Journey Towards Inclusion
The Educational Innovation and Inclusion Project (PIIE) “Journey Towards Inclusion” was created with the aim of transforming the adult education centre into a space for welcome, coexistence and shared learning. The project places people at the centre, valuing their life experiences and cultural diversity as key elements in building an open, respectful and cohesive educational community.
Through participatory and experiential activities, the project promotes values such as empathy, intercultural dialogue, equal opportunities and a sense of belonging. “Journey Towards Inclusion” understands adult education as a collective process, where learning also means meeting others, listening to one another and building meaningful connections.
Planning the Journey
No journey is possible without careful planning. Behind each of the activities carried out as part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, there has been a significant amount of coordination, reflection, and organisation by the teaching team.
🗺️ Preparing the Way
Throughout the school year, teachers have worked collaboratively to design activities, set objectives, coordinate actions, and seek new opportunities that help make our school an increasingly inclusive, participatory, and community-oriented environment.
This joint effort has transformed ideas into meaningful experiences of learning, coexistence, and participation, allowing the project to grow and reach an increasing number of people.
Because every journey needs a destination, but it also needs a committed team to help guide the way.
Beginning the Journey. Opening Day for Inclusion
We begin sharing the activities carried out within our Educational Innovation and Inclusion Project (Journey Towards Inclusion) by looking back at the event that marked the start of this educational adventure: the project’s opening day.
This gathering provided an opportunity to present the project’s goals and main lines of action, share experiences related to inclusive education, and encourage the active participation of the entire educational community. Students, teachers, and staff reflected together on the importance of creating learning environments that are accessible, respectful, and welcoming to diversity.
More than simply a starting point, this event laid the foundations for the work developed throughout the school year, strengthening our collective commitment to an inclusive education where everyone has the opportunity to participate, learn, and grow.
With this post, we begin a journey through the different activities carried out during the year as part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project.
Travel Companion
Every journey is easier when there are people willing to guide, support, and accompany us along the way. With this idea in mind, Caliu was created as part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project to help welcome people who are arriving in Oliva for the first time.
Caliu is much more than a space for sharing practical information about local services and administrative procedures. It is a meeting point where people can build connections, exchange experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate the diversity that enriches both our educational community and our town.
The group is made up of volunteers committed to mutual support and inclusion, offering a friendly hand to those beginning a new chapter of their lives in an unfamiliar environment. Through listening, cooperation, and human connection, Caliu helps create a more welcoming, inclusive, and cohesive community.
Initiatives such as this one reflect the spirit of our project and our commitment to building inclusion through participation, solidarity, and a sense of belonging.
🥾 Walking Together with Caliu
One of the most meaningful activities organised by Caliu was a gathering in the Pego-Oliva Marshlands, bringing together people of different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences in a unique natural setting.
The event combined a walk through the marshlands with a shared meal, where conversations, cultural exchange, and personal stories took centre stage. Some participants even chose to continue the route afterwards, extending an already enriching experience of coexistence and connection.
The activity also included the participation of a group of users from SASEM (Mental Health Support and Follow-up Service), who shared the walk, conversations, and experiences with the rest of the group.
More than just a walk, this gathering showed how inclusion is often built through informal moments of connection, where people have the opportunity to meet, listen to one another, and spend meaningful time together. It is another example of how Caliu continues to build networks of support, friendship, and community.
International Migrants Day
Within this framework, the centre celebrated International Migrants Day, a day conceived as a space for shared reflection and community gathering. The activity included the presentation of the CALIU welcome group, the participatory activity “Weaving Connections”, a show cooking session of coques escaldades, and a communal lunch.
This initiative made it possible to put the project’s values into practice by fostering coexistence, the exchange of experiences and the creation of bonds among learners. The images capture moments of participation, collaboration and closeness, reflecting the spirit of the project and the centre’s approach to inclusion.
Multicultural Cooking
Food is much more than nourishment: it is culture, memory, tradition, and a unique way of getting to know people and communities. As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, the Multicultural Cooking initiative has created opportunities for students to share recipes, customs, and flavours from different parts of the world.
