Seeing Beyond the Surface: Fostering Inclusive Classrooms in Porto

In an increasingly globalized world, a classroom is rarely just a room full of students; it is a crossroads of different cultures, personal histories, and unique identities. For educators, the challenge isn’t just delivering a curriculum, but ensuring every student feels seen, respected, and capable of succeeding in a diverse society. From March 15th to March 21st, 2026, a group of dedicated teachers gathered in the vibrant city of Porto for the course “Diversity in the classroom: teaching tolerance and overcoming prejudices and discrimination” to explore how to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.

The week brought together a diverse group of professionals eager to share their experiences and learn from one another. The participants included: Helmi and Veera from the International School of Vantaa (Finland), Valérie from SeGEC (Belgium), Inmaculada, María, and Jaime from CEPA Mario Vargas Llosa (Spain), Maarit and Päivi from Savo Vocational School (Finland).

The program was structured to take participants on a journey from self-reflection to collective action, moving through different layers of what it means to be “diverse.”

The course kicked off with an exploration of what makes us who we are. Participants engaged in practical, visual activities, such as drawing “identity portraits”, to distinguish between our visible traits and our deep-seated values. By shifting the conversation from “where are you from” to “where are you local,” the group reflected on how our identities are built on interconnected cultural levels rather than just a country of origin.

Midweek, the focus shifted to the mechanics of social groups. Through simulations και group exercises, teachers experienced firsthand the emotional weight of being excluded and the effort required to build truly inclusive dynamics. These activities, including leadership-themed exercises, highlighted the importance of teamwork in creating a supportive learning environment.

A significant portion of the week was dedicated to the “glasses” through which we view the world. The group discussed the origins of στερεότυπα and used storytelling techniques to see how easily a simple assumption can evolve into judgment or discrimination. This stage of the course was crucial for developing the critical thinking skills needed to recognize and challenge biases in the classroom.

The journey concluded with a deep dive into ενσυναίσθηση. Educators were encouraged to “put themselves in another’s shoes,” practicing not only how to be aware of their own emotions but also how to help their students express theirs in a healthy, constructive way.

While the curriculum provided the roadmap, it was the atmosphere of the group that made the week truly special. From the very first day, the participants formed a genuine connection. The room was constantly filled with a sense of curiosity as everyone shared stories from their own schools and lives. This friendly, open environment transformed the lessons into shared experiences, leaving everyone with indelible memories and a refreshed perspective on their roles as educators.

By the end of the week, the participants left Porto not just with new teaching tools, but with a deeper understanding of how to build classrooms where every student, no matter their background, can find their best place in society.

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