One of the aims of the Erasmus+ programme is to enable participation for an increasing number of individuals and broader target groups. The programme facilitates participation in the programme so that new actors, small organisations and persons that would not otherwise participate can benefit from the opportunities offered by the programme.

Practices promoting project activities in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation related to inclusion and diversity

Cooperation and joint planning are important

According to project participants, the key strengths of projects included inclusion as a guiding principle of projects, the strong role of learners as active agents and their involvement in the planning, operation and monitoring of projects. Inclusion and diversity were strengthened through experiential learning and new teaching methods in line with the objectives set for the projects.

The planning and implementation of joint study modules strengthened cooperation and commitment between project participants. Project participants stated that small, shared everyday actions had a positive impact on projects. Cooperation between different sectors and stakeholders was seen as contributing to project progress.

Interaction both face-to-face and online

Meetings with partners, mobility and interaction with other cultures were seen as essential in terms of the content of projects and experiential learning. Systematic internal and external communication and communication between project participants and stakeholders were considered important for projects. An operating culture created online, planned together and supporting cooperation facilitated projects and the achievement of project objectives.

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

Project participants were of the view that cooperation between practical and research activities contributed to project work. Incorporating all four priorities of Erasmus+ into project plans was stated to improve the effectiveness and clarify the overall objectives of projects.

Project participants’ recommendations for increasing inclusion and diversity

Based on the assessment, small actions can have significant impacts on the promotion of inclusion and diversity. Project participants consider it important for children to actively participate in activities, especially through interaction corresponding to the child's age and development level, which has proven to be an effective teaching method for the youngest learners as well.

Project participants recommend increasing resources, offering exchange periods, utilising the full potential of Erasmus+, continuing cooperation across sectors and creating concrete actions and lasting networks. Erasmus+ is seen as an important builder of inclusivity, diversity and peace.

The project started establishing a permanent, continuous network instead of just being a project that will eventually end.

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

Concrete actions and changes through cooperation

The ideas developed in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation have been integrated into curricula, focusing on wellbeing and social entrepreneurship. For example, special support students have started up entrepreneurship activities at educational institutions. Curricula have been reviewed, applied and updated to better meet needs related to diversity, e.g. by way of designing new study paths and utilising mixed groups. Customers have been included in the planning of services to increase inclusion, while teaching and guidance staff have been provided with coaching on teaching learners who need special support and working life awareness.

The development was based on the needs of each participating organisation.

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

The projects carried out concrete actions, created networks and used online teaching to promote inclusion and diversity. Inclusion and diversity were examined from different perspectives, and learners played an active role.

In-depth understanding, professional development and lasting networks

Participants felt that they had gained a more in-depth understanding of inclusion and diversity, established lasting relationships and networks and become more independent. Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation have inspired and encouraged the implementation of new teaching and coaching methods, strengthened positive pedagogy and increased awareness of the needs of different target groups.

Through international cooperation, participants have gained valuable experience of international interaction and cultural diversity, grown professionally and created lasting networks.

Hopes for more concrete measures and closer cooperation

As challenges, project participants mentioned the Commission's systems, changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the different timetables of project partners. Young people called for concrete measures to promote inclusion and diversity.

Project participants recommend making full use of the Erasmus+ programme’s opportunities, continuing cooperation across sectors and focusing on concrete actions and the creation of lasting networks.

Erasmus+ as an important builder of inclusivity, diversity and peace

Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation have successfully contributed to the promotion of inclusion and diversity, diversified teaching and curricula through e.g. new study paths and teaching methods and promoted innovative practices. Educational institutions have reviewed their curricula and the practical implementation of teaching and increased the participation opportunities of learners, among other things. International cooperation has provided added value and enabled participation in new projects. Diverse partners have enriched discussions and provided different perspectives on diversity.

Your own organisation’s strengths are highlighted in a different way when you compare it to other organisations.

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

For participants, international cooperation has offered opportunities for professional growth and for examining their organisation’s activities from an international perspective. Responding to future challenges requires open and continuous cooperation between different actors and sectors to increase inclusion and diversity.

Permanent impacts and notable approaches of the projects

A shared value base between project partners was seen as an important strengthening factor in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation. In addition to networks and cooperation relationships between partner organisations, the projects have resulted in the establishment of personal contacts. Cooperation across sectors, with companies and between education and research has been meaningful and experiences of it have been positive. The projects emphasised concrete actions and experiential learning.

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

• continuous development of the priorities through the closer involvement of stakeholders in the planning of activities
• application of the ideas created in the projects to curricula
• implementation of new teaching and coaching methods after the completion of projects
• review of the practical implementation of curricula and teaching at educational institutions
• increased participation opportunities for learners
• support for the professional development of staff and strengthening of the educational institution's value base
• integration of inclusion and diversity into organisations' action plans and everyday operations.
   

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

Project participants have continued to promote inclusion and diversity, and cooperation between project participants has continued even after the projects. The educational resources developed in the projects continue to be used and courses continue to be held by several partners. Cooperation between project partners has been strengthened through expertise sharing.

After projects, project participants have identified what still needs to be done to promote objectives and reach different target groups. Inclusion and diversity objectives have been set and incorporated into organisations’ operations on a permanent basis. Several project participants who contributed to the assessment have either participated in a new Erasmus+ project or launched a follow-up project.

International cooperation projects, such as Erasmus+ projects, provide opportunities to promote inclusion and diversity and all of the shared European priorities of the programme. Inclusion and diversity should be made a central focus of local and international activities in order to guarantee a vital and accessible future for future generations.