Europole PIF 2024

Main activities and expertise

Europole network has almost 30 years of experience in European projects (https://www.europole.org/sommario-progetti-della-rete/) about good practices and researches for innovation in various fields: from early childhood to special needs education, from working with persons with migrant background and/or fewer opportunities to active citizenship and lifelong learning.

Europole thanks to its broad national extension, can rely on the cooperation of different volunteer experts, used to work in national and European projects. The collaborators of the Europole network are teachers with high expertise in innovation, university professors, researchers, policy makers, pedagogues, psychologists, technicians, etc. All of them contribute according to the request of the projects both at the theoretical and practical level of implementation.

Europole activities, researches and expertise in specific fields:

1) STEAM education, educational robotics, informatics, coding, gender gap in STEM education

Europole promotes a prosocial approach to the STEAM education, integrating the scientific and technological subjects with the development of social skills and a cooperative attitude. Its department for “STEAM, robotics, coding” researches and tests innovations to be replicated in the class. The teachers and the experts that cooperate with the network develop educational strategies and projects based on co-constructionism, cooperation, student-centred approach, inquiry-based learning on social issues, etc. The use these active, concrete and participative methods promote the inclusion of all the students (despite their difficulties, special needs, social background) and stimulate the participation of girls.

The educational robotics has played a primary role in the research for innovation and educational proposals of Europole in the last years. Since 2017, Europole has created a network of teachers committed to tackle bullying through the use of educational robotics as socializing and empowering tool. Robotics versus Bullying is now a European network of teachers with hundreds of participants.

Europole has led and participated to numerous European projects on STEAM and robotics subjects:

• RoBy–Robotics Versus Bullying (PPKA3-PI-FORWARD – coordinator): promotes a holistic approach to the learning through the use of robots and cooperation among peers as tool to prevent bullying and foster social inclusion

• SPEM–Schools Plastic freE Movement (EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN – coordinator): promotes an inclusive and active approach to STEM study as a way to save the future of the earth

• ProsocialLearn (H2020) ProsocialLearn: produced digital games to develop prosocial skills in children

• MATHISIS(H2020): produced strategical educational tools to enhance the level of academic success for children with autism, multiple and profound learning disabilities using robots (Nao), tablets and PCs.

• BotSTEM – roBOTics and STEM education for children and primary schools (E+ KA201) developed new tools for STEM teaching for childhood and primary schools especially to bridge the gender gap in science.

• PEARL-Emotional Empathic Proximal Learning Educational Environment (E+ KA201 – coordinator): scientifically validated a new approach to educational emotions and robotics in 0-6 years education.

• ProSocial Values(E+ KA201 – coordinator): created an international network of schools actively working in spreading the prosociality through the use of digital prosocial games.

• EDUROB – Educational Robots for students with learning disabilities: developed and piloted educational activities to promote basic competences through robotics for children with disabilities.

• TTT-NET – Teamwork, Training and Technology network: developed educational policies for making science education more attractive and appealing to the young learners

2) Promote a fully inclusive educational environment:

Europole is strongly involved against all forms of social exclusion, in the fight against xenophobia and racism and in defense of human rights, with the aim of facilitating the overcoming of stereotypes of any kind. When developing all its projects, educational proposals and courses, Europole takes always in consideration all the potential barriers to full inclusion: physical and intellectual disability, neurodiversity, migrant background, high cognitive potential and giftedness, fewer social and economical opportunities. The school is one of the most important social entities that can effectively promote a culture of inclusion and give to the students the key competences to overcome their conditions, thus Europole operates in order to improve the future opportunities of all the students.

Europole has led and participated to numerous European projects on inclusion at the general and specific level:

• LET’S CARE (HEU) Research project on the determinants affecting student security as a root cause of underachievement, disengagement, and school dropout addressing in particular the students at risk.