Throughout the school year, we have explored a wide variety of culinary traditions, cooked together, shared experiences, and discovered that the table is one of the best places for dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding. Each activity has been an opportunity to appreciate the cultural diversity present in our school and to continue building a more inclusive and united educational community.
Thanksgiving Day
To celebrate Thanksgiving Day, students and teachers shared a special evening meal inspired by this North American tradition. It was an opportunity to learn about the origins of the celebration and, above all, to enjoy a moment of gratitude, togetherness, and community spirit.
Coques a la Calfó Workshop
As part of the activities organised for the International Migrants Day, we held a workshop dedicated to one of Oliva’s most traditional recipes: coques a la calfó. Participants learned how to prepare them, discovered their origins, and explored the different names by which they are known throughout the region.
The activity concluded with a shared tasting session, providing an opportunity to enjoy local gastronomy while exchanging experiences, conversations, and moments of friendship.
Christmas Almond Pastry Workshop
Christmas celebrations also included a culinary activity through a workshop on traditional almond pastries. Participants learned about this festive recipe, took part in its preparation, and enjoyed a pleasant moment of social interaction centred around food and tradition.
Pancake Day
English students celebrated Pancake Day by learning about the differences between American and British pancakes. After working on the recipe in class, they prepared and tasted the traditional British version, served with lemon and sugar.
The activity also provided an opportunity to reflect on cultural and religious diversity, as it coincided with Shrove Tuesday and the beginning of Ramadan. Different traditions, but shared values such as reflection, community, and mutual respect.
Flavours of Hispanic America
As part of the Hispanic American Countries Festival, organised by Caliu, a culinary activity was held focusing on the cultures of Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Participants were invited to prepare or bring a traditional dish from one of these countries, using recipes that had been made available to the entire educational community beforehand.
The tasting became a true celebration of cultural diversity, allowing participants to discover new flavours while sharing stories, traditions, and experiences. This activity complemented the other events organised during the festival and helped bring the rich cultural heritage of Hispanic America closer to the whole school community.
Traditional Fritters Workshop
During Cultural Week, we dedicated a workshop to one of the most traditional recipes in our local gastronomy: bunyols (traditional fritters). The activity provided an opportunity to pass on culinary knowledge, traditions, and popular customs while encouraging participation and social interaction.
Mazamorra Morada Workshop
Cultural Week also brought us closer to Peru through a workshop on mazamorra morada, one of the country’s most iconic desserts. In addition to preparing and tasting it, participants learned more about the culture and traditions associated with this characteristic sweet dish.
Flavours of Europe
As part of the European Festival, also organised by Caliu, gastronomy played a central role through a tasting of traditional dishes from Romania, Ukraine, Spain, and France. Recipes were shared beforehand so that anyone interested could participate by preparing a typical dish from one of these countries.
The activity offered an excellent opportunity to discover new culinary traditions and gain a deeper understanding of Europe’s cultural diversity in an atmosphere of participation and coexistence. Together with the other activities organised during the European Festival, it helped strengthen respect, intercultural dialogue, and a sense of community.
Theatre Visits
Theatre is a valuable educational tool that allows us to explore different realities, experience emotions, and reflect on important aspects of society and coexistence. For this reason, as part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, our students took part in cultural outings to enjoy the performing arts.
During this school year, we attended performances of Ballant ballant and La gran cena, two plays that provided moments of entertainment, emotion, and shared reflection. Through the characters, stories, and situations presented on stage, students were able to develop empathy, critical thinking, and artistic awareness.
In addition, these outings help bring culture and the performing arts closer to everyone, making theatre more accessible and encouraging participation in cultural activities that might otherwise be difficult for some people to attend.
These cultural experiences contribute to the holistic development of participants, promoting social participation and access to culture as a space for learning, connection, and inclusion.
Cultural Routes
As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, the cultural routes provided an opportunity to step outside the classroom and discover new ways of understanding the world through art, literature, photography, and heritage.
Throughout the school year, students took part in a variety of cultural activities that encouraged reflection on important topics such as equality, memory, migration, and human diversity. One of these experiences was a visit to the exhibition “Mans a l’obra… Corresponsabilitat” at Casa Maians, featuring illustrations by Anna Gisbert and texts that remind us that, despite the progress achieved, there is still work to be done before true equality between women and men becomes a reality.
