly, it sought to promote social inclusion in schools by creating collaborative environments in which all students, including those with special educational needs (SEN), could work together on entrepreneurial projects. This approach promoted empathy, teamwork and a sense of belonging, while addressing issues of vulnerability and exclusion. Secondly, the project aimed to equip secondary school students with entrepreneurial skills essential for the contemporary labour market. Through practical and innovative approaches, students developed skills such as creativity, problem-solving, leadership and collaboration, which are crucial for future success. Thirdly, MICR@S aimed to encourage collaboration between European schools to inspire intercultural learning and reflection on social cohesion and inclusion. This exchange offered students the opportunity to engage with different perspectives and develop solidarity, while addressing real-world challenges through entrepreneurship. By combining inclusion, innovation and entrepreneurship, MICR@S created a transformative model to empower students and foster long-term impact.
We applied for the MICR@S project to address critical needs in school education by promoting inclusion and entrepreneurial skills among students aged 12-18. The project addresses the challenge of early school leaving, social exclusion and limited entrepreneurial opportunities for students, particularly those with special educational needs (SEN). It aligns with the objectives of the EU 2020 strategy to promote social cohesion and inclusive growth, recognising that traditional educational methods often fail to fully engage learners or prepare them for the demands of the current labour market. MICR@S aimed to provide an innovative pedagogical model that integrates inclusion with entrepreneurship education. By involving students in the creation of cooperative entrepreneurial activities, the project cultivates empathy, collaboration and practical skills. SEN students gained access to opportunities typically unavailable to them, while all participants developed key skills for future careers. Through this initiative, we addressed the need to modernise teaching approaches, fostering digital active learning and preparing students for the challenges of the workforce, while promoting social inclusion and community cooperation in education.