1. Konya Provincial Directorate of National Education – Turkey

Konya Provincial National Education Directorate is a governmental organisation in charge with the planning and coordination of all kinds of education and training activities from pre-school to secondary and adult education in Konya Province. Our organization is responsible for all education and trainings including adult education and training activities in central Konya and 31 districts of Konya. Total numbers about our organisation are:  2.370 schools, 28.642 teachers and 432.553 students.

Our Directorate includes Personnel, Appointment, Examination Investigation and Evaluation, Culture, Education-Training and Student Affairs, Program Development, In-Service Training, EU Project Department, Computer and Test Services, Pre-Primary Education, Special Education and Guidance, Physical Training Sports in School, Services for Teacher and Social Affairs, Scholarships and Lodging, Private Education Institutions, Health Affairs, Non-Formal Education, Apprenticeship and Vocational Technical Education, Research Planning and Statistics, Budget Investment and Facilities, Education Materials and Tools, Archive and Administration Department, Civil Defence Services and Media and Public Relations. The institution is responsible for teachers out of staff, students, primary and high schools.

Our vision; is to be a qualified, prominent institution that has reached the level to compete equivalent institutions in Turkey and in modern countries with ensuring authentic contribution to the development of Turkish National Education System by providing effective usage of knowledge, skill, value and technology required for Knowledge Era.

Our mission; is to ensure to boost efficiency and productivity of associated institutions and of employees and pleasure of worker and service fields; to develop education-teaching process by following modern innovations and advances, by carrying out researches; to improve and to implement laws and other regulations through the general goals and fundamental principles of National Education System in Konya Province. We hold a variety of in-service training courses for our staff to enhance education quality of our city and to ensure to be trained the students by the teachers that are innovators and follow modern education-teaching methods very closely. We solve problems encountered in education-teaching together with the Municipality of Konya, Provincial Social Services Directorate, Provincial Health Directorate and other local institutions We as educators believe that it is our crucial duty to provide education to be intercultural and fight against racism and xenophobia, to promote the prosperity and interest of children with special education needs and improve family support they receive.

We are one of the most successful provinces in Turkey in preparation of EU Projects and getting funds from National Agency in Turkey. We have a Project Coordination Department in our directorate and nine staffs work in this department. Our staffs are experts in their fields. The number of projects in which we have taken place between 2007 and 2016 is 28 and the eight of these projects are in Erasmus+ program. The two started in 2014 and another two started in 2015, and also other four started in 2016 and these projects that we are partners for are still in process.

Every year thousands of people visit our city and also thousand of people go abroad in the frame of EU Projects.

The European idea and intercultural learning are important elements of our education and training life. Therefore we wish to establish contact to different partners under the framework of the different EU projects.

By means of these projects, we would like to know each other and learn to work together to achieve particular aims; enhance the European dimension of education in our society promoting joint co-operation activities with organizations from different European countries; to give pupils and teachers an opportunity to work together; provide active participation of our students in international activities; to help pupils and teachers to acquire and improve skills not only in the topic subject area on which the project is focused, but also in terms of teamwork, social relations, planning and undertaking project activities, give pupils and teachers the opportunity to practice foreign languages and increase their motivation towards language learning; broaden the horizons of students, parents, trainers and teachers and extend their cultural competences.

2. Regional Direction of Administration of Education of Ipeiros – Greece

Regional Directorate of Education of Epirus is decentralized service of the Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs.

Mission Statement

The former puclic service is mainly responsible for 634 educational institutions – Nursery schools, Gymnasiums, Lyceums and VETs – in a total of 40.555 pupils and 5.562 tutors. Under its supervision is the operation of the institutions of Special Education and the Centers of Differential Diagnosis Evaluation and Support for students with special educational needs. Among its main duties are the implementation of central and regional educational policies, the eduational and scientific guidance of tutors, the counselling, the adoption of innovative actions viable in school classrooms and the support, not only in favor of tutors, but also of pupils.

Organizational Structure

Furthermore in Regional Directorate of Education of Epirus, operate the following distinctive departments:

•Bureau of promotion of EU projects

•Administration Department

•Financial Management Department

•Observatory of School Violence and Bulling

•Computerization Department

•Law Affairs Department

•Bureau of Scientific and Educational Guidance

Performing Areas

The conduct of events, seminars or day conferences about education and culture, the promotion of EU projects, and the prohibition of school violence, the initiation of tutors in innovative practices – in collaboration with the University, the Municipality, or other institutions – is quite frequent. The already mentioned public service, is an entity responsible for the implementation of NSRF European projects for the employment of auxiliary and educational staff, in both cases, of Special Education Institutions and Centers of Differential Diagnosis, Evaluation and Support for students with special education needs. Institutions that operate under the supervision of the Regional Directorate of Education of Epirus.

