One of the most challenging issues the European society is obligated to face these days is inequalities. Although the levels of welfare and public spending have been increasing at a steady pace over the past few years, inequalities still appear to be rising as well.
The European Union has been trying to combat this challenge for decades. Although actions are being taken and we do see the change in some sectors and some regions, the problem still seems to be going strong. Growing inequality is a threat to economic growth, democracy and equal opportunities for future generations. Social disadvantages and precariousness are to a large extent inherited whereby low educational attainment of both parents and children plays a key role.
By taking some time to think of the school environment as what it really is, small society and the very first social environment that children are exposed to, we can understand why the problem might actually start there. At the same time, we can understand why this might be the place where the most definitive actions should be taken.
At a young age, children are not able to distinguish between good and bad behavior or proper and improper actions. Their opinions are being formed based on what they experience there. Children that are not being taught at school or at home, not to discriminate, will eventually follow the norm. Unfortunately, a lot of homes, either willingly or subconsciously, are patronizing inequalities especially towards people of a less privileged social background.
Reversing this trend and enhancing upward social mobility by significantly improving access and uptake of education in Europe, in accordance with the European Pillars of Social Rights, is very important.
The “Enhancing access and uptake of education to reverse inequalities” call under the Horizon 2020 financial framework is a call that addresses this particular problem. The proposals that will be submitted under this call are expected to have a great impact on all local societies.
The Research and Innovation action (RIA) will support the advancement and uptake of effective and efficient practices in order to reverse inequalities, increase access to quality education for disadvantaged groups, improve uptake of education in key competences, reduce the impact of social disadvantage and thereby increase social upward mobility in Europe.
It will produce research results on access and uptake of education and formulate policy recommendations in a cross-sectoral approach and by involving multiple stakeholders. It will deliver best practices and new methodologies, which can be scalable and replicable by other projects and stakeholders. The action will support the breaking of policies and intervention silos toward more cooperation amongst stakeholders.
The calls deadline in on March 12th, 2020 17:00:00 Brussels time.
IED is a big supporter of education. Through our work on the education sector as well as the social inclusion environment, we are always trying to promote equal opportunities for every one.
We have a great experience to offer to a consortium and we want to find the best partners for Horizon 2020 calls.
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