What’s INDIE?
INDIE means Inclusion and Diversity in Education and is a project led by the British Council in collaboration with local and regional education authorities across 9 European countries: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

What does “Inclusion and Diversity” mean?
The term inclusion began as a policy to ensure that all children regardless of ability become part of their school community. Now it goes beyond to include ALL children, no matter what makes them different (disability, race, origin, sex, style…). Inclusion goes hand in hand with diversity because we are all different and we all want to be included in school and society no matter our differences! So let’s celebrate diversity!

Moving further, step by step…
The INDIE project began in 2007 with a series of activities that allowed schools and students to progress one step at a time. These activities led to further activities.

The Young Leader Training: more than 850 Young Leaders across Europe!

“In the difference we find our equality!”

From April 2007 to January 2008 each participating country organised training sessions in ‘leadership in culturally diverse schools’ for 50 Young Leaders (pupils drawn from participating schools) aged 13 to 16.

All pupils had the opportunity to debate on the subject of inclusion and diversity and to develop their skills in communication and team working. Under the guidance of professional trainers, they also learnt to develop ideas and express them to others through a three-day training session. At the end of the training session, pupils voted for one delegate from their school to go to the Brussels Conference as their representative. A second training session involving new Young Leaders has been organised in all countries this autumn. The focus of this second round of training sessions has been on the in-school projects that the schools will implement during the school year 2008-2009. Each participating school has now 20 trained Young Leaders who are ready to promote INDIE in their schools.

The journey to Brussels and the European Youth Charter

“It has been a wonderful experience working with them. I have met great people, and I will never forget these four days!”

“I’m proud of myself knowing that I helped put together the charter to improve culture diversity.”

Students, teachers and decision makers from all nine participating countries came together in Brussels from 26 to 29 February 2008 and agreed on a European Youth Charter on Inclusion and Diversity in Education, based on their experiences within schools throughout Europe. Student’s voices have been heard and it is now time for action! Read more about the Brussels conference.

Ideas are shared to create 30 projects across Europe!

“The INDIE project is a great example of how people can be together, sharing their different realities and celebrating diversity. Our future depends on our actions and the youngsters must be an active part of society, because they are the new bright generation.”

Based on the Young Leaders ideas; head teachers, school coordinators and partners of the different countries met in April and May 2008 to finalise the in-school projects they feel will best put the European Youth Charter on Inclusion and Diversity into practice.

Between September 2008 and June 2009, the 50 INDIE schools will each work on two projects within their country cluster group. Every student in each of the schools can participate in the projects.

Check the list of participating schools and find out who manages the project in your country - and see how you can get involved.