The main objectives of the project were to promote the inclusion of students with special educational needs in the labour market and to strengthen their vocational, entrepreneurial and digital skills. Through exchange of know-how in art and ceramics workshops, students were expected to learn new techniques and apply them to create improved products with local identity, suitable as tourist souvenirs. A further objective was to link school training with real employment opportunities through cooperation with local tourism businesses, enhancing students’ future employability. The project also aimed to develop entrepreneurial thinking and basic digital skills through the creation of a simple website for product promotion ( which later was edited by a web developer). In addition, cooperation with partner schools was expected to foster European identity and intercultural awareness, while collaboration with academic experts and joint research focused on inclusion and employment pathways for people with disabilities.
We applied for this Erasmus+ project in response to key needs identified in our special education vocational school context. Students with special educational needs face significant barriers in transitioning from school to employment. In Greece, there is no established apprenticeship system in E.E.E.E.K. schools, and post-school employment opportunities remain very limited. In addition, current legislation does not adequately support school involvement in entrepreneurship or structured pathways to work. Another important need is the lack of systematic vocational guidance for both students and educators in special education. As a result, students often complete their training without clear prospects for professional integration, while parents remain concerned about their children’s future employment and independence.There is also a gap in exposure to international collaboration and innovative vocational practices.Our students have had very limited opportunities to interact with peers from other countries,visit partner schools, or learn new techniques that could enhance their practical skills and creativity.This project addressed these needs by promoting the exchange of vocational practices and strengthening entrepreneurship skills.