• SPEM–Schools Plastic freE Movement (EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN – coordinator): promotes an inclusive and active approach to STEM study as a way to save the future of the earth

• RoBy–Robotics Versus Bullying (PPKA3-PI-FORWARD – coordinator): promotes a holistic approach to the learning through the use of robots and cooperation among peers as tool to prevent bullying and foster social inclusion

• Out of the Net (E+ KA201): prevent early school leaving, social withdrawal and Hikikomori syndrome through a participative pedagogical methodology

• ProsocialLearn (H2020) ProsocialLearn: produced digital games to develop prosocial skills in children

• MATHISIS(H2020): produced strategical educational tools to enhance the level of academic success for children with autism, multiple and profound learning disabilities using robots (Nao), tablets and PCs.

• PEARL-Emotional Empathic Proximal Learning Educational Environment (E+ KA201 – coordinator): scientifically validated a new approach to educational emotions and robotics in 0-6 years education to promote the inclusion among the peers of the children with disabilities.

• ProSocial Values(E+ KA201 – coordinator): created an international network of schools actively working in spreading the prosociality through the use of digital prosocial games.

• RomaMultiLangPrimE (KA201) Support Roma Children Integration via Multiliteracies and Multimodality for Language Learning in Early Primary Education

• Strategies for Gifted and talented pupils’ teachers (KA201) provided teachers with strategies for the management of pupils with high cognitive potential or talent within the classroom (especially in early education)

• EDUROB – Educational Robots for students with learning disabilities: developed and piloted educational activities to promote basic competences through robotics for children with disabilities.

3) Inclusion of children with physical and intellectual disabilities or neurodiversity

Europole has always based a large part of its activities promoting the overcoming of the disabling barriers, being aware that the disability lays mostly on the lack of readiness of a social environment to include the children with special needs. The teachers and the experts that cooperates with the network have specific professional competences in the field of inclusion and develop educational strategies and projects for the students with disabilities.

Europole closely cooperates with the Network of schools / hub for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders of the province of Verona in promoting teachers training and educational activities addressed to students with intellectual disabilities.

Europole has led and participated to numerous European projects on inclusion of students with disabilities:

• LET’S CARE (HEU) Research project on the determinants affecting student security as a root cause of underachievement, disengagement, and school dropout addressing in particular the students at risk.

• MATHISIS(H2020): produced strategical educational tools to enhance the level of academic success for children with autism, multiple and profound learning disabilities using robots (Nao), tablets and PCs.

• PEARL-Emotional Empathic Proximal Learning Educational Environment (E+ KA201 – coordinator): scientifically validated a new approach to educational emotions and robotics in 0-6 years education to promote the inclusion among the peers of the children with disabilities.

• SES-home (E+ KA201) Supporting the Education of Students with Disabilities at Homeschooling

• Protein(H2020) created an ICT-based system for providing personalized nutrition also for vulnerable population

• EDUROB – Educational Robots for students with learning disabilities: developed and piloted educational activities to promote basic competences through robotics for children with disabilities.

• SPEM–Schools Plastic freE Movement (EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN – coordinator): promotes an inclusive and active approach to STEM study as a way to save the future of the earth

• RoBy–Robotics Versus Bullying (PPKA3-PI-FORWARD – coordinator): promotes a holistic approach to the learning through the use of robots and cooperation among peers as tool to prevent bullying and foster social inclusion

4) Inclusion of young people and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities or neurodiversity

Europole promotes its activities both at the formal and non-formal education fields. It is highly committed to create the educational and social conditions to overcome the disabling barriers. Among the members of the network there is the provincial Network of schools / hub for autism spectrum disorder, Associations, Cooperatives, Institutions and special need teachers that work with disabilities, promoting innovative inclusive educational strategies, in order to ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society, no matter their age.

Europole has participated to numerous European projects on inclusion of persons with disabilities:

• Art for Autism (E+ KA220-YOU): trains youth workers, educators and young people to use artistic methods and tools for empowering youth with autism spectrum disorders

• No barriers to employment (E+ KA220-ADU) develops guidelines and training for including the individuals with intellectual disability in work life.

