As part of the Agency’s continuing active participation in the European Commission’s Education and Training (ET 2020) Working Groups (WGs), a representative recently attended a Peer Learning Activity (PLA) held by the Working Group on Promoting Common Values and Inclusive Education.
Seven ET 2020 WGs support education and training policy-making and the exchange of experiences and best practice, both at national and European Union (EU) levels. The WG on Promoting Common Values and Inclusive Education discusses policy issues surrounding the Paris Declaration of 2015 on ‘Promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education’ and the Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018. Its priority areas are:
- Promoting common values and intercultural competences, including citizenship education and digital citizenship
- Promoting inclusive education for all learners
- Promoting a European dimension of education and training
- Supporting education staff in encouraging diversity and creating an open learning environment.
PLAs provide an opportunity to demonstrate existing good practice at national level or for EU and neighbouring countries and organisations to explore particular issues. The recent PLA, entitled Inclusion of Young Migrants in Education: Access, Transitions and Values, was hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Education and took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Around 30 participants attended from national and international education organisations, including from the EU and from the ministries of education of several European countries.
The group explored the challenges around access, transitions and values of young migrant learners. They also considered the current efforts made by various countries and organisations to combat these challenges, such as social inclusion strategies, teacher training and access to education, including pre-primary and post-compulsory education. As well as contributing to discussions, the Agency representative took part in a visit to a local primary school.
Find out more about the ET 2020 Working Groups on the European Commission’s Education and Training website.