* Context, background : In an Europe, where religion-based conflicts are escalating , we believe it is important for the youngsters to have a different and more tolerant view and reflection on the different religions and cultures. The objective of this project is to make them aware of the cultural diversity in Europe as well as the need to fight intolerance , racism and xenophobia. We want to highlight that our project will not involve any kind of religious teachings or proselytizing but only want students to get a better knowledge on the cultural background of the different religions. We will approach religions through the ancient mythologies, their evolution in each of the partnering countries, the present realities and the differences that are prevalent : Christianity (Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism), Islam et Judaism. * Objectives : - to give the youngsters a cultural background on religions to make them more tolerant to those who think differently and to resist the temptation of fundamentalisms - to create an environment for an ethical, inter-religious and philosophical dialogue - to contribute to the success of youngsters with educational disabilities and encourage students with acquired transversal competencies - to insist on the notion of EU Citizenship beyond religious opinions * number and profile of participants - 6 partnering countries : France, Spain, Italy, Romania, Sweden and Turkey - in each country, around thirty students (including those with learning disabilities)) approximately 14 years old at entry into this 2 year program. - In each country, the professor in charge constitute a team specifically dedicated to the project. This will be completed with other educational professionals and the parents will be encouraged to participate. * Activities : - Students will do research on a selected topic and publish their conclusions on Twinspace. - They will get to interview religious représentatives and spiritual guides of different religions and parents who volunteer to talk about their religion. We will of course ensure that this is done without proselytism or judgment. - Teachings will be done within the frame of the normal cursus and the project will be integrated in the scheme of work of the teacher, member of the team. - Field trips will be organized to allow students to improve their English and by exchange programs with a family from a different religion and culture. - They will visit monuments and attend conferences (by an European Institution, a local Council or a regional Council for instance) on topics like: religion and law - Attend classes in a school in another participating country * Methodology : - We will communicate by email and visioconference but we have also scheduled an international meeting at the beginning of every academic year. - A letter explaining the project will be sent to the parents . - Sharing of responsibilities (for the planning, budget, logistics, for the dissemination, the cultural knowledges, the iT skills) within the teams in every country - Evaluation by the teacher of the student’s cultural background and the level of their knowledge in religions at the beginning of the project in September 2014. These assessments will be repeated on a regular basis during the 2 years. - At the end of the project, there will be questionnaires for each participant (students, professors, parents). * Results expected : The result expected is to gain a better understanding of the different cultures of the participants in the project (not only that of the students, but that of the parents and the professor’s !), an evolution of the digital and linguistic skills and the motivation to open up to the difference. * Impact expected : We expect students will have a better awareness to Europe and its cultural background. This will deepen their consciousness of what being a European citizenship means . Teachers will be able to question their own teaching, to slightly modify their approach and to have a different vision of the students. *Long term advantages : Even though it will be difficult to measure it, we hope that the knowledge and the awareness (linked with a better understanding and some greater tolerance) will outlast the project In the current context of youngsters being tempted by religious fundamentalisms, we hope that the project will provide them with enough knowledge and of open-mindedness so that they can think, resist these temptations and even help other young people. On a more concrete level , we hope that students will keep in touch with their penfriends and inside each schools, partnerships will keep going.