Our meetings:

During our stay in Turkey, we had the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the functioning of the country's education system. We also participated in engaging workshops, where we shared our experiences and exchanged best practices in integrating individuals with diverse educational needs into social life and supporting their employment in the open labor market.

One of the key points of the program was visiting the Employment Office, where we learned about the stages of support offered to individuals with special educational needs. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit a restaurant that employs individuals with diverse needs, which served as an inspiring example of social integration.

There was also time to explore the culture, visit landmarks and taste traditional Turkish dishes.

From June 5th to 7th, 2024, representatives from schools in Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Romania, and Poland took part in the next meeting of the EU Erasmus+ project "Special Colours of Life." The main goal of both the project and the meeting was to exchange experiences and best practices regarding the inclusion of people with diverse educational needs in social life and to explore ways of supporting their employment in the open labor market.

During the three-day stay in Kavala, participants had the opportunity to learn about the Greek education system and take part in activities prepared for them. In the music workshops, guided by the hosts, we created musical instruments, which were later used for a group performance and for learning songs from the countries participating in the project. In the art workshops, we made handmade paper, learned about pictograms representing emotions, and explored techniques for expressing feelings through art.

We also visited the Employment Office in Kavala, where we learned about the institution's operations and methods of supporting graduates and individuals with special educational needs in finding jobs. The actions taken to provide vocational training suited to employment opportunities, combat discrimination, and break stereotypes about hiring people with disabilities were also discussed.

During our stay in Kavala, we reviewed the progress of the project and discussed upcoming tasks. Our time in Greece offered a wonderful chance to explore the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. We also had the privilege of experiencing the warm openness and hospitality of the Greek people. It was an unforgettable experience. 

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Special Colours of Life," project participants travelled to Portugal for a series of enriching meetings held from September 17 to 19, 2024, in Seixal.

This working visit to Seixal began with a warm welcome from the Director of the Escola Secundaria Dr. Jose Afonso. On the first day, students showed their artistic talents through spoken poetry, fostering relationships with peers from partner countries. There was also the time for an informal meeting with the whole group.What is worth saying is that, following the introductory presentations, we, the participants, gained insights into the organization of the Portuguese school system. We were also engaged in activities designed to support students with special needs. For example, we had the unique opportunity to navigate in wheelchairs and use guides for the visually impaired, enhancing our understanding of accessibility challenges.

Another meeting within this visit took place at the Ministry of Education's Department of Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities. This meeting allowed the participants to learn about the Portuguese model of inclusive education and share experiences with one another. The day also included sightseeing in the capital, where participants were exploring the historic charm of the old Lisbon and enjoyed a captivating concert featuring traditional Fado music as the very soul of Lisbon and its citizens is just captured in this music.

The following day, the group visited the Alma Sa Association, a facility dedicated to individuals with various disabilities, including severe and profound ones. We participated in a presentation showcasing the facility's therapeutic activities, sensory integration, art therapy, and life skills training. But participating in visual motor workshops with the facility's residents was a true, meaningful experience for all involved.

The same day, the group traveled to Setúbal, an industrial town renowned for its sardine fishing and processing. We visited the Michel Giacometti Work Museum, where we learned about the region's history. The next day included a meeting with the mayor of Seixal at the Seixal Municipality, where the project group gained insights into the innovative social program "Seixal Creativo." This initiative empowers young people to pursue their passions in creating prototypes for auto-robotics, with guidance from university professors. We were very excited to learn about testing new solutions for drone operations and everyday robots.

The final day served as an opportunity to summarize the experiences and plan future project activities. The Portuguese adventure came to an end with a celebratory dinner, during which the participants were awarded the certificates of participation, celebrating their commitment to the project and the connections forged throughout this incredible experience.