In 2017-2018 the Regional Directorate of Education of Epirus, as sending organization, implements an Erasmus+ programme KA1. Twenty four teachers from eight schools participate in three different trainings on the following topics: “Approaching Multicultural Issues and Mixed Ability Classes”, “Project Based Learning: Setup, Integration and Reflection” and “Structured Educational Visit to Schools/Institutes & Training Seminar in Finland.

Membership

The Regional Directorate of Education of Epirus, has collaborated in the past with:

•The ESA-European Space Agency – (conduct of conference and long term collaboration and briefing about the evolution in the field of Space Technology and infusion of the results at schools.

•The Greek Ministry of Education (Pahellenic Educational Conference).

•The University of Ioannina (various Events on the prohibition of violence, on science, or on educational projects)

•The Municipality of Ioannina (Activities for the Recycling and compostig that arouse student’s interest in the appropriate treatment of litter and the respect for the environment)

•The EEC -Environmental Education Centers (actions that introduce students to the acknowlegment of the natural surrounding).

•The Perfecture of Epirus (multiple actions such as, educational trips for students abroad, co-organization of environmental and educational activities)

•The EHM (local association for the civilization) -cooperation in the field of civilization, local history, culture and tradition.

•The Metropolis of Ioannina which offered financial support and aid to the co-organization of a number of Events.

•The Jewish Community-multiple activities about their presence in the path of history in the local community of Ioannina, which widely offered knowledge about their traits their particular customs, as well as, their financial contribution as emminent personalities in the world trade.

3. Espacio Rojo – Spain

Non- governmental (non-commercial) legal entity, Espacio Rojo, was established on 2004, to support artistic creation in all its facets, generate spaces for reflection, debate and meeting of people related to the cultural field and promote participation projects that promote interculturality, integration and social awareness , bringing art, culture, education closer together in order to improve and build a better society.

Our Mission Statement is:

-Encourage the participation and support the socio-labor insertion of vulnerable groups.

-Support the most disadvantaged children.

-Promote equality of opportunities between women and men.

-Promote formal and non-formal education in its various artistic disciplines.

-Support artistic creation to promote emerging artistic and cultural creators.

-Promote the participation of women, as well as other vulnerable groups.

-To turn art & culture into a tool for raising society’s awareness of social problems.

-Being a culture, art & education space of reference for participation, reflection, debate

4. Akademia Humanistyczno-Ekonomiczna w Lodzi – Poland

The University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE) is an accredited higher education institution, which in addition to traditional university programme (BA. MA, MSc, PHD) provides also postgraduates studies and courses for various target groups, included adult unemployed job-seekers, youth, students, disabled, seniors, teachers, trainers, and people of various professions, migrants, children, and disadvantaged youth, unemployed. As one of the largest private universities in Poland, AHE has 23 faculties and offers a wide choice of subjects, over 100 courses, including 5 of them in English. The curricula of the courses are constantly updated according to market demands.  According to ranking published in 2017 by Ministry of Higher Education, AHE is 2nd most-chosen university in Lodz Voivodship and 10th in the whole country.

Our staff includes approx. 200 permanent employees: researchers, teachers, trainers, supporting staff (financial, administrative, technical staff), specialists and experts in various areas.

Among AHE’s key fields of study and research there are: educational science, political science, sociology, psychology, philology, foreign languages, entrepreneurship, innovative teaching and learning methods, social exclusion, application of ICT in the teaching process, systems of quality assurance and validation of prior learning.

Moreover, AHE has extensive experience in e- and m-learning. Within our structure functions Polish Virtual University – (www.puw.pl) – an on-line university providing distance learning courses and studies. Our staff is composed of teachers, trainers, IT specialists, methodology experts, who create on-line materials, platforms and teach our students.

Our project experience includes over 200 projects completed either as coordinator or partner during the last 10 years. Currently we are partners in 17 projects and coordinator institution in 2. AHE, as an experienced EU project administrator, has established an accounting and finance system that support smooth implementation and financial reporting. As a partner or coordinator of many international projects the AHE staff has participated in many meetings with partners so they will be able to offer their experience in this matter. AHE’s staff has been involved in collaboration of toolkits, practice guides and other publications helpful to people who want to learn how to carry out a project. The University is an expert in dissemination and sustainability of European projects. We are part of a European network CENTER (Competence, cooperation and communication in the C-E.N.T.E.R. of dissemination of EU project results) and our employees are an accredited Promoters and specialists of projects’ dissemination. AHE is a member of various trans- national networks formed by various partner steering groups and other bodies interested in outcomes of projects in which the AHE is involved.

