Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Towards the Recognition of

Non-discrimination Principles at School

This section of the I Have Rights portal provides administrative information for the project contractual partners and for the European Commission and it is password protected.

Case Studies

Homepage > CaseStudies > Case Studies

60 case studies have been identified. The case studies focus on intercultural issues, integration, non-discrimination values and human rights at school.

Back to the Case Studies List

Walls of Europe



TEACHER INFORMATION

Name of the teacher
Graça Pratas; José Dias
Email:
Country:
Portugal
Subject taught:
Philosophy and Arts
Years of experience:
35; 25


SCHOOL INFORMATION

Name of the School:
Escola Secundária José Falcão
School Typology:
Upper Secondary School
Country:
Portugal
City:
Coimbra
Web site:


CASE STUDY

Background and Context:
Escola Secundária José Falcão is located in a central area of our town, Coimbra, and it has a long history. We were the first high school in Coimbra and one of the first in the country. Geographically, Coimbra is located in the center of Portugal and it has long traditions in the learning field: Coimbra’s University, with over 800 years, is one of the oldest of Europe. Culturally the region is very rich in ancient traditions that persist till today.
Actually, we celebrate the 185th year of existence .With a total of about nine hundred students, eighteen foreigners from several countries of Europe Africa and America. Our school is mostly directed to those who wish to follow higher education, most of them are science students. However, it also hosts one professional course. The school has a Students’ Association which is very dynamic and concerned with everyone’s success, Always supporting, and being part of the activities proposed by teachers.
Factual Description:
As part of the celebration of the International Human Rights Day - 10 December 2016, a team of teachers of Arts, Philosophy and Portuguese worked in an interdisciplinary way to develop the project “Walls of Europe”, in order to sensitize students and to make them think about this theme.
This project, organised in several activities, regarding human rights, aims at reflecting on one of the major issues of our time, the walls of Europe. We have heard about them, but installed hedonism, noise, distance and media images "trivialize evil." We think that with the project “The Walls of Europe", which was addressed to all the students, the school made a contribution to develop the knowledge and understanding of human rights. Many migrant issues were raised, leading to several important discussions, focusing mainly in the urgency of inclusion of migrants and refugees in Europe. Discrimination and social exclusion issues were also raised, namely homeless and refugees issues. The impact was very positive, leading to a major perception on the part of the students, regarding the migrations and refugees problems. The students became more aware to the importance of an active citizenship and to the respect for human rights as a way to the current challenges.
Activities carried out:
To promote reflection on these subjects, the project included several activities, such as the visualization of the film "Ladri di Biciclette" by Vittorio di Sica and play "Tell the Truth to Power", by the Bonifrates company and a contest of phrases and texts about the refugee crisis. It was also organised an exhibition through the students’ artistic practice. The goal was to alert the educational community to the challenges that Europe, and the world in general, are dealing with. For this purpose, the appropriation of the material card as a metaphor for a reality, where the card, despite its fragility, is much sought after by those seeking a vehicle, a rest bed or a territorial "house”. Finally, food items were collected and delivered to an organisation that is dedicated to accompanying children from Portugal and foreigner countries.
The NGO “Amnistia Internacional” was involved in the process, monitoring and contributing with their acquired know how along the years.
Non formal education tools were applied, namely participation and artistic tools. Students were very motivated demonstrating commitment and dynamism in carrying out the activities. Generally, the parents showed interest in the activities developed.
Assessment and lesson learnt:
The results were positive. The students have gained the notion of the importance of actively participating in issues that involve human rights, particularly in the defense of the most vulnerable and defenseless. They have acquired the notion of the importance and urgency of a more participatory and consequently more inclusive society. The activity also led students to contact with children and young people from other parts of the world.

The students' expression through writing (sentence contest) and artistic expression (exhibition) less ephemeral forms of manifestation become visible for all school community, students, teachers and parents.


Follow us

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.