TOGETHER: Introducing service-learning in schools

PROJEKT Nr. 1 – SCHOOLinHUB: Fostering Integration and Language Learning for Young Migrant Families

The SCHOOLinHUB project, supported by the European Union’s AMIF and Erasmus+ programs, is a groundbreaking initiative focused on helping young migrant children (ages 4-7) integrate and develop language skills in their new host countries.

Aimed at refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers, this project aligns with EU goals for inclusion in education and the labor market.

Objectives and Approach

SCHOOLinHUB seeks to build inclusive school and community environments that welcome migrant students and their families, motivating them to engage and learn. The project enhances the capabilities of teachers, educators, and community members, fostering skills that support integration and language acquisition through a holistic, whole-school approach.
Each participating school will design an action plan involving community members, parents, and staff. Key features include:

• Digital Tools: A 2D serious game, mobile app, and web portal to support language learning and resource accessibility.
• Innovative Education: Methods like Social Stories, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), and gamification to engage young learners.
• Community Activities: Workshops, cultural events, and sports to empower migrant parents and promote interactions among families, supported by mentoring schemes.

Community and Consortium Support

The project involves a strong network of 13 organizations across the EU, including schools, NGOs, and ICT training centers, with 13 Associate Partners. Together, they will produce 22 deliverables, from educational tools to policy recommendations, enhancing support for migrant integration and community cohesion.
SCHOOLinHUB stands as a vital EU initiative, creating inclusive and dynamic learning spaces for migrant families to thrive.

PROJEKT Nr. 2 – Advancing Sustainable Development Competencies through EU-Funded Programmes at BCS

Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS) is proud to be accredited by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, a distinction that empowers us to incorporate sustainable global development principles into our curricula at every level, from early childhood education to pre-university diploma studies. This accreditation enables BCS to cultivate crucial skills for addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development in today’s world.

Our Erasmus+ accreditation aims to equip both teachers and students with the skills necessary to address evolving global issues through sustainability. At the heart of our approach is a strong focus on teacher development, which includes training in ethical decision-making, critical and creative thinking, and advanced problem-solving. These skills support complex cognitive processes that empower students to:

• Excel in ethical decision-making and innovative thinking.
• Master analytical skills, evaluation, and high-level problem-solving.
• Interpret and manipulate information effectively to encourage original, adaptable solutions.

Why This Matters

BCS emphasizes high-level thinking, enabling students to generate forward-looking responses to sustainability challenges. In the 21st-century economy, creativity and innovation are essential for prosperity and adaptability. According to current industry needs, students must be able to apply critical thinking and creativity to real-world problems, making sustainable solutions an integral part of their learning journey. This approach not only supports students’ intellectual growth but also prepares them for productive, adaptable careers.

Implementation through the EBS European Development Plan

The EBS Europäische Bildungsstiftung gGmbH Development Plan supports teacher and administrator training, focusing on embedding critical thinking and ethical reflection across all subjects for students aged one to 18. Teachers are encouraged to integrate transdisciplinary thinking into their pedagogical approaches, fostering students’ ability to apply these skills across disciplines. This will be reinforced through peer evaluations within and across departments, enhancing teaching practices and learning outcomes school-wide.

Support from Erasmus+ and Additional Initiatives

Thanks to Erasmus+ funding, BCS supports a variety of programmes, including:

• Student exchanges to build linguistic and musical skills.
• Teacher training on pressing educational topics, such as trauma-informed practices, integration of UN SDGs, support for neurodivergent learners, and innovative methods like permaculture, yoga, and art therapy.

Commitment to Sustainable Learning

With Erasmus+ accreditation through 2027, BCS is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and creative learning environment. Our engagement with EU-funded programs highlights our commitment to continuous innovation, sustainability, and quality education that prepares our students for a complex and interconnected world.