In our schools, we have many children from different European countries and cultures and beyond. Because racism occurs in society as a result of fears of difference and a lack of understanding and appreciation of other cultures, children can be very strongly influenced by these prejudices and fears. The aim of this project is to equip children with the skills to challenge xenophobia in all its forms; to be able to recognize it and to be aware of the potential in everyone to behave in a racist manner. We believe that it is vital for children, in our work of preparing them for a diverse modern society, that they will develop positive and open attitudes to people of all cultures, in many cases beginning with their fellow schoolmates. Through the medium of subjects such as art, drama, creative writing, music, dance, design etc., which allow for creative expression, the stories which unfold will demonstrate the level of understanding acquired by the children of the problem of xenophobia, its prevalence in society and the skills necessary to counteract the problem. Given that most of the participating schools have lots of children of immigrants, we believe that this is essential in a “Europe” with open borders. Furthermore it is also in line with the positive elements of the European Dimension. Teachers in participating schools will have an opportunity to examine their own prejudices and will also develop their own skills, sharing best practice with other schools ways to develop in children greater self-awareness and empathy towards others.

Concrete objectives:

• The children will have developed empathy towards people of other cultures.
• The children will develop an appreciation of the richness and variety of cultures in the world.
• The children will develop an understanding of the dangers of xenophobia.
• The children will develop their creativity through the medium of art, music, creative writing, drama and design.
• The children and teachers will improve their standard of English as a second language.
• Through what the children have learned, their parents and the community will also have developed a greater empathy for other cultures and a better understanding of the dangers of racism.
• Teachers in partner schools will develop methodologies for how best to develop self -awareness and empathy towards others.

• Austria: 27^th January – 31^st January 2020
• Spain: 2^nd March – 6^th March 2020
• Malta (Gozo): 16^th March – 20^th March 2020 (since 19^th March is a public holiday in Malta, an excursion will be planned)
• Estonia: 11^th May – 15^th May 2020