• Power of creativity(E+ KA220-ADU) strengthens the supporting role of the adult educators in using creative methods while working with people with disabled

• VILMA – Vanishing professions as a way of diversification and increasing professional qualifications on labour market (E+ KA204) develop training materials that could be helpful in therapeutic processes based on work and handcraft.

• European Cultural Heritage Traditional Archery (E+ KA204) promoted social inclusion of people with disabilities through sport, especially traditional archery.

5) Multicultural educational, inclusion of ethnic minorities, Roma children, students with migrant background, refugees

Europole is strongly involved against all forms of social exclusion, in the fight against xenophobia and racism and in defense of human rights, with the aim of facilitating the overcoming of stereotypes of any kind between different cultures and religions. Among the members of the network there are Associations, Cooperatives, Institutions, expert teachers and educators that work to develop initiative, practices and educational strategies to ensure the full participation of learners and citizens with migrant background. Moreover, Europole closely cooperates with the departments of Cultures and Civilizations and of Human Sciences of the University of Verona on these topics.

Europole has participated to numerous European projects on multicultural education and inclusion:

• LET’S CARE (HEU) Research project on the determinants affecting student security as a root cause of underachievement, disengagement, and school dropout addressing in particular the students at risk.

• SPEM–Schools Plastic freE Movement (EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN – coordinator): promotes an inclusive and active approach to STEM study as a way to save the future of the earth

• ProSocial Values(E+ KA201 – coordinator): created an international network of schools actively working in spreading the prosociality through the use of digital prosocial games.

• RomaMultiLangPrimE (E+ KA201) Support Roma Children Integration via Multiliteracies and Multimodality for Language Learning in Early Primary Education

• Let Everybody Inside (E+ KA201) exchange of good practices on language learning for refugee students

• Ensuring Equability in Education for Migrant and Refugee Pupils (E+ KA201) developed training material for teachers to include newly arrived students and refugees

• Three-D Print (E+ KA204): developed a digital training on the use of 3D printer to improve the professional chances of disadvantaged and young people

• RoBy–Robotics Versus Bullying (PPKA3-PI-FORWARD – coordinator): promotes a holistic approach to the learning through the use of robots and cooperation among peers as tool to prevent bullying and foster social inclusion

6) Early childhood Education and Care

Thanks to the pedagogical research carried out over the years by its experts, Europole has decided to pay special attention to the early stages of child growth, as these are the basis for all subsequent development. Europole collaborates with psychologists, pedagogues and other experts in the field of early childhood education by promoting training courses, research projects, innovation and the exchange of good practice to ensure children’s well-being in school and growth. Europole closely cooperates with the regional network of educational institutions for early childhood education (0-6 years old) in Veneto region, reaching hundreds of teachers and educators.

Europole has coordinated and participated to several European projects focused on early childhood:

• PEARL-Emotional Empathic Proximal Learning Educational Environment (E+ KA201 – coordinator): scientifically validated a new approach to educational emotions and robotics in 0-6 years education.

• ProSocial Values(E+ KA201 – coordinator): created an international network of schools actively working in spreading the prosociality through the use of digital prosocial games.

• BotSTEM – roBOTics and STEM education for children and primary schools (E+ KA201) developed new tools for STEM teaching for childhood and primary schools especially to bridge the gender gap in science.

• RoBy–Robotics Versus Bullying (PPKA3-PI-FORWARD – coordinator): promotes a holistic approach to the learning through the use of robots and cooperation among peers as tool to prevent bullying and foster social inclusion

7) Active aging, lifelong learning, social support to the caregivers

Europole promotes a lifelong learning approach, addressing adult education in several fields and supporting a social awareness toward an active aging. Among the members of the network there are associations, foundations and civil society organizations that are promoting activites to support and involve adult and senior people, as the AUSER a national volunteer association for the active aging.

In the last years the network has been promoter and participant to activities addressed to caregivers of people with dementia, thanks to a close collaboration with the Alzheimer Association of Verona.

