VIDEO techniques for developing Appreciation, Respect and Tolerance for diversity in students

The European Union has been built on the values of equality, human rights and acceptance of different cultures. It is important to cultivate these values from the school years, as the children will be the adults of tomorrow and the future of European integrity is in their hands. The respect for diversity is important in many different contexts. The most important in our times of crisis is the respect for people from different cultural backgrounds, be they immigrants, ethnic or religious minorities. Nevertheless, discrimination has many facets and it can address students with physical or mental disabilities, students with learning difficulties and students with different physical appearance or behaviour. Therefore, the interventions at the school curriculum to address respect for diversity should address the different forms of discrimination and approach the issue from various angles. In the project ”VIDEO.A.R.T.”, we prompted the students of our schools to deal with discrimination and create respect for diversity, employing video art and mobile technologies that are appealing to young people and at the same time helped them develop multiple skills and competencies. Objectives met: For students- Engage in project activities and participated actively in the whole project, including the definition of the methodology- Developed respect for diversity, cultural awareness and discrimination- Developed technical and artistic skills (ICT, film making and editing, video processing, screenplay, creating infographics, animations, using mixed techniques, creating mobile apps, digital photography etc)- Developed cultural awareness and a sense of European identity- Developed linguistic skillsFor teachers- Provided teachers with a methodology and resources to cultivate respect for diversityParticipants and their profiles:- P1. 4o Geniko Lykeio Acharnwn is a secondary 2nd level general studies school with 360 students and 25 teachers from the ages of 16-18. The school has a diverse student body from various ethnic origins and has experience in promoting intercultural dialogue. - P2. Multitrab Productions is an urban non-profit organization, based in Athens that aims to the promotion of the art work of Greek and foreign artists, as well as the organization of promotional activities involving digital arts. - P3. Liceo Classico Stabili Trebbiani is a General Lyceum in the region of Marche in Italy. The region of Marche is characterized by a high amount of immigrant population which is also reflected in the school students of LCST. - P4. FONDO FORMACION EUSKADI S.L.L. (ES) is an experienced Vocational Training Centers in Spain promoting and coordinating European projects in the field of vocational training, education and training. It is managing PCPI BARAKALDO of the Municipality of Barakaldo (second largest town in Basque country) which is a school for youngsters between 16-18 years old, who drop out of the regular educational system and prepares them to go out to the labour market. - P5. Nösnäsgymnasiet is an upper secondary school with 1100 students and 90 teachers. The students' age is 16-19 years old. The school is located on the west coast of Sweden in a small town called, Stenungsund, with 24 000 inhabitants. Activities: 4 learning workshops, 5 transnational meetings, articles in the local press, European video contest, Award night, social media accounts, presentation seminars.Results: student videos, Good Practice Guide (GPG), video platform (available in 5 languages and freely accessible). The project impacted young people, teachers, local representatives, educators on local/regional/national/EU level.The long term effects are to promote respect for diversity, multiculturalism, social inclusion in society as a hole.