Students also visited the exhibition “El Prado in the Streets”, which brought some of the most iconic masterpieces in art history closer to the public. Through guided activities, participants explored the emotions evoked by the paintings and discovered new ways of connecting with art.
The day continued with an introduction to the work of Maria Beneyto, one of the most important voices in Valencian literature. Reading her poems, especially those dealing with war, inspired moments of shared reflection and the exchange of personal and family experiences.
The cultural route concluded with the exhibition “Sistema Fallido” by photographer Borja Abargues, which portrays the reality faced by migrants arriving in Europe in search of a better life. The photographs had a strong emotional impact and encouraged discussion about migration, human rights, and the need to build more inclusive societies.
During Cultural Week, these reflections were complemented by an excursion to Bocairent, where students explored migration processes and their impact on the territory throughout history.
For many participants, these activities represented their first encounter with certain artistic and cultural expressions. For everyone, they were an invitation to view the world through a more open, critical, and empathetic perspective—values that are essential on our journey towards inclusion.
Solidarity Breakfast Corner
As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, the Solidarity Breakfast Corner was created to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy and nutritious breakfast, regardless of their economic circumstances.
It is an open space for the entire educational community, where tea and herbal infusions, fresh fruit, and nuts are always available for anyone who wishes to enjoy them. Thanks to its accessible, solidarity-based, and self-managed nature, this initiative helps ensure that no one starts the day hungry while encouraging healthy eating habits.
Beyond meeting a basic need, the Solidarity Breakfast Corner provides a welcoming place for connection, coexistence, and mutual support. Through this initiative, we promote values such as solidarity, equal opportunities, and community spirit, helping to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and caring educational environment for everyone.
Talking and Sharing
As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, the Talking and Sharing initiative has transformed our school into a space for dialogue, learning, and shared reflection. Throughout the school year, we welcomed professionals, organisations, and experts who shared their knowledge, experiences, and insights to help us better understand the world around us.
♻️ Environmental Education and Recycling
One of the first activities was a workshop led by the Environmental Education Department of the Mancomunitat de Municipis de la Safor. The session focused on recycling and aimed to help establish a practical and effective waste separation system within the school. This initiative encouraged reflection on sustainability, shared responsibility, and the importance of everyday actions in caring for our environment.
🩺 Health and Well-being
Health and well-being also played an important role in this programme. Professionals from the Oliva Health Centre delivered workshops on healthy ageing, offering practical advice on maintaining an active and mindful lifestyle. In addition, the Association of Relatives of People with Alzheimer’s shared strategies for the prevention and early detection of dementia, as well as cognitive stimulation techniques that can be applied in everyday life.
💜 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
To mark this important day, the school’s Equality and Coexistence Coordinator delivered a talk aimed at challenging common myths, providing accurate information about the support available to victims, and explaining the procedures and resources available in cases of gender-based violence. The session encouraged reflection and discussion on equality, respect, and social responsibility.
🔬 Women in Science
We were also privileged to welcome Irene, a predoctoral researcher in the Translational Epigenomics and Epigenetics Research Group at the University of Valencia. During her visit, she shared her experience as a scientist, reflected on the role of women in science, and presented part of her research on sepsis, bringing the world of biomedical research closer to our students.
These activities have allowed us to exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations about issues that directly affect our society. Through dialogue and shared experiences, we continue to build a more informed, critical, supportive, and inclusive educational community.
Inclusive Solidarity Project
As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, the Inclusive Solidarity Project aimed to bring students closer to diverse realities while promoting values such as solidarity, equality, social participation, and commitment to positive social change.
To achieve this, we collaborated with the Taller de Solidaridad Foundation, an organisation that works to promote social justice, equal opportunities, and the empowerment of women in different countries around the world.
📸 Visit to the Regional Government Offices and the “Together for Equality” Programme
Students took part in an awareness-raising activity linked to the Together for Equality programme. Among the activities carried out were a visit to the regional government offices by Cristian and María, students from ESPA 2, and an interview with one of the women participating in the programme. This experience allowed them to gain first-hand insight into initiatives that promote equality and women’s participation in society.
