With the implementation of the project we wanted to offer our students an education based on respect for diversity, tolerance, to contribute to social learning that will continue throughout life and constitute a general attitude towards others. We wish our school teachers to acquire the knowledge, tools and methods to deal with conflicts in the classroom so that students can understand and accept the diversity of some people in different areas, to become independent and active European citizens, with developed social skills and empathy. Through the promotion of collaborative learning approaches and the use of ICT, teachers should be able to manage the diversity of the student population and create a supportive learning environment for all their students. Also, to give our teachers the opportunity to network with European colleagues and schools, to improve their digital, linguistic and social competence, to gain intercultural experiences, and to develop a better understanding of social and cultural diversity themselves.
Our school is a public high school of General Education in an urban area. Our students are members of mainly middle-class families, who are interested in the education and progress of their children and their participation in educational activities and school programs. The majority of students are of Greek origin, there are also several students of different ethno-cultural backgrounds. Often, especially in recent years, the interpersonal relationships of pupils both inside and outside the classroom are disturbed by conflicts and tensions that affect the calm school climate. Often, teachers find it difficult to manage such situations effectively. Taking all the above into account, our school has implemented the project "Embracing diversity, preventing conflicts and strengthening student cooperation". The aim of the project was to develop teachers' skills for a constructive and open cooperation among students, to promote a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity by using innovative teaching tools and interventions that improve school performance and prevent the phenomena of inter-school violence.