The overall aim of the ELIS project was to foster inclusive school environments where children with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities feel safe, respected, and able to thrive. We set six specific objectives. First, to develop educational resources and guidelines for teachers to strengthen their awareness of LGBTIQ+ issues and capacity to act in schools. Second, to create support materials for parents, encouraging positive parenting and acceptance. Third, to pilot a training programme for teachers and parents using the developed resources. Fourth, to disseminate the created products widely in the partner countries, ensuring access to practical tools. Fifth, to facilitate exchange of good practices between partners and stakeholders. Finally, to build the capacity of partner organisations by improving the knowledge and skills of their staff. Together, these objectives addressed urgent needs in Lithuania and Bulgaria, while drawing on Iceland’s advanced practices to generate innovative and sustainable results.
We applied for this project because LGBTIQ+ students in Europe, and especially in Lithuania and Bulgaria, still face widespread discrimination in schools. EU data show that over 80% of adults recall hearing negative comments about LGBT classmates, and two thirds reported hiding their identity. Lithuania (31%) and Bulgaria (24%) record some of the highest levels of discrimination by school staff in the EU, above the EU average of 18%. In Lithuania, 81% of students reported concealing their identity, and 93% of the population believes discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread. Teachers and parents in both countries lack the skills and resources to address these issues, as shown by the “Life Skills” programme in Lithuania, where educators report insufficient capacity to cover LGBTIQ+ topics. In contrast, Iceland ranks among the most progressive countries, with a national LGBTI Action Programme. Bringing together two countries with severe gaps and one with advanced practices created an opportunity to combine needs-based interventions with innovation. The project therefore addressed the urgent need to equip teachers and parents with tools to reduce discrimination and foster inclusive school environments.