From May 13 to 15, the EARN project (Exploratory Approaches and Real Needs in Service-Learning) concluded its activities with a dynamic three-day event held at Escola Frei Gonçalo de Azevedo (FGA) in Portugal.
The first two days were dedicated to a series of workshops involving students from two participating schools: MSL (Montessori Schule Landau – Germany) and FGA. A total of 20 students (11 from MSL and 9 from FGA), five teachers and NUCLIO members took part in collaborative activities designed to consolidate their understanding of service-learning, strengthen their civic engagement skills, and prepare for future initiatives.
On May 15, the event culminated in the Final Conference, held in English at the Frei Gonçalo de Azevedo School Auditorium. Organised by NUCLIO, in close collaboration with project partners, the conference featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions. After a warm welcome by representatives from FGA and NUCLIO, participants were given an overview of the EARN project’s objectives and achievements. The morning programme included expert contributions on policy-making in service-learning, participatory research, climate activism, and the interplay between academia, municipal authorities, and education policy.
In the second part of the conference, the focus shifted to practical examples of service-learning in schools. Speakers from the General Directorate of Education and the Municipality of Cascais presented implementation pathways and participatory budgeting initiatives. Gustavo Rojas (NUCLIO) showcased projects of student participation including CliC-PoLiT, IASC, and StAnD. A particularly meaningful moment was the presentation of student reflections from MSL and FGA, which offered powerful testimony to the project’s impact, followed by the distribution of participation certificates.
The conference included an open debate and closing remarks, reinforcing the importance of collaborative, student-centred approaches in fostering active citizenship and meaningful learning.
The final event was attended by over one hundred members of the school community, including students, teachers, parents, staff, and guests, highlighting the broad engagement and interest in the project’s themes. A rich collection of photos captured the spirit of the occasion, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of all participants.
The EARN project has not only developed innovative frameworks for service-learning but has also established lasting friendships and empowered young people to engage meaningfully with real societal challenges.