Over the years, the education debate has increasingly focused on intercultural education, recognizing it as a vital tool for fostering dialogue and cultural exchange among diverse groups. This approach views diversity—whether cultural, gender-based, or socio-economic—as a key element of the educational process, allowing individuals to grow and develop from their unique backgrounds.
While extensive research has been conducted on intercultural education, its connection to sustainable development is less explored. As global educational policies now emphasize sustainability, integrating intercultural perspectives becomes crucial in achieving broader goals like those outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Intercultural education is not just about teaching respect for different cultures; it’s about creating an educational framework that supports social justice, equity, and equal opportunities for all, including migrant students.
This educational approach also has a political dimension. It envisions a future society built on democratic values, pluralism, and social justice. Intercultural education, therefore, challenges us to reflect on the kind of society we want to create and how our educational systems can contribute to a more just and equitable world. In this context, migrants often highlight the shortcomings of our societies, reminding us of the need to translate formal rights into real, lived experiences for everyone.
SUSIEE aims to address a critical gap in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) resources, specifically for children aged 0-3. Currently, most resources and guidelines focus on children aged 3 and above, leaving a significant need for inclusive ECEC practices in the earliest years of life. The project seeks to bridge this gap by ensuring that inclusive educational practices are incorporated from the outset.
SUSIEE presents an opportunity to develop and implement innovative methodologies, tools, and activities. By incorporating these into their daily practices, organizations and schools can expand their professional networks, raise awareness of sustainability, and strengthen intersectoral cooperation. This collaboration will be key in learning how to integrate new skills and knowledge effectively, ensuring long-term benefits and the wider application of these methods beyond the project.
The project also focuses on the professional development of staff involved in training and development. It aims to enhance their knowledge and competences, particularly in the areas of interculturality, sustainability, and the use of modern technologies. By acquiring new skills, these professionals will be better equipped to make a meaningful and coherent impact at the local level, ensuring that the project’s benefits extend into everyday educational practices.
For ECEC staff and future professionals, our project addresses the need for innovative training and methodologies. By providing access to a variety of materials, tools, and activities, we aim to support their professional growth and enhance their ability to meet the needs of children and families in diverse contexts. This includes developing methodologies for fostering tolerance, equity, and intercultural competence within educational settings. Furthermore, we will explore effective ways to prepare future teachers, ensuring they have the resources necessary to support children’s transitions into formal education and to work effectively with families.
For families with children aged 0-3, the project will offer new perspectives and solutions for improving integration and managing differences. By providing tools that families can use in their daily lives, we aim to support them in fostering a more inclusive environment for their children.
The success of this project hinges on robust intersectoral cooperation, which is essential to reach our target groups and ensure sustainable, long-term results. The Consortium has already met at the end of May to start laying out the basis of potential new approaches to ECEC. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the immediate outcomes of the project.
To find out more and learn about all the news of SUSIEE contact Marco Gennaro: marco.gennaro@cesie.org.
About the project
SUSIEE – Sustainability and interculturality in 0-3 early childhood education and care is a project funded by DG EAC, KA220-SCH – Cooperation partnerships in school education.
Partners
- Universidad del País Vasco (Spain, coordinator)
- Consorcio Haurreskolak (Spain)
- Associacio La Xixa Teatre (Spain)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- Associazione di promozione sociale Naturalmente (Italy)
- Partners For Democratic Change (Hungary)
- Johanna Bischitz Centre for Integrated Human Services (Hungary)
For further information
Read more about the project.
Contact Marco Gennaro: marco.gennaro@cesie.org.
