These are the essential questions to be addressed in our project. Culture is to be understood here in the broad sense and includes topics such as religion, customs, music, literature, theater as well as films or works of art. Also familiar structures and school systems are aspects that should be considered in our project.

However, a pure representation of the various cultures of our countries, the cultures of our students for the purposes of synoptic comparison may not be enough. It is important to emphasize the things which are basically importanat for all of our lives and to consider how to associate the diversity in a symbiotic way. The common set of values of the European nations should be the basis for this.

For our students and schools participating Culture should be perceived as an enrichment of their lives. Curiosity and interest in the culture of others is to be the basis for empathy and compassion. Common cultural activities are helpful for the understanding of the own culture and strenghten the own identity and socialization. Only those who know their own cultural roots, can competently engage in other cultures.

Our project offers the opportunity to engage in many school subjects with the topic. Languages, art, music, theater groups, Religious and Ethical Education, but also teaching history and politics lessons are suitable for it. Exhibitions, blogs, websites, visits to museums, organizing multicultural festivals, concerts and religious ceremonies, research in archives are only some of the ways that we can practi. If we are able to find with our project ways to minimize stereotypes and prejudices and educate our young people to open minded, tolerant citizens, we come closer to a common Europe that knows its own roots and is able to cope with the global challenges.