The SISWEC project aimed to strengthen the skills of social workers in Europe in addressing contemporary challenges: multiple crises, social insecurity, the rise of anti-democratic trends, issues of social health in uncertain times, and forced migration. Its main objective was to update curricula and pedagogical methods in order to better connect theory and practice, while promoting an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach. The project also sought to develop innovative digital resources (interactive modules, MOOCs, online tools) to broaden access to training and ensure the continuous updating of skills. By mobilising a wide partnership of universities, training institutes, and European professional networks (notably ESN and EASSW), SISWEC promoted the sharing of good practices, transnational cooperation, and stronger synergies between research, teaching, and social action. The ultimate goal was to contribute to the training of a new generation of social work professionals, better prepared to support vulnerable populations, respond to social crises, and promote social cohesion and democratic resilience in Europe
SISWEC was designed to address urgent needs identified in European higher education. On the one hand, teachers face increasing cultural and linguistic diversity without always having appropriate methods or tools to manage these situations in the classroom. On the other hand, the accelerated digitalisation, reinforced by the pandemic, revealed a lack of integrated digital and pedagogical skills, limiting the effectiveness of teaching practices. Finally, institutions suffer from a lack of structured cooperation and shared resources to support their staff, even though social inclusion and the success of students with migrant backgrounds represent a strategic challenge. In response, SISWEC aims to strengthen teachers’ intercultural and digital competences, to develop innovative and transferable resources, and to promote a collaborative approach among universities. The project thus addresses a dual need: improving pedagogical quality and contributing to a more inclusive and cohesive society.