One of the objectives of the Erasmus+ programme is to increase the participation of citizens in democratic life by supporting active citizenship and promoting the development of social and intercultural skills, critical thinking and media literacy. In addition to this, the programme aims to increase awareness of the European Union and its common values.

Practices promoting project activities in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation related to participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement

The aim of the projects was to provide different target groups with skills to influence decision-making and societal development and increase their understanding of challenges in different countries and of potential solutions to these challenges. Other priorities included the challenges of ageing, digital tools in youth work, the competence development of teaching and guidance staff, cooperation with employer representatives and providing students who need special support with international exchange opportunities. Project participants included experts from different fields, NGOs, companies and other stakeholders.

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

Taking inclusion into account in both project activities and project planning

All partner organisations and other stakeholders were involved in setting and developing the objectives of the projects. In order to take disadvantaged learners into consideration, project participants were carefully selected, and all partner organisations worked to promote inclusion.

The projects focused particularly on inclusivity between different groups. The aim was to support the inclusion and international participation of students in need of special support. Partner organisations exchanged best practices for promoting inclusivity.

Strength in cooperation

Through international cooperation, the projects sought diverse perspectives on diversity and the education and coaching of disadvantaged people based on common values and interests. International cooperation was a key part of the projects, and the different skills and needs of partner organisations from different countries were highlighted.

The projects concluded with the creation of new ideas for further development that can be used in future projects. These included the utilisation of AI, diversity management training and an international art society project.

Project participants’ recommendations for the promotion of participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement

The projects developed a wide range of skills and competence to promote participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement, such as influence and cooperation skills and digital skills. In addition to this, increasing understanding of the challenges faced by different countries and potential solutions was emphasised.

The projects carried out various measures, such as

• development of digital tools to support youth work
• coaching of education and guidance staff
• raising the awareness of employer representatives about working with persons needing special support
• promotion of inclusive teaching in different education sectors.

Notable areas of improvement identified in the projects included the promotion of participation in democratic life and civic engagement, user orientation and the collection and utilisation of feedback. The importance of international cooperation and the consideration of disadvantaged people and the improvement of their opportunities to participate were also emphasised.

The projects gave rise to new teaching and coaching methods that were used in the development of teaching and in the creation of new pedagogical practices. Furthermore, project participants continued to engage in cooperation after the projects, seeking to deepen the results achieved. International cooperation and the promotion of intercultural skills were seen as a significant factor in building participation in democratic life and interaction and promoting civic engagement.

Practices related to project activities and the implementation of education between higher education institutions vary from country to country. Despite this, cooperation is possible.

Project participant, workshop day in April 2024

Permanent impacts and notable approaches of the Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation

The projects examined in the assessment emphasised the promotion of a range of skills and the competence development of different target groups. The projects focused on promoting participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement, taking into account different learners and their needs.

Participants gained tangible experience in international projects, which increased their participation in democratic life and understanding of common values and strengthened civic engagement. The projects developed new teaching and coaching methods and created international networks that support the development of follow-up projects and curricula.

The project continues, and we aim to start building deeper cooperation and a new project based on the cooperation established in the project.

Project participant, workshop day in April 2024

Workshop-oriented work became a permanent part of operations. The students attending the workshops change, but the teachers stay the same.

Project participant, workshop day in April 2024

The projects have provided concrete support for the integration and internationalisation of students in need of special support and promoted active citizenship and discussion about values among different target groups. The projects organised various workshops, design processes and inclusive art education for learners. In addition to this, they developed participatory methods and utilised positive pedagogy. The aim was to inspire learners to think for themselves and encourage them to apply what they have learnt.

In cooperation with partner organisations, the projects created tools and operating models that support participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement. After the projects, the expertise created has been widely utilised in the development of teaching and services. Project participants considered it important to take into account all target groups and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and influence the activities of the community and society in order to promote common values.

According to project participants, the permanent impacts of the Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation included:

• promotion of participation in democratic life and civic engagement
• competence development and improvement of teaching quality, including by providing learners with coaching focusing on employment and focusing on the promotion of inclusive teaching
• development of new pedagogic methods and tools that take into account the needs of different learners and support their participation in the community
• review and evaluation of curricula and teaching
• support for professional development and strengthening of the value base of educational institutions
• strengthening of the importance of internationality and international cooperation and increased understanding of cultural diversity
• promotion of the participation of disadvantaged people and provision of opportunities to participate and influence, e.g. by involving learners with different challenges or disadvantaged learners in projects
• utilisation of project results in the development of teaching and curricula and the planning of new projects.

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

Cooperation between project participants continued in participating organisations even after the projects had ended. The role of the Erasmus+ programme as a builder of participation in democratic life, common values, civic engagement and peace was underlined.

Project participants felt that international cooperation and small actions can promote the position, participation in democratic life and civic engagement of learners and their understanding of the common values of the EU.