Culture and Tradition

"<< Background >>While Europe is becoming more diverse, discrimination and lack of tolerance, can be found in many European countries today. On the other hand, changes throughout Europe require a higher level of understanding and adaptation of its citizens, as well as well-developed intercultural competences. In this respect, it is essential to stop aggression and discrimination and to strengthen inclusive attitudes in the minds of children.In planning the project, we considered the needs of the target groups, including mainstream and SEN pupils, teachers and both organisations. For the pupils, we recognised the importance of community membership and acceptance, as well as the need to improve emotional intelligence, social skills, initiative and self-confidence. They also needed to improve their IT skills and their ability to communicate, write and read in English.SEN pupils needed a stimulating environment, while teachers needed more experience, as well as motivation and tools against stress and burnout.To make progress towards becoming inclusive schools, both organisations needed to understand the importance of inclusive attitudes and the value of diversity.<< Objectives >>The main aim of our project was to promote inclusion and diversity by getting to know each other's culture and traditions, while discovering similarities and learning to appreciate differences. Concrete objectives of the project were to increase young people's interest and motivation to be inclusive,to ensure equal opportunities for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEN, to develop intercultural competences - emotional education, to maintain the mental health of pupils and staff.<< Implementation >>In order to achieve these goals, the Isaszegi Damjanich Janos Primary School (HU), as the coordinator, and the Podstawowa Szkola Spoleczna ""Niedzwiednik"" (PL) carried out 2 physical mobilities and 3 virtual mobilities and worked together on online tasks.During the physical mobilities, the pupils took part in different programmes. These included workshops on cultural values, a local history tour, tasting traditional food, singing folk songs and dancing folk dances together. In the periods before and between the physical meetings, the pupils worked on online tasks such as designing a project logo and creating and editing a website. They also carried out virtual mobilities. During the 3 virtual mobilities, the pupils presented their schools and countries and had Christmas and Easter celebrations together.<< Results >>Throughout the project, Polish and Hungarian students and their teachers had the opportunity to learn about each other's cultures and traditions. The participants discovered how similarities can bring people together and how differences can enrich any society. This experience will help us better understand European social values and promote inclusiveness in the future.Students and teachers improved their communication, writing and reading skills in English. They learned how to use ICT to prepare different materials, online questionnaires, communication and project work. They learned to appreciate their cultural heritage. They built international friendships.Teachers had the opportunity to improve their teaching methods.Tangible results are presentations, an exhibition, a project website, articles, Erasmus+ corners, reports and a virtual booklet describing the differences and similarities they experienced during the project."