DISCOVER EUROPEAN CULTURAL IDENTITY

The project responded to the urgent need to promote global awareness and acceptance of diversity among young students. In a context marked by rising migration, international conflict, and growing intolerance, the initiative aimed to counter mistrust and hate by fostering European values such as respect, equality, and inclusion. Through intercultural dialogue and civic engagement, students were encouraged to understand global challenges and act locally. Educators were trained and innovative tools like Educational Escape Rooms were used to enhance learning and engagement. These activities allowed students to explore European culture, develop social and intercultural skills, and recognize diversity as a strength and a source of growth. By promoting digital and experiential education, the project contributed to renewing the European educational system and strengthening democratic participation among youth.

The project aimed to develop in students common European values, civic commitment, and participation through tools that innovated the educational system. Students’ skills were enhanced using engaging methods such as Educational Escape Rooms, set in museums, exhibitions, and cultural or historical buildings across Europe. These experiences allowed participants to explore European culture and identity in an interactive way, while also promoting teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The activities fostered a stronger sense of belonging and encouraged young people to take an active role in their communities, act locally, and think globally. By combining innovation, cultural heritage, and experiential learning, the project supported the growth of active and aware European citizens, and contributed to building more inclusive and participatory societies.

To contribute to the development of the European education system, the project adopted innovative ideas and tools to enhance student engagement. Teachers and educators were first trained, then transnational meetings were organized to allow students to experience different cultures and learn through Educational Escape Rooms and their related Olympics. These methods promoted intercultural dialogue and active learning. Finally, the project ensured broad dissemination of results to support its sustainability and long-term impact, strengthening cooperation among European partners and promoting innovation in education.

The results of the project included: the analysis of needs and identification of good practices among the partners; the acquisition of social, civic, and intercultural skills by participants; the innovation of the European educational system through the implementation of Educational Escape Rooms and cross-curricular approaches that facilitated the discovery of European identity; the dissemination of the content and tools developed during the project; and the creation of a European network of students and organizations active in the social field. Concrete outputs were: a good practices map, an assessment test to evaluate social and intercultural competences of students, a booklet containing the cross-curricular teaching module, and an Escape rooms online platform.