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Description
Nowadays, young people increasingly face identity crises and grapple with questions of citizenship and belonging, sexual orientation, gender identification, stereotypes, social diversity, and mental health. This poses a significant challenge for schools, which need to learn how to address these issues effectively. That is why three upper secondary schools - one from Prostějov (Czech Republic), another from Levanger (Norway), and the third from Reykjavík (Iceland) - have initiated the project "So Different, Yet So Alike". This project will enable a group of teachers from all three countries to participate in a series of workshops, share their experiences and best practices, and design effective solutions for their respective schools. Through this project, teachers will learn to be helpful and supportive to their colleagues, students, and parents. Consequently, the project will contribute to creating a safe environment in the participating schools.
Summary of project results
The secondary vocational school in Prostějov collaborated with schools in Norway and Iceland to explore how teachers and the school environment should respond to the needs of young people experiencing an identity crisis
In the year-long project, the partners organised three joint meetings (one in each country) and experimented with new methods to promote democratic values and active citizenship within two institutions.
One of the benefits was the mutual exchange of experiences, providing advice in specific cases, and openly sharing communication based on the discussed topics. Another benefit was meeting students from different backgrounds. The education system in Iceland proved to be very inspiring, particularly its focus on various programmes tailored to students'' needs. The project contributed to a friendlier atmosphere in schools; not only did teachers learn more about themselves, but students also gained greater self-awareness. Some students felt comfortable coming out regarding their identity, which means they no longer have to hide who they are.
Summary of bilateral results
The role of the donor state schools in the project was invaluable, as the culture in these countries is more open, inclusive, and tolerant compared to the Czech Republic. They served as great inspiration for the Czech school