TSITour: Training on Social Inclusion in Tourism, by including elderly people as local storytellers for the tourism industry

Topic(s) addressed

This project addresses the topics of social inclusion, enhanced educational outcomes for VET students, responsibility, innovative educational approaches and resilience and engagement at school and in the community.

Target group(s)

The target groups consisted of VET trainees, trainers and providers, social support institutions, and the elderly.

Methodologies

The teaching and learning approaches in the project are innovative due to their combination of multiple methodologies, including project-based, collaborative learning, problem-solving, and design thinking such as innovative solutions for community problems. It also focused on experiential learning through the implementation of projects in practical contexts, informal teaching and learning by enhancing knowledge in the community, and social and emotional learning. The project also explores modernising VET by enhancing civic experiences and training in soft skills.

Innovation environment

The project combined online, classroom, and community-based learning environments to foster innovative educational experiences.

The informal learning within the communities required collaboration with local organisations and provided the students with valuable real-world experiences. The use of technology improved the student’s digital competencies and traditional classroom environments were transformed into dynamic hubs of creativity where ideas were incubated. The students’ ideas were presented to community organisations. 

Teachers’ role

Teachers play a pivotal role as facilitators and organisers, guiding students in the development of projects that address the needs of the local community. By fostering partnerships with community organisations and businesses, they bridge the gap between the school and the broader community. Teachers mentor students and engage with the community to bring practical insights and resources into the classroom. In this learning environment, the community becomes a living lab and enriches the educational process.

Impact and output

All students agreed they gained new knowledge during the project, with 79% developing skills related to supporting the elderly. The students also increased their capacity to implement projects and enhanced their ability to develop inclusive projects. Almost half of the participants came from disadvantaged backgrounds. Schools benefited from a VET training module that improved trainees’ performance, employability prospects and future motivation. The training programme continues to be offered. 

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