The 2008 conference on “Inclusion and Diversity in Education” was the first milestone for the INDIE project. Students, teachers and decision makers from all participating countries came together in Brussels from 26 until 29 February to discuss strategies for culturally inclusive schools in Europe.

At the conference in Brussels, during workgroup activities and plenary sessions, the students agreed on a European Youth Charter on Inclusion and Diversity in Education, based on their experiences within schools throughout Europe. The charter was then presented to representatives of the European Parliament.

Children in Europe’s schools find that differences in physical appearance, disability and skin colour are barriers to fitting in at school, according to a new research. It was conducted across 47 schools in Europe who were chosen for their mix of children from different backgrounds.