Comprehensive school approach for LGBTQIA+ students to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Context
The main objective of the Rainbow Schools project is to develop and implement a comprehensive school approach to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals. In addition, the project aims to strengthen schools’ capacity to address well-being at school, with a focus on mental health, prevention, and protection from all forms of violence, including bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or sexual characteristics.
Objectives
- Develop and implement a comprehensive school approach for LGBTQIA+ students as a comprehensive strategy to create an inclusive learning environment for all students and a safe space for those who experience discrimination;
- improve the academic performance of all students, particularly LGBTQIA+ students, and prevent school dropouts;
- strengthen schools’ capacity to address well-being at school, with a focus on protection from all forms of violence at school, including bullying.
Activities
- Research activities aimed at gathering practices and resources for the implementation of a comprehensive school approach aimed at the inclusion of all students, particularly LGBTQIA+ students.
- 15 seminars for the educational community on transforming schools into inclusive environments.
- Involvement of 15 school communities in Europe to develop and implement action plans for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students.
- Sustainability activities with the development of specific policy recommendations.
Resources
- The Rainbow Schools methodology as a model for schools to create inclusive environments
- Digital hub hosting an e-learning course and resources for the educational community to implement a comprehensive school approach to LGBTQIA+ student inclusion
- Rainbow Schools action plans, trialed in 15 schools
- Rainbow Schools Policy Recommendations aimed at schools and educational authorities to promote policy changes related to the educational inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students.
- Press releases
Impact
This project aims to bring about concrete changes in the skills and knowledge of teachers, school administrators, and educational staff regarding the inclusion of all students, particularly those who are LGBTQIA+. The following is expected:
- An increase of at least 50% in the skills and abilities of the educational community after participating in e-learning courses, seminars, and implementing their school’s Action Plan.
- The development of the skills of 650 teachers, educational staff, and school administrators through seminars.
- 15 school communities will develop and apply their personalized approach, benefiting at least 4,000 students in participating countries.
Partners
- Athens Lifelong Learning Institute -Civil Non Profit Organisation (Greece),
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece, coordinatore),
- University of Galway (Ireland),
- University of Trnava (Slovakia),
- University of Timisoara (Romania),
- CESIE ETS (Italy).
