Nestled in the heart of the Nicosia province in Cyprus, the Agrokipia Primary School stands out as a great example of educational innovation. Despite being a small village school with a limited number of pupils, Agrokipia has leveraged the Erasmus+ programme to evolve its learning environment, broadening the horizons of both its staff and students.

“Erasmus+ allowed us to bring the world closer to children who rarely have the chance to explore beyond their immediate surroundings,” the school project team shared.

Overcoming Barriers to Participation

Many of Agrokipia’s pupils face significant challenges that limit their ability to participate in such transformative experiences. These include economic hardships, special learning difficulties, and immigrant backgrounds. Recognizing this, the school prioritized inclusivity in its Erasmus+ project, with the main goal of integrating technology into teaching practices while making the learning process more engaging and effective.

Special attention was given to ensuring that the programme was accessible to those who might otherwise miss out. “Our selection criteria prioritized children from low-income families, those with special educational needs, and even those who had never travelled abroad,” explained the programme coordinator.

Mobilities that Made a Difference

Thanks to meticulous planning, the school exceeded expectations, sending nine pupils on mobility activities instead of the initially approved six. Among the participants were four children from families facing economic hardships, one with diagnosed special learning disabilities, and another experiencing severe mental health challenges. For each of these children, the school collaborated closely with host organizations to provide tailored support. Measures included online pre-departure meetings, language support lessons, financial assistance, and assigning a dedicated teacher to ensure the well-being of the child with mental health needs.

“Inclusion and equal opportunities for our students are of paramount importance to us, which is why priority was given to these children,” one of the staff members explained.

Transformative Results

The outcomes of the project were nothing short of remarkable. For the teachers, participating in courses, job-shadowing activities, and teaching assignments abroad expanded their professional repertoire and strengthened their skills in using ICT in lessons. They returned with a wealth of new tools and applications, which they integrated into their classrooms. Meanwhile, the pupils embraced their roles as ambassadors of their school, sharing their experiences and knowledge with peers.

“It was heartwarming to see how the children worked together,” the project team noted. “There was no exclusion or hesitation. They collaborated, taught each other, and embraced the challenges with enthusiasm.”

A Testament to Erasmus+ Impact

The Agrokipia Primary School’s project is an example of the Erasmus+ programme’s potential to change lives. By prioritizing inclusivity and focusing on meaningful learning outcomes, the school enriched its students’ educational experiences and helped them broaden their horizons. As the Erasmus+ slogan aptly states, “Changing lives, opening minds”. For Agrokipia, this couldn’t be more true.