Superschools exchange scheme is continuation of the first phase of Superschools 1.0, a regional secondary school exchange scheme that aims to support the peace-building and reconciliation processes in the Western Balkans through school to school partnerships.
These school partnerships, the Superschools partnerships, are formed between two secondary schools from two different RYCO Contracting Parties. The partnerships work together to ensure successful design and implementation of the Superschools projects.
Central part of each Superschools project is Superschools youth exchange and each partner takes lead over organizing one youth exchange in their own local communities, therefore, there are two youth exchanges per partnership, in total.
Superschools youth exchange is a short term learning mobility of young people accompanied by the staff members representing secondary schools participating in the Superschools programme with aim to offer opportunities for regional cooperation and gaining intercultural competencies as a basis for reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Within the new Superschools 2.0. the idea is to bring together 2 600 young people through two open calls (3rd and 4th Superschools open calls) and support 90 Superschools bilateral partnerships. The exchanges will be carried out by 360 teachers that will have their capacities to design and implement quality youth exchanges improved through Superschools program.
RYCO with the implementing partner GIZ, aims to further develop the Superschools exchange scheme based on the lessons learned from the previous two calls, further customize the scheme to accommodate the needs and capacities of schools, on one hand, and meet RYCO program objectives, on the other hand. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable, user-friendly, efficient, impact-oriented and regionally recognisable scheme for secondary school exchanges that will contribute to reconciliation efforts in the Western Balkan region.
The scheme has two LOTs:
First LOT – Establishment of partnerships. Here the main idea is to support building new partnerships or support to reinforcing the existing partnerships forged within the Superschools program. Eligible to apply with this strand will be new partnerships (between schools that have never been selected before), partnerships with a new partner or previous partnerships in need for further support.
Second LOT – Support the sustainability of partnerships. Here the main idea is to support existing partnerships which have demonstrated their quality and have shown potential to tackle RYCO thematic areas and local impact within the previous calls.
This new phase aims to have a greater focus on implementing the concept of homestays as they have proven ability for securing a more impactful exchange experience for the students. In addition the homestays allow the whole family to go through an intercultural experience. 92% of young people from the partnership that has implemented the homestays concept within the 2nd Superschools open call and who responded to our questionnaire on homestays believe that the homestays component is an added value to the Superschools exchanges in which they took part in.
In addition 77% and 23% of parents who responded said they strongly agree and agree with this statement “I believe that staying with a family from a different intercultural background provides a more in-depth understanding of their culture and a better overall intercultural experience.” For this reason the homestays will be promoted and encouraged throughout the programme, starting from the application phase. For politically sensitive or disadvantaged area partnerships, implementing homestays may be challenging and could lead to withdrawal from the program. Therefore, we will handle homestays on a case-by-case basis. Superschools 2.0 projec is committed to enriching and expanding the capacity building opportunities available to schools. This involves a comprehensive approach, offering a diverse array of capacity building activities both in-person and online.
Additionally, the project aim to recognise and empower teachers who have previously engaged in Superschools projects, enabling them to become effective multipliers. Their efforts will be acknowledged through showcasing and awarding Superschools best practices, highlighting their pivotal role in our initiatives.
Furthermore, forging strategic partnerships with high school student unions across the region to enhance our impact, particularly in youth participation and engagement. These unions, as representatives of high school students, provide a relevant and legitimate voice in addressing youth-related issues. Collaborating with them not only strengthens our outreach to potential applicants but also fosters regional cooperation and the sharing of best practices, aligning with RYCO’s objectives.
Moreover, the collaboration with relevant government institutions continues as we strive to create enabling environments for the implementation of school exchange projects. The project is particularly focused on improving the validation of teachers’ acquired learning outcomes and enhancing recognition of the value of the Superschools programme.To create a regionally recognisable scheme, investing significant efforts in promoting Superschools results.
RYCO will provide support to schools in designing local outreach activities, strengthening their communication capacities and maximizing their reach.
