ERASMUS+ project: Every Child Matters - September 2017 - June 2018

In September TTC secured project funding that will enable travel of small group of students to the partner schools. ERASMUS+ is a European funding which make it possible for schools from different participating countries to work together, to develop, share and transfer best practices. TTC is part of the two-year project titled ‘Every Child Matters-Refugees and Immigrants in Education’ which aims to address key values of social justice, fairness and diversity. We are working with European partners: Adana in Turkey, Palermo (Sicily) in Italy, Petra (Lesbos) in Greece and the Lousado in Portugal.

The project will involve on line and face-to-face activities that will develop knowledge and understanding of each other’s cultures and language, raise the awareness of global issues such as inequality, conflict and sustainable development. Throughout students will be able to develop skills in critical thinking, cooperation and teamwork and communication.

For example, team work will be explored when students are visiting host countries and working on common activities such as creating a piece of art or music. Sharing ideas and experiences will enable students from all partners to learn from each other and create mutual respect. In particular, it is hoped that experiences will enrich the lives of refugee students who at times don’t see education as valued. Learning will be extended to students who are not immigrants as it will enable to develop skills to combat prejudice, xenophobia and discrimination.

As part of transnational collaboration four students at one time will be representing TTC at project meetings and workshops taking place:

  • Mobility 1: 27th March to 31st March 2017 in Palermo, Italy

  • Mobility 2: 15th May to 19th May 2017 in Petra, Lesvos, Greece

  • Hosting Mobility 3 in TTC: 9th October to 13th October 2017

  • Mobility 4: 20th November to 25th November 2017 in Forave, Portugal

  • Mobility 5: February 2018 (dates to be confirmed) in Adana, Turkey

ERASMUS+ European Project (Every Child Matters: Education of refugees and immigrant children), meeting in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 27th March to 31st March

Reported by: Lydia McFettridge, Emily Young, Richard Wedge and Quinn Atkins accompanied by Mr Prior and Mrs Burley

Our host school was Archimedes situated right in the centre of city of Palermo. We stayed in the old part with only 15 minutes of walk to the school. We went to the school each morning and meet with other partners. Each day we did something different. First day was presentations; we took turns in introducing our schools and what we have found out about migration. We focussed our presentations on history of immigration and how this made the country more diverse. Following days, we worked in mixed groups so that we learned more from each other.

Our trip also included cultural visits. We visited the hilly town of Monreale, which has an amazing medieval cathedral, all decorated in golden mosaics. We walked part of the way on the hill Monte Caputo. It was good; with all the time it took, we could take lots of pictures overlooking Palermo.

We also visited the national marionette museum of Palermo. It was full of puppets each with an interesting history and it taught us about the entertainment they had in the olden times, before TV and internet. One of our trips was Palermo’s golden beach seaside town Mondello. We all played games on the beach with the students from the other countries and then in the afternoon we headed back to the school where we completed our posters.

Last day we spend morning visiting local park and then in the afternoon we all went to sample Palermo’s speciality brioche ice cream. There were emotional farewells before everyone was heading back home. We hope to meet some students when we host groups in October.