Athens Academy - Social inclusion in education
Inclusion, put into practice in the classroom
A five-day international programme bringing together educators, trainers and youth workers from across Europe in Athens, the historic capital of Greece.
25 hours training activities
About the Academy
A week on the everyday reality of inclusion
The Athens Academy is a five-day international programme on social inclusion in education, taking place from the 5th to the 9th of October 2026 in Athens, Greece. Hosted by AKMI, Greece’s largest vocational education provider, it brings together educators, trainers, staff from educational organisations and youth workers from across Europe for a week of shared learning, exchange and discovery.
This year the Academy focuses on inclusion not as an abstract principle, but as something educators put into practice in the classroom, day after day. Across five days and 25 hours of training activities, participants build a shared vocabulary around diversity and inclusion, including gender and sexual orientation, learn to recognise and respond to sensitive situations, and develop concrete strategies for learning environments where every student feels safe, seen and able to participate. Sessions move between hands-on workshops, expert input, case-based discussion and structured reflection.
It is designed not only to educate, but to create a memorable experience. The setting is Athens itself: the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the old neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, the ancient Agora and world-class museums a short walk from the training room. The kind of place that turns a training week into a lasting professional network.
Who it's for
Target audience
- Teachers and school staff (primary, secondary, VET, HE)
- Trainers and adult educators
- Youth workers
- Staff of NGOs and educational / civil-society organisations
- VET professionals and education project managers
- School counsellors, social workers and inclusion-support staff
No specific prior qualifications are required. Only a commitment to the topic and a willingness to take an active part. The working language is English, designed to be accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced practitioners.
Daily programme
Five days, day by day
Five full days of workshops, expert sessions and site visits.
Day 1 - Foundations of Social Inclusion
DAY
1
Foundations of Social Inclusion
- Welcoming and registration
- Icebreaker and team-building activities
- Introduction to the subject and the daily programme
- Introductory activities exploring identity, gender, sexual orientation and other differences, and equal dignity
- Why social inclusion matters and what it looks like in the classroom
- Guided cultural tour of Athens city centre
Day 2 - Inclusive Education and the Role of the Educator
DAY
2
Inclusive Education and the Role of the Educator
- Defining key concepts and terminology
- The role and responsibility of teachers, trainers and staff in an inclusive setting
- Recognizing exclusion based on gender, sexual orientation and other grounds, and how it shows up in classrooms and institutions
- Reflecting on our own assumptions and the language we use as educators
- Public school visit
Day 3 - Embedding Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom
DAY
3
Embedding Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom
- Embedding diversity into everyday teaching, materials and examples
- Working across multiple dimensions of diversity, from gender identity to sexual orientation
- Analyzing real classroom situations and practicing how to react as an educator
- Designing inclusive lessons and choosing inclusive examples
- Tour at AKMI Campuses
Day 4 - Building a Protective and Safe Environment
DAY
4
Building a Protective and Safe Environment
- From the classroom to the institution: what a protective environment looks like
- Preventing and responding to bullying, harassment and discriminatory incidents
- Strategies, protocols and the educator's toolkit for difficult moments
- Educational Visit
Day 5 - From Learning to Action
DAY
5
From Learning to Action
- Actively supporting LGBTIQ+ learners: terminology, good practice and common pitfalls
- Being an ally in practice: how to respond to specific situations with confidence
- Drafting a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy and a personal action plan
- Feedback and evaluation activities
What you'll take away
Learning outcomes
Use accurate, respectful terminology when talking about diversity, inclusion and identity.
Recognise situations of exclusion or discrimination in the classroom and respond with confidence.
Methodology
Built on non-formal education: a learner-centred, experiential approach that values active participation over lectures, interactive workshops, group work, case studies and structured reflection, so every participant is both learner and contributor.
Certification
What's included
What the fee covers
Full training programme
Five full days of workshops, expert sessions and site visits.
Cultural Activity
A guided walking tour of Athens’ historic city centre, exploring its iconic landmarks and charming neighbourhoods.
Learning materials
All resources and materials used throughout the week.
Welcome lunch
A welcome lunch to open the week together.
Administrative support
For Erasmus+ documentation and logistics.
Not included: accommodation, travel to and from Athens, daily meals other than the welcome lunch, and personal expenses. Your Erasmus+ grant is designed to cover these. We’re happy to suggest options and help you plan.
Beyond the classroom
Discover Athens
The birthplace of democracy and one of the world’s great historic capitals – where 2,500 years of history sit beside a lively, modern Mediterranean city.
The Acropolis
The Parthenon and the sacred rock at the heart of the city, with the Acropolis Museum at its foot.
Plaka & Monastiraki
The atmospheric old quarters beneath the Acropolis: neoclassical streets, markets and tavernas.
Ancient Agora & museums
Food & wine
When
Cohort
Participation fee
Per participant – see what’s included below
Fundable under Erasmus+ KA1. The KA121 / KA122 grant is designed to cover the fee and travel for your staff.
Theme
Dates
30 November – 4 December 2026
Training activities' hours
Cohort
Maximum 25 participants
Working language
Certification
Certificate of Attendance – Europass on request
Included
Training activities, welcome lunch, cultural activity, admin support