🌍 “Connected Through Change” Photography Exhibition
We also hosted the photography exhibition Connected Through Change (Enredadas en el cambio), organised by the Taller de Solidaridad Foundation. Through these images, students discovered the stories of women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world who, through determination and hard work, contribute to improving the living conditions of their communities.
These activities helped us broaden our perspectives, better understand the inequalities that still exist in many parts of the world, and reflect on the role each of us can play in building a fairer, more supportive, and more inclusive society.
Journey Towards Success
As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, the Setting Sail for Success initiative aimed to guide students in building their academic and professional pathways by providing information, practical tools, and experiences that support decision-making and future employability.
Through a range of activities, students were able to explore educational opportunities, discover different career paths, and gain valuable skills to face future challenges with confidence.
🎓 Visits to Local Secondary Schools and Vocational Training Centres
Students visited IES Gregori Maians and IES Gabriel Ciscar, where they learned about the vocational training programmes offered by these institutions. The visits provided an opportunity to explore facilities, ask questions, and discover educational and professional pathways suited to their interests.
💼 Recruitment and Selection Workshop
In collaboration with the Mancomunitat de Municipis de la Safor, students took part in a practical workshop on recruitment and selection processes. Topics included interview preparation, key skills valued by employers, and strategies for successfully entering the labour market.
📝 Support with Vocational Training Applications
The school also provided personalised support to students interested in applying for vocational training programmes. This guidance included information, advice, and assistance with the application process, helping students access new educational opportunities.
Through these initiatives, we continue working to ensure that every student can identify their own path, develop their potential, and move forward with confidence towards their academic and professional future.
Well-being Through Expression
Emotional well-being is an essential part of our journey towards inclusion. For this reason, we have developed activities aimed at promoting self-awareness, emotional well-being, and personal care.
🧘 A Space to Listen to Ourselves
Led by María José, students took part in a session exploring the role of the vagus nerve and its connection to physical and emotional well-being. The activity provided an opportunity for reflection and self-awareness, encouraging participants to recognise the importance of self-care and emotional balance.
This experience also served as an introduction to the natural therapy activities and workshops that were later incorporated into the school, expanding the resources available to support the overall well-being of the educational community.
Journey Logbook
Words are a powerful tool for expressing emotions, sharing experiences, and building connections between people. As part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, we launched the Journey Logbook, a writing competition that encouraged students to reflect on the values of the project through creative writing.
✍️ Writing Our Journey
Participants wrote texts inspired by themes such as inclusion, coexistence, diversity, solidarity, and their personal experiences throughout the school year. Through creativity and reflection, students were able to give voice to their ideas, concerns, and experiences.
Beyond the competition itself, this activity provided an opportunity to develop writing skills, critical thinking, and empathy while sharing stories and perspectives that enrich our educational community.
Film Forum for Inclusion
Culture is a powerful tool for promoting inclusion, inspiring emotions, and creating opportunities for shared reflection. For this reason, as part of the Journey Towards Inclusion project, we have organised activities that bring different forms of artistic expression closer to the entire educational community.
🎭 Opera for Everyone: La Traviata
Thanks to an initiative from the Royal Theatre of Madrid (Teatro Real), students and members of the educational community were able to enjoy a shortened and educational version of La Traviata, one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most celebrated operas.
The screening featured a digital recreation of Francesca Caccini, recognised as the first female opera composer in history, who guided viewers through the main themes and moments of the work.
This activity helped bring opera closer to people who, in many cases, had never experienced this artistic genre before, demonstrating that culture is a shared heritage capable of inspiring, moving, and enriching everyone.
A Stop Along the Way
Every journey needs moments to pause, look back, and appreciate how far we have come. As part of our Journey Towards Inclusion project, this activity provided an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and celebrate everything we have achieved during this first year of the project.
The event took place in a festive and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging interaction and coexistence between students and teachers beyond the classroom environment. Gathering together around shared paellas, we enjoyed a moment of community, collaboration, and belonging.
This symbolic stop has allowed us to acknowledge the progress made and gain renewed motivation for the future. We know that the journey does not end here: the next stop awaits us next year, bringing new challenges, new experiences, and the same commitment to building an increasingly inclusive educational community.
