ARISE aimed to help teachers teach citizenship and democracy effectively. We've developed tools for teaching and assessing citizenship skills and fostering student involvement. Activities included virtual and in-person visits, interviews, and projects to enhance students' civic engagement. Our project modernized education by promoting social, civic, and intercultural competencies, along with democratic values and mental well-being. We focused on non-discrimination, active citizenship, critical thinking, and media literacy for a more tolerant and peaceful world. To achieve these goals, we sought a positive attitude toward the EU as a project and EU values. We aimed to enhance language skills, digital literacy, and diversity understanding. Our project improved education practices and policies across five countries, offering better professional development. In schools, we integrated citizenship into curricula, adapting processes, and implementing projects. At various levels, from local to EU, we engaged in public relations, discussions, and interviews to promote project awareness and participation.
Our project focused on making students more involved in politics and active citizenship. Many EU students feel disengaged, citing reasons like age restrictions and lack of interest. Especially with the 2024 elections in mind, we found this aspect very important. We aimed to address this by providing political education, enabling them to participate through voting, social media, and petitions. Recognizing the influence of the internet, we prioritized teaching students to navigate online information responsibly, especially given the risks of fake news and manipulation. Inclusivity is vital. We have been working to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and have equal opportunities to engage in school activities. Promoting multicultural values has been another key aspect. We encouraged tolerance, conflict resolution, and a global perspective. Our self-assessment revealed areas for improvement, including increased student and parent participation, better representation, and a more diverse curriculum. Our goal was to create inclusive schools where students learn about different cultures, feel represented, and understand how they can contribute to making their community and the world better.