The "My Actions Count" project aimed to empower students aged 14 - 19 to actively engage in civic and environmental initiatives by providing them with interactive learning content, practical tools and intercultural exchange opportunities. The project sought to foster a sense of agency among students, enabling them to address complex issues like climate change and social responsibility and take direct action. Objectives included enhancing knowledge of European values, citizenship and sustainability, promoting collaboration between Austrian and Spanish schools and equipping teachers with effective teaching approaches. By implementing student-led projects, the initiative aimed to empower students and create lasting, positive change as well as develop key competences such as creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurship.
With the project "My Actions Count" we, the HLA Baden, IES Vecindario and beSonder, aimed to address the sense of overwhelm that students often feel when faced with global issues that can seem insurmountable. The project was intended to be a demonstration of the fact that every individual has the power to make a difference in society through their own actions, no matter how small. The ultimate goal of the project was to empower students to take action in their schools, communities and beyond & to show them that their efforts can have a crucial impact. The project "My Actions Count" insofar addressed the need for innovative teaching methods to promote environmental education, civic engagement and citizenship. The two schools as well as the SME "beSonder" sought intensified intercultural exchange and collaboration on these topics, while students aged 14–19 were empowered to tackle global challenges and recognize their impact. Teachers could use the opportunity to test new effective tools to enhance their skills in these fields and foster international exchange. Additionally, the project aimed to inspire local communities through student-led initiatives, fostering practical change, environmental awareness and social responsibility.