No to extremism - remember our past

Summary

The project focused on developing and sharing best practices to create a transnational pedagogical approach to Holocaust education and the fight against extremism. Through international cooperation, it promoted critical thinking, media literacy, and democratic values, empowering students to become active, informed, and responsible European citizens.

“Thanks to this project, our school truly opened up to Europe. We built lasting friendships and understood how history still shapes our present. Without it, we would never have seen how beneficial international cooperation could be.”

Topic(s) addressed

• Combating extremism and discrimination
• Historical memory education
• Promoting democratic values
• Media literacy
• Critical thinking
• Developing civic and social competences, European values

Target group(s)  

• 94 students aged 14–19
• 31 teachers
• indirectly reaching approximately 500 additional students, 50 teachers, families and the wider community

Methodologies used

The project introduced innovative, learner-centred methods by linking historical reflection with contemporary challenges such as disinformation and extremism. Students engaged in international collaboration, project-based learning, media analysis, theatre, art, and real-life testimonies.  

Teachers co-created an e-book featuring critical thinking methodologies and implemented activities that fostered empathy, civic engagement, and democratic values. This interdisciplinary approach bridged history, citizenship, and digital literacy. Collaboration with external stakeholders- such as museums, journalists, and local organisations- enriched the learning experience and provided meaningful, real-world relevance.

Innovation environment

The project fostered a vibrant and inclusive school atmosphere where cooperation, creativity, and innovation could thrive. By engaging the whole school community, it cultivated a culture of mutual respect and curiosity, motivating students and teachers to explore new ideas and challenge assumptions.

Strong partnerships with local organisations and experts enriched learning beyond the classroom, effectively connecting theory with real-life experiences. This holistic approach ensured that the lessons learned were meaningful, sustainable, and deeply embedded in the school’s everyday practices.

Teachers’ role

Teachers in the project introduced innovative activities such as analysing fake news, creating short films, and staging theatre plays based on historical events. They used collaborative tools to co-create lesson plans and adapted their methods to meet students’ diverse needs. By working with museums and local experts, they brought authentic perspectives into the classroom. These efforts boosted student motivation, enhanced critical thinking and media literacy, and transformed learning into an active, engaging, and meaningful process.

Impact and output

The project made a real difference - not only for the students and teachers directly involved, but for entire school communities. It gave young people, including those with fewer opportunities, a voice and helped them grow in confidence and curiosity. Participating schools enhanced their visibility and reputation at the regional level, positioning themselves as leaders in implementing the Erasmus+ programme in their area.

Learn more about the project