The University is an expert in research and analysis; designing of curricula; implementation of courses, e-learning and development of e-learning platforms, tools, materials; dissemination; courses of creativity, self-development, workshops, seminars; EU projects management.

5. Drustvo za Razvijanje Prostovoljnega Dela Novo Mesto – Slovenia

Društvo za razvijanje prostovoljnega dela Novo mesto (Association for Developing Voluntary Work Novo mesto) is Slovenian non-governmental and humanitarian organisation, working in the public interest in the area of social care, youth and culture. Our mission is to contribute to more inclusive and open society for all. Our two leading programs therefore deal with inclusion of socially excluded groups and with the stimulation of the NGO development and civil dialogue. Our activities within the programs are performed by expert and voluntary work. We promote the values of solidarity, tolerance, voluntarism, active living, clean environment, citizenship awareness and inter-cultural dialogue… DRPDNM has 23 years of experience in education, youth, citizens, migrants, woman, workers empowerment, international cooperation, entrepreneurship, professions in history, culture and art, unemployment, disadvantaged groups empowerment, training and other activities that serve the goals of your projects.

6. Aintek Symvouloi Epicheiriseon Efarmoges Ypsilis Technologias Ekpaidefsi Anonymi Etaireia – Greece

IDEC has extensive experience in European projects, either as coordinator or as partner from different European programs and Initiatives. The last 10 years IDEC is dealing with the theme of quality assurance in training and has coordinated the projects EQUAL, Quality.net, BEQUAL and QUADRAT in the same subject. Moreover IDEC has consulting experience in developing quality management systems in Greek training centres.

It has been accredited as a lifelong learning centre and organises in-service training courses for teachers and trainers, study visits and informal learning activities for students in initial education and training and provides training courses and work placements for students in vocational training and people in labour market.

The main areas of expertise are: management consulting, business plans, entrepreneurship, SMEs, quality management, certification, stress prevention, sustainable development, design of training contents based on ECVET, software and multimedia development, internet applications, distance learning, e-business and e-commerce.

In the field of Lifelong learning, IDEC has experience in European policies regarding LLL and in particular EQF, ECVET, Europass, EQAVET, validation of non-formal and informal learning and in national reforms of education and training systems. It has successfully undertaken the contract with CEDEFOP “Europass, ECVET and EQF for documentation, validation and certification of learning outcomes”.

Operational and financial management:

European projects in IDEC are managed by a separate department specialized in international cooperation projects. IDEC has successfully participated in numerous EU projects and is highly experienced in both the operational requirements of such projects and the EU program regulations. Specific persons will be assigned to the project based on their expertise and will follow the project throughout its duration.

For the financial management, IDEC keeps fully systematised accounting records, which allow traceability and identification of all costs and revenue generated per project. IDEC also employs specialised accountants, for the internal accounting and auditing procedures.

Certifications and Quality Systems

IDEC has a certified quality management system according to ISO 9001:2008 standard in the scope of “DESIGN, DΕVΕLΟΡΜΕΝΤ AND PROVΙSION OF ΤRAΙNING SERVΙCES, PROVISION OF CONSULΤΙNG SERVΙCES, ΙΜΡLΕΜΕΝΤΑΤΙΟΝ OF ENΤERPRΙSES, DEVELOPMENΤ AND ORGANΙZAΤΙON PLANS, DEVELOPMENΤ OF SOFΤWARE AND ΙΝΤΕRΝΕΤ ΑΡΡLΙCΑΤΙΟΝS”.

7. Fundación Uxío Novoneyra – Spain

Fundación Uxío Novoneyra (after FUN) is a Spanish non-profit private foundation focused to initiatives that mix culture (Poetry and literature specially), tourism, with ICT and sustainable rural development.

We are located on Courel chain of hills, a Natura 2000 mountains zone on the Lugo Province (NUTS112), in Galicia Region, at the northwest of Spain, on the last itinerary of the Way of Saint Jacques.