Europole has coordinated and participated to several European projects focused on active aging, lifelong learning, and support to caregivers:

• RIGHTS – Active citizenship and the seniors’ role in society (E+ KA204 coordinator) promoted active citizenship in the elderly by creating a bridge between generations based on raising awareness of social and human rights and promotion in educational contexts, with innovative pedagogical methods, those of fairy tales in a suitcase

• PROTEIN (H2020) created an ICT-based system for providing personalized nutrition and promote healthier life-style for seniors

• E-engAGEd – Intergenerational Digital Engagement (CERV): aims to improve intergenerational responsibility for digital transformation, providing spaces for debate and exchanges amongst citizens of different ages on disinformation, digital citizenship, and civic commitment.

• reMIND- Reinforcing Carers Capacity to Deal with Dementia (E+ KA220 – ADU) supports the caregivers of seniors with dementia through the development of specific training for them and the creation of a “dementia-friendly” local community

• Three-D Print (E+ KA204): developed a digital training on the use of 3D printer to improve the professional chances of disadvantaged people

8) Professional and vocational training, entrepreneurship

Europole is active in the formal and non-formal training of young people thanks to the activities of the educational institutions and organizations that are part of its network. The VET schools and centres train young students in several fields: hotel management, catering, hosting, agriculture, gardening, technical sciences and STEM subjects, fashion, etc. The network works also for training students to a second chance school, promotes intercultural learning and youth working, vocational training, job strategies and economical researches

Europole has participated to several European projects involving young people and promoting their professional training and entrepreneurship skills:

• E-engAGEd – Intergenerational Digital Engagement (CERV): aims to improve intergenerational responsibility for digital transformation, providing spaces for debate and exchanges amongst citizens of different ages on disinformation, digital citizenship, and civic commitment.

• Three-D Print (E+ KA204): develop a digital training on the use of 3D printer to improve the professional chances of disadvantaged and young people.

• SWIS-YO Straight way to integrity and self-development of youth with fewer possibilities (EPPKA2-CBY-WB) Capacity building project for disadvantaged youth, aiming at training them to create a social enterprise.

• Innovation for Youth Employability & Self-employment (E+ KA205) promoted training for young people on self-employability and a virtual window for their portofolios

• Spark Seeds (E+ KA205): developed an educational community ecosystem to support high quality offer and enriching non formal activities, dedicated to and participated by youth

9) Youth participation and capacity building

Europole is active in the formal and non-formal training of young people thanks to the activities of the educational institutions and organizations that are part of its network. Europole organizes projects, events, activities to promote active and aware digital citizenship among young people. The network works also for training students to a second chance school, promotes intercultural learning and youth working.

Europole has participated to several European projects involving young people and promoting their professional training and entrepreneurship skills:

• E-engAGEd – Intergenerational Digital Engagement (CERV): aims to improve intergenerational responsibility for digital transformation, providing spaces for debate and exchanges amongst citizens of different ages on disinformation, digital citizenship, and civic commitment.

• LET’S CARE (HEU) Research project on the determinants affecting student security as a root cause of underachievement, disengagement, and school dropout addressing in particular the students at risk.

• Art for Autism (E+ KA220-YOU): trains youth workers, educators and young people to use artistic methods and tools for empowering youth with autism spectrum disorders

• PROTEIN (H2020) created an ICT-based system for providing personalized nutrition and promote healthier life-style for young people to prevent food disorders.

• Spark Seeds (E+ KA205): developed an educational community ecosystem to support high quality offer and enriching non formal activities, dedicated to and participated by youth.

10) Environmental awareness, green competences

Europole is aware of the importance of everyone’s action in the fight against climate change, so it is committed to spreading ecological awareness from an early age through projects, activities, courses and research. The Zero Waste Italy organisation is a member of the network and several joint activities have been organised, including the creation of the ‘Accademia Mediterraneo Zero Waste’ association.

In the last years Europole is strongly active toward environmental protection. It is coordinator of the Social Inclusion KA3 project “SPEM–Schools Plastic freE Movement (EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN – www.schoolplasticfreemovement.org ) that promotes an inclusive and active approach to STEM study as a way to save the future of the earth.