Launching our vision for inclusion: The ID-VET Project Kick-Off at Mercantec
The journey towards a more inclusive future in vocational education took a significant leap forward with the inaugural kick-off meeting for the ERASMUS+ ID-VET project. Hosted by Mercantec in Viborg on December 4th and 5th, 2023, the event marked the beginning of an ambitious two-year collaboration among leading European educational institutions.
Gathering in the Danish city Viborg, project partners from ROC Noorderpoort (Netherlands), Rakvere Ametikool (Estonia), Xarxa FP and Centro de Formación Somorrostro (Spain), Colegiul Tehnic Samuil Isopescu Suceava (Romania), StudentPulse (Denmark), and Mercantec (Denmark) united with a common goal: to break down the barriers to inclusion and diversity within VET schools.
The kick-off was more than just formal introductions; it was an interactive exploration of our preconceptions. An eye-opening quiz crafted by Noorderpoort challenged participants to match diverse images of individuals, including those representing various professions and backgrounds, with their roles—a potent reminder of the stereotypes we aim to dismantle.
Over the coming two years, the partnership will delve into the fabric of student life, utilizing micro-surveys to gauge experiences of inclusion and diversity. These surveys are designed to draw from 250 students at each partner school, offering a panoramic view of the challenges and triumphs of inclusion across varied educational contexts.
The ID-VET project is not just about identifying barriers; it's about overcoming them. A digital solution is in the works—a platform tailored to bolster the efforts of schools in nurturing inclusive and diverse learning environments that welcome students from all walks of life, irrespective of their background or personal challenges.
With a successful kick-off behind us, the ID-VET project moves forward with momentum and commitment. The partnership stands ready to embark on a transformative journey that will reshape the landscape of vocational education for the better.