VIA EGNATIA - a wonderful way to play!

Summary

“VIA EGNATIA - a wonderful way to play!” developed the Caravan Via Egnatia board game, a playful and effective tool for global citizenship education. The game promotes social and intercultural competences, democratic values, and an appreciation of Europe’s shared heritage. By encouraging cross-curricular collaboration and equipping teachers with innovative, game-based methods, the project fosters inclusive, engaging learning experiences that inspire both students and educators across Europe. 

“Caravan Via Egnatia is like a history or citizenship class, but you're actually in the story - making choices, solving problems, and learning how decisions affect others around you.” 

Topic(s) addressed 

• EU citizenship
• EU awareness
• Civic engagement
• Participation and inclusion
• Responsible citizenship
• European identity and values
• Intercultural education and lifelong learning
• Playful interaction
• Awareness of intercultural differences

Target group(s)  

• Pupils aged 12+ years

Methodologies used 

The project bridges formal and non-formal learning through a multidisciplinary approach to global citizenship education using the Caravan Via Egnatia board game. Integrated into a broader educational methodology, the game fosters the development of key competences, knowledge, skills, and attitudes through active, participatory learning. It promotes inclusion, civic engagement, and cooperation, while highlighting shared European values and history. Designed for classroom use, the game incorporates formative assessment as part of the learning process.

Innovation environment 

The accessibility of the board game makes citizenship education inclusive and engaging for all learners. Through collaboration with multiple schools, pupils actively contributed to testing and improving the game, generating a strong sense of ownership and involvement.  

The project promotes a whole-school approach and cross-sectoral cooperation, while using existing resources sustainably. By offering a playful and innovative tool, it enhanced teaching practices, supported a positive school climate, and positioned schools as key drivers of educational innovation. 

Teachers’ role 

The board game Caravan Via Egnatia provides teachers with an innovative tool for citizenship education, supporting cross-curricular learning and the development of social and intercultural competences.  

It enhances critical thinking and promotes civic engagement through a mix of formal and non-formal activities.  

Teachers act as innovators, using the game to foster wellbeing, inclusion, and active participation among students.  

The project also encourages peer learning and enhances teachers’ professional skills and collaboration. 

Impact and output 

By playing board games, young people develop social and intercultural competences and strengthen their democratic values in an interactive and inclusive way. Global citizenship education becomes more accessible and engaging. Pupils gain a deeper awareness of cultural differences as well as the shared principles that connect them. The game has a strong early impact on the target group and creates a spillover effect, inspiring other students, teachers, schools, and families. 

Learn more about the project