Diverse Identities

The program has been highly successful in promoting active debates on European identity. For many students in regional countries like Bulgaria and Romania, it provides a unique opportunity to understand the European impact at the local level and its contributions to modernization. The innovative use of interactive, multimedia materials—such as movies, paintings, digital art collections, and even video games—proved highly attractive to the young audience. Social media networks, especially messaging apps like WhatsApp, were frequently used to facilitate discussions. Addressing various social issues within a European context, including topics like social anxiety, loneliness, and remoteness, was crucial in highlighting the value of international openness, integration, and collaboration among European countries.

Schools were divided into smaller classes or work teams to participate in debates, supporting their own opinions or exploring challenging ideas with constructive arguments. The involvement of local teachers was pivotal, facilitated by responsible project coordinators who directly influenced the participation of more students from schools. School managers greatly appreciated the project’s adaptability to local environments, making it applicable for diverse teaching purposes. For instance, in the Spanish region of Galicia, the seminar successfully bridged regional nationalism, Spanish identity, and the European family. In Greece and Cyprus, it sparked discussions on Europe’s social mission to reduce inequalities, protect refugees, and implement youth policies with broader social safety nets and active labor initiatives. The year-long duration of the seminar cycle allowed for in-depth analysis of a wide variety of topics, surpassing the detail found in conventional school textbooks. Participants over 18 were also involved on a limited basis, indicating growing interest in similar future efforts. The program’s appeal extended even to young people outside of school, offering those with minimal knowledge of local democracy and limited freedom for dialogue an engaging educational experience.

Combining initial courses on pan-European policies with subsequent active discussions on these topics set this project apart from traditional school courses. The initiative uniquely merges humanistic philosophy education with active democratic debate to explore the new European “physiognomy.” Unlike pure information campaigns or standard educational projects, this multifaceted approach gradually builds trust and deeply explains the values of a common but diverse European identity. In summary, this initiative innovatively intersects humanistic philosophy education with active democratic debate, fostering a deeper understanding of the shared values and identity within the European community.

Books

A selection of books from the European version of the program.

Physiognomy at School-Bulgaria-1
Physiognomy at School-Bulgaria-2
Physiognomy at School-Germany-1
Physiognomy at School-Germany-2
Physiognomy at School-Romania-1
Physiognomy at School-Romania-2
Physiognomy at School-UK-1
Physiognomy at School-UK-2

Note: Based on information from annual reports spanning 2019 to 2024, as presented during the program’s workshops.

PHYSIOGNOMY AT SCHOOL

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