Creative Connections

Partners:

1.     Szkola Podstawowa nr 11 z Oddzialami Integracyjnym from Poland

2.     Asociacija EduLActiva from Lithuania

3.     EB1/PEC da Nazaré from Portugal

Main aim: to foster inclusive education environments in schools by using the transformative power of sports, arts, and music. Through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, the project seeks to enhance the educational experiences of children with special needs, provide valuable upskilling opportunities for educators, and equip parents with essential information to support their children's development. By promoting inclusivity and understanding, the project aims to create a more supportive and nurturing educational ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.

Objectives:

1.     Conduct awareness campaigns and workshops for school administrators, teachers, and parents to promote the importance of inclusive education and its benefits in fostering a more accepting and supportive school environment.

2.     Organize specialized training sessions and workshops for educators to improve their understanding of diverse learning needs and equip them with effective teaching methodologies that cater to individual differences.

3.     Conduct regular sessions and support programs for parents and caregivers to enhance their knowledge about their children's specific needs and provide them with communication strategies to foster a positive learning environment at home.

4.     Develop a comprehensive guidebook on inclusive education practices that includes innovative approaches to integrating sports, arts, and music into the curriculum. Additionally, create a booklet of best practices that showcases successful case studies from different schools and regions.

Activities:

1.     A kick-off meeting in Lithuania. 2 representatives per partner country.

2.     Establish partnerships with schools, NGOs, and educational institutions to leverage resources, expertise, and reach a wider audience. Conduct an in-depth survey and needs assessment to understand the current state of inclusive education in schools and identify gaps and challenges faced by children with SEN, educators, and parents. The results will be used to draw the program for the international workshop for teachers in Portugal.

3.     International workshop in Portugal. Organize training workshops for educators on inclusive teaching practices, differentiated instruction, and effective use of sports, arts, and music in the learning process. 4 days long activity with 5 teachers/educators per partner country.

4.     Support program for parents and caregivers in each partner country (at least 5 per country), providing them with a chance to share experiences, receive guidance, and learn about effective ways to support their children.

5.     International workshop in Poland. Assemble a team of experts to develop the comprehensive guidebook and the booklet of best practices, compiling successful case studies from various educational institutions. 4 days long activity with 4 teachers/educators per partner country.

6.     Dissemination activities in each partner country. Organize awareness campaigns in schools, communities, and social media platforms to promote the project's objectives and foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance. Multiplier events in each partner country including at least 10 educators working with SEN students and 3 parents of SEN students.

7.     Final meeting in Lithuania. Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the project's impact, gather feedback, and make necessary improvements for continuous development. 2 representatives per partner country.

Results:

1.     Improved Inclusive Education Environments: The project aims to create a noticeable improvement in the inclusive education environment within participating schools and educational institutions. This improvement will be evident through increased acceptance, understanding, and support for children with special educational needs, leading to a more inclusive and harmonious learning environment.

2.     Enhanced Educator Knowledge and Skills: Educators and teachers who participate in the specialized training workshops will demonstrate an enhanced understanding of diverse learning needs and effective teaching methodologies. They will be better equipped to cater to the individual differences of their students and create personalized learning experiences.

3.     Empowered Parents and Caregivers: The regular support programs for parents and caregivers will empower them with valuable insights and effective communication strategies to support their children's development. As a result, parents will become more actively involved in their children's education, leading to improved learning outcomes and emotional well-being.

4.     Increased Utilization of Sports, Arts, and Music in Education: The project's emphasis on leveraging sports, arts, and music in the learning process will lead to increased utilization of these creative approaches within schools and classrooms. These methods will be recognized for their positive impact on student engagement, motivation, and overall learning experiences.

5.     Creation of Comprehensive Guide and Best Practices Booklet: The tangible outputs of the project, including the comprehensive guidebook on inclusive education practices and the booklet of best practices, will serve as valuable resources for educators, parents, and schools. These resources will be widely utilized to implement inclusive practices and promote innovative approaches to education.

6.     Increased Awareness and Advocacy: Through the project's awareness campaigns, there will be an increased understanding of the importance of inclusive education and the positive impact it can have on all students. This will lead to advocacy for inclusive policies and practices in education at both local and regional levels.

7.     Sustainable Collaboration and Networks: The project's collaboration with schools, NGOs, and educational institutions will foster sustainable networks and partnerships dedicated to promoting inclusive education. These networks will continue to support and advocate for inclusive practices even after the project's conclusion.

8.     Positive Impact on Children with SEN: Ultimately, the project's success will be measured by the positive impact on children with special educational needs. Improved academic performance, increased social integration, and enhanced self-esteem are some of the indicators of success for these students.