By implementing the project, we aimed to achieve the following objectives: • to reduce educational inequalities and prevent early school leaving by increasing students’ skills and motivation to continue learning; • to help students recognise their strengths and weaknesses as a starting point for planning their education and future careers; • to develop teamwork skills, build positive social relationships, overcome social barriers, and encourage openness and creativity; • to prepare young people for a changing world and help them understand the European labour market; • to promote common European values, strengthen self-confidence, and build acceptance of diversity, while reducing xenophobia and exclusion; • to develop civic attitudes, social awareness, willingness to help others, and responsibility for the future of Europe; • to improve students’ key competences, including personal and social skills, learning-to-learn skills, language skills, and digital skills; • to achieve lasting results, such as a guide for integrating students with a migration background, entrepreneurship-related activities, improved skills of students and teachers, and stronger international cooperation.
The decision to apply for the Erasmus+ project was based on the needs of students in partner schools and the educational and social challenges in recent years. One of the main problems was the decline in young people’s mental health after distance learning. This caused lower motivation, discouragement, lack of initiative, and difficulties in relationships. The project aimed to improve students’ mental well-being and give them a sense of safety and belonging. Another reason for the project was the growing number of students with a migration background. These students needed support to adapt to new educational, language, and cultural environments. The project helped them integrate and build a friendly school community. The project also aimed to show teenagers opportunities for personal and career development and to increase their self-confidence. Cooperation between schools allowed sharing experiences, developing social, language, and civic skills, and giving equal educational opportunities, especially to students from disadvantaged families.