The "Samuil Isopescu" Technical College in Suceava, Romania, hosted the international workshop "Inclusion and Diversity in Vocational Education (ID-VET)" on June 3rd and 4th, 2025. This event was part of the ERASMUS+ project, "A Micro-Survey Framework for Inclusion and Diversity in Vocational Education" (2023-1-DK01-KA220-VET-000160461).
The workshop brought together teachers, school counselors, and representatives from a research institute in Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Spain. They all shared the goal of improving student well-being in the school environment. The event was coordinated by teachers Ramona Chiricheș, Cristina Hapenciuc, and Cristina Vorniceanu.
The workshop included interactive workshops, discussions, and presentations based on student responses from participating technical colleges. Over two years, students completed an anonymous questionnaire five times. The questionnaire assessed emotional safety in the classroom, student-teacher relationships, and satisfaction with the school experience. The students emphasized the importance of peer relationships, the role of family in creating a sense of belonging, and the school's influence on their personal and professional development.
They also highlighted the need for equal opportunities, adapting teaching methods to students' diverse needs, integrating those with special educational needs, and combating discrimination. This promoted diversity as an essential educational value. National reports presented concrete data on inclusion and diversity, showcasing models of good practices, including student involvement in school decisions.
Participants concluded that an inclusive school environment, where students feel safe, valued, and involved, stimulates active participation in classes, academic performance, and the enjoyment of learning. The organizers stated that cultivating well-being is the foundation for forming confident and motivated students. The workshop strengthened the commitment of European partners to promote inclusion and diversity in vocational education, placing the students' voices at the center of the educational process.