By implementing this project, we aimed to strengthen students’ social and emotional competences, reduce peer bullying, and create a more positive school climate. In particular, we sought to help students develop empathy, communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and conflict-management skills so that they would feel safer and have a stronger sense of belonging at school. We also aimed to improve teachers’ competences in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through game-based learning approaches. In this way, we intended to support teachers in designing more innovative, inclusive, and student-centred learning environments. Furthermore, we aimed to establish a sustainable international cooperation network among partner institutions, promote the exchange of good practices, and strengthen intercultural learning. Increasing students’ and teachers’ awareness of European values, tolerance, diversity, and active citizenship was also among our key objectives. In addition, we aimed to create long-term and sustainable impact by developing materials that support social and emotional learning.
The main reason for applying for this project was the need to strengthen students’ social and emotional competences, prevent peer bullying, and increase their motivation for learning in our partner schools. The needs analyses carried out by the partner institutions revealed that students required greater support in developing empathy, communication, cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills, while teachers needed more effective and student-centred teaching approaches. In response to these needs, the project aimed to support students’ social and emotional development through game-based learning, strengthen a positive school climate, and raise awareness about peer bullying. At the same time, it sought to improve teachers’ professional competences in innovative pedagogical methods, creative drama, outdoor learning, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) practices. The project also aimed to strengthen students’ connection with nature, increase environmental awareness, and promote the development of green skills, thereby contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal. In this way, an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable educational approach was developed to address the needs of both students and teachers.