Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology of Palacký University Olomouc

Palacký University Olomouc (UP) is the oldest university in Moravia and the second oldest in the Czech Republic. Nowadays it is a modern higher education institution with a wide range of study programmes and rich scientific activities. In 2019, more than 22,000 students studied at eight faculties in accredited study programmes, exchange programmes and lifelong learning programmes. The University ranks among the top-ranked universities not only across the country but also abroad.

UP is one of the most important Central European centres of education and research, boasting success at European and world level in a number of fields. The university also plays a role in the development of the region. It is one of the largest employers in the Olomouc region and the city of Olomouc.

Eight faculties of Palacký University Olomouc offer 749 bachelor, master and doctoral degree programmes. Applicants can choose from a wide range of programmes, from theology, education, physical culture and sports, through humanities, social sciences and arts to natural, medical and health sciences. The credit system at UP is fully compatible with ECTS - the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. The prestigious position of the university is confirmed every year by a large number of young applicants as well as adult students.

Our Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology is a traditional centre of religious and educational life in Moravia. The faculty has been developing this heritage since 1573. Its mission is to help the Church and society face contemporary social challenges.

One of the research centres of the Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology is the Institute of Social Health (OUSHI), which has long been involved in research and education in the field of health, with an emphasis on its social and spiritual determinants. It focuses on topics that are particularly relevant to educational inequalities and the health of vulnerable groups such as young people, the elderly, the sick and the Roma.

The multidisciplinary nature of the team allows the faculty to focus on social issues from different perspectives. The institute is also linked to a doctoral program in Social and Spiritual Determinants of Health and a master's degree program related to mental health care reform is being developed.

Current projects involving research investigations on, for example, quality of life, social determinants of health in schoolchildren, socially and medically disadvantaged people or the experience of illness include the project Inspiration in Differences (CZ.02 .3.62 / 0.0 / 0.0 / 16_037 / 0004831), the project School of Good Relations (CZ.02.3.61 / 0.0 / 0.0 / 19_077 / 0016810), or the FAST Family and School Together (CZ.0 0.68 / 0.0 / 0.0 / 19_076 / 0016445).

Lorenskog upper secondary school

Lorenskog upper secondary school offers its students a wide range of study programmes. The school was inaugurated in 1974. Today, it offers - within its curriculum - sports subjects; art, design and architecture; hairdressing, floristry, interior and exhibition design; restaurant and food subjects; as well as adult education - a course of study competence. In total, there are approximately 1000 students studying at the school.

Norway is a multicultural country where inclusion is naturally one of the main and intensively addressed educational topics. In this respect, Lorenskog upper secondary school places the values of openness, responsibility and cooperation at the forefront, with the aim of strengthening diversity in the school.

The school has extensive experience in dealing with problematic situations and issues of inclusion. To support inclusion, the school has established its own team of teachers and experts who assist in dealing with problematic situations in the school. In addition to this team, the school also has a reporting system in place to catch any manifestations that contradict the principles of inclusion and the school's core values. The school also actively engages with the parents of students and follows its own regulations for dealing with problem situations.

The school provides extensive support to its students not only in the areas of education but also social issues and mental health care. In its activities, the school is intensively involved in the integration of refugees and other disadvantaged groups into society. 

Sofienberg primary school

Sofienberg primary school is located in Oslo, in the Grünerlokka area. The school has about 420 students, 35 teachers and a total of about 50 employees. The school environment is very multicultural - the students are of 25 different nationalities. The school's core values are to be innovative, ambitious and inclusive.

A fundamental prerequisite for quality education at the school is the application of the principles of inclusion of disadvantaged groups of students. Teachers work with pupils individually according to their needs. Each class has a maximum of 30 pupils, for whom teachers tailor teaching based on their level of knowledge and skills.

Teachers work closely together to address any integration issues within the school. They are also supported by social workers who are in daily contact with the pupils and can thus help to address their educational needs.

Association D

Association D is a non-profit organization whose educational activities began in 2000. The main pillar of its activities are programs for teachers and interactive experiential programs for school-age children and high school students. The programmes focus on the prevention of risky behaviour as well as social and personal development.

The main benefit of the Association D programmes is the mediation of the "here and now" experience, thanks to which the participants can experience difficult life situations for real. The interactive format of the programmes ensures the involvement of each participant, thus appealing to the formation of life attitudes and awareness of life values. Another benefit is the opportunity to confront one's own life experiences and views with the immediate reaction of other participants.

Some of the Association's programs that have successfully addressed these topics include "Basic principles for creating a positive classroom climate", "Sharing experiences for educators", and "Story drama".

These programmes shape the personalities of teachers and students through experience and contribute to fostering tolerance and sensitivity to the environment. By completing the programmes, the personality of the participants is developed, social communication is improved and social intelligence is enhanced.

A successful example is the implementation of these programmes across schools in the Olomouc region, where, as a result of completing the programme, they have seen improved behaviour of their students, strengthening of relationships in the classroom collective and increased tolerance, empathy and responsibility of students for their behaviour.