Through experience to empathy: Diversity, migration and inclusion in school education

Summary

The project “Through Experience to Empathy” supported teachers and pupils in developing emotional awareness and intercultural understanding. Its core aim was experiential learning – enabling participants to experience what people feel when they leave their home countries for various reasons and must adapt to new environments, including a different language, culture, and peer group.   

This hands-on approach fostered empathy and allowed all participants to positively influence the well-being and cooperation within their project groups.  

We stayed with host families and had to communicate on our own – that was a challenge! I can speak German a bit better now.

We realized that every country is different, every person is unique and that´s okay.

I really liked how Pepa (a puppet in the role of an immigrant) travelled with us everywhere. 

- Pupils of 5.A

Topic(s) addressed 

• Migration
• Inclusion
• Awareness and embracing diversity
• International cooperation
• Multilingualism
• Empathy
• Toleration
• Eliminating stereotypes, prejudices and racism
• Learning about new surroundings, culture and a foreign country and languages

Target group(s)  

• 12 Czech and 12 German pupils in the 9 to 10 age group
• 14 teachers
• 50 pupils in the 12 to 14 age group

Methodologies used 

The added value of the project lays in its ability to connect a range of thematically linked activities, including job shadowing, a professional course, pupil exchanges, and a workshop with experts. The project introduced innovative teaching methods by combining formal and non-formal education through experiential learning.  

Participants were actively involved in creative workshops (such as poster-making, composing a thematic song, and assembling a suitcase of travel-related items in English, German, and Czech), role-playing exercises that simulated the immigrant experience, diary writing, and cooperative tasks aimed at developing presentational skills and teamwork.  

These activities promoted empathy and mutual understanding, which were key to the project’s success. A multidisciplinary approach brought together subjects such as languages, civics and art.  

Innovation environment 

The project fostered an innovative learning environment by promoting a positive school climate and involving the entire school community, including different classes, the school club, and teachers, in its activities. 

Cross-sectoral cooperation was a key element, involving the ELA agency and external experts in joint initiatives.  

While our partner schools in Leipzig and in Munich are very multicultural, ours is not, making this a valuable opportunity for both pupils and teachers to gain experiences they would not typically encounter. Staying with host families provided pupils with meaningful, first-hand intercultural experiences.  

Digital technologies such as tablets, Padlets, and online tools were used.  

Wherever possible, environmentally friendly modes of transport were chosen.   

Teachers’ role 

The main challenge was adapting a complex theme for young pupils with limited foreign language skills.  To address this, the project introduced a puppet named Pepa, who played the role of an immigrant. To further support pupils’ motivation, teachers conducted a joint lesson in the partner school.  

Through professional development opportunities such as job shadowing and expert-led training, teachers enhanced their skills, particularly in inclusive and experiential learning. They integrated new approaches into their teaching practice, shared them within the school community, and fostered pupils’ well-being and empathy, as confirmed through feedback.  

Close cooperation and peer learning among teachers helped build stronger engagement among pupils and inspired ongoing innovation in the classroom. 

Impact and output 

The project’s focus, theme and activities had a significant impact on participants, especially by fostering empathy and inclusion. Pupils experienced diversity first-hand through direct interaction with peers from a multicultural school.  

Activities based on experiential and collaborative learning encouraged the involvement of all participants, including those with fewer opportunities.  

The project also inspired teachers and other pupils, creating space for future community initiatives.  

It marked the beginning of a long-term partnership with the school in Leipzig. Since then, a third exchange has taken place, and following job-shadowing activities, we have also established an exchange programme with the school in Munich.  

The project enjoyed strong support from parents, and our school has gained recognition and prestige as a result.

Learn more about the project