Our headquarters and work space is the House living-museum of poet Uxío Novoneyra, an ancient house refurbished to be a cultural hub and cultural-touristic uses. We talk about it on the last section linked to European Year of Heritage (2018)

Our foundational objectives open different lines of activity:

• Representing our literature and their literary heritage linked out the Spanish barriers and get the best practices on the field at international level to disseminate on our territory,

• As well as protecting and promoting the artistic and inherited legacy of our writer.

• Providing the child, young people and specially mountains inhabitants of a literary center with one avant-garde cultural agenda as well as offering to tourists a complementary option to the main natural tourism.

• Developing cross-sectorial projects linking Creative and Cultural sector with others in order to the socioeconomic development of our territory.

• Training cultural agents and entities on current capacities to sustain the Cultural and Creative sector.

Our staff mixes a patron´s board with territorial administrations; cultural, educative and environmental entities at regional level with first figures on the fields of literature, culture and arts and a technical staff with 2-4 technicians on European projects, cultural management and tourism during the year and volunteers with the same profile.

Out the museum functions we work advising administrations and entities about innovation and internationalization on cultural industries, specially on funding and online marketing.

One of our strategic lines of activity is the training on crowdfunding to Creative sector. We manage 2 funding platforms focused to creative and heritage projects.

At international level we are founders of Litfest european network gathering literary festivals based in isolated communities across Europe. The network was created in 2013 with the support of the European Commission through the ERASMUS+ Programme (K2 – Strategic Partnerships) comprising the following partners: Canterbury Festival (UK), Salerno Letteratura (IT), St Clementin Bilingual Litfest (FR) and EidosFest (ES). This Erasmus project was recognized by the French Ministry of Culture as a “best practice” and therefore the partnership was invited to prepare its 2nd edition for another 3-years period (2017-2020). We are executing the second Erasmus+, entitled “Litfest 2.0: ACQUI”, approved for the call of proposals last March (2017) with an enlarged partnership: original members plus the festival of West Cork (Ireland) and Festival da Madeira (Portugal). Litfest.eu network promotes the exchange of knowledge, experience, innovating and good practices trough training on literary festivals, along with the transnational circulation of cultural and creative works and artists. Litfest afforded us to strengthening our summer cultural guide with one international literary festival called “Festival dos Eidos” (“Highland´s festival”, “Eidosfest” afterhere) that walks to the 4rd edition this 2018 with a very important success between the locals and tourists, and EFFE labelled by EFA from 2017.

Other project on progress is the Erasmus+ KA2 ECCE Build- Le Flocon, focused to sustainable construction and refurbishment of rural heritage, leaded by French Le Colportouse AC.

 Finally we are partner of CREATIVE EUROPE SILO too, focused to introduce literary events on not-normal spaces as rural colleges, high schools, oldies centers….

8. Insieme per Camminare – Italy

Insieme per Camminare, hereafter IpC, is a cultural association composed by 7 members and 1 external collaborator, 2 experts in art and cultural heritage, 4 licensed tour guides and 2 youth workers with relevant experience in the Erasmus plus project management. The aim of IpC is to promote the cultural development and the active citizenship at each level,  through the creation of real opportunities for educational and professional development and stimulate the youth entrepreneurship in an international environment using various models and opportunities. 

In order to create opportunities in social, cultural and touristic areas, inspired by the union between local development and social inclusion in an European context, IpC:

-Promote sustainable and responsible tourism able to foster territorial, economic and social development

-Provide young people with access to mobility within the European Union in the field of training, cooperation and education

-Ease access to art, culture and tourism of disadvantaged people thus to reach their full social inclusion

-Foster the interaction between citizens and civil society through various activities, debates and events

-Stimulate the active citizenship through the implementation and the dissemination of good practices

-Carrying out mentorship and internships activities to Italian and foreign students

-Encourage the cultural and social entrepreneurship fostering the dissemination of good practices through seminars and workshops

-Cooperate with private and public institutions for sponsoring and organizing educational, cultural and touristic events and activities

Aware of the importance of dialogue and the need to establish relationships at every level, IpC has signed agreements and a close partnership with:

-Museums and international networks: in order to develop multiplayer events and promotional strategies

-Schools and libraries: to develop training courses, traineeships, internships and organize cultural meetings

-Public Institutions at national level: for a better development and promotion of the cultural heritage

-Local associations and cooperatives: to foster the economic, cultural and social growth of the territory

-Tour operators: to offer sustainable cultural, natural and tourist services in different languages

IpC is also supported by 22 active volunteers with different age, educational background and professional experience that regularly offer their contribute to the managing of events and the surveillance of some cultural sites in the area of Rossano