Say no to violence and discrimination by sports

Firstly we wanted to prove that we can remove the barriers between countries with different cultural background by using the universal language of sports. We wanted to provide students with opport...

Firstly we wanted to prove that we can remove the barriers between countries with different cultural background by using the universal language of sports. We wanted to provide students with opportunities for peer learning, international activities and cultural exchange, allowing them to learn and experience different values, traditions, beliefs to develop an open-minded and empathetic perspective. This leads to a better understanding and appreciation of the uniqueness and diversity of cultures and helps to break down existing stereotypes and misconceptions and increases acceptance and tolerance towards others. We wanted to develop and enhance communication, interpersonal, intercultural skills of participants. It was our aim to promote innovation and free expression of creativity by sharing best practices and ideas. We aimed to improve the quality of education by collaborating with other educational institutions with different cultural background. We wanted to enhance the development of teachers and staff by participating in training courses, workshops, and exchanges. Overall we wanted to achieve personal growth and development, as it challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones and broaden their perspectives.

The project consisted of five LTTAs: three personal and two virtual meetings. Firstly management activities were implemented including the development of a long-term strategic plan consisting of the timetable of activities describing the concrete steps, activities, tasks with deadlines. This served as the backbone of the project. During the personal meetings cultural activities were organised including city tours, visiting sports venues, historic sites, celebrations, allowing students to explore the host country. Sport activities and competitions were organised allowing students to play in multinational teams and learn cooperation, problem solving, performing fair play. Collaborative activities were executed which required team members to work together such as to design logos, posters, presentations, share information, and collectively contribute to a common goal. Evaluation meeting activities were implemented to monitor the achieved results and celebrate the success. Workshops and seminars were organised to facilitate discussion, knowledge sharing, and networking. A website was designed and social media platforms were created to keep a record and give a detailed insight into the ongoing activities and achieved results.

If a project is alive and active, results are born. To spot all, reports, summaries and records were made to introduce the ongoing activities, and to serve as tools for accountability. The project website, Facebook and Instagram accounts were created to serve as imprints and make the project sustainable. Project Meeting Diaries were prepared along with video summaries and photo albums. The project was disseminated in the local media with press articles and interviews. Training materials were created and selected to increase awareness on relevant issues of discrimination and provide solutions. Project-related presentations were prepared to educate about cultural diversity. Visuals were designed:a logo giving a unique identity to the project, postcards were made to immerse into other traditions and learn, posters designed by students visualise the essential advice on how to decrease discrimination. Infographics were created to attract interest and engage the target audience. Erasmus Corners were created to inform and involve a wider public. Other results are: increased awareness, improved relationships, development of skills and resources, within the organizations and among partners.