The European Commission has recognized the „Sign For Change“ project with the prestigious European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) for 2024, highlighting its exceptional contributions to enhancing well-being in schools. This accolade underscores the project’s commitment to fostering inclusive education and empowering deaf students across Europe.

Launched in 2021, the EITA annually honors outstanding teaching practices within Erasmus projects, focusing each year on a specific theme. For 2024, the emphasis is on „Well-being at school,“ aligning with the Council of the European Union’s recommendation to improve learning outcomes and reduce school dropout rates. The award is presented in four categories: pre-school education, primary school, secondary school, and vocational school.

„Sign For Change“ aims to enhance the extroversion of deaf children and boost their self-confidence, encouraging them to develop personal skills and key 21st-century competencies. By harnessing the power of sign language, the project has developed an innovative and inclusive training and education package for teachers and deaf students. Key outputs include a study on the educational context and changemaking potential of deaf children in Europe, an e-book titled „Deaf Changemakers – role models and inspiring stories,“ a Social Innovation Education Curriculum for deaf students, an online course for teachers and professionals working with deaf students, and campaigning toolkits to guide deaf students in creating their own campaigning videos.

In Germany, the selection process for the EITA involves a jury comprising representatives from the Erasmus+ National Agencies in the PAD and BIBB. They nominate projects based on shortlists of completed Erasmus projects that have been assessed as outstanding and address the annual theme. „Sign For Change“ stood out for its innovative approach to promoting well-being among deaf students, making it a deserving recipient of this year’s award.

This recognition not only celebrates the project’s achievements but also emphasizes the importance of inclusive education practices that cater to the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring their well-being and success in the educational environment.