ARISE: EMPOWERING SCHOOLS TO BREAK BARRIERS AND BUILD EQUITABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

The ARISE project aims to address educational poverty by strengthening the capacities of school leadership teams in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia. By combining proven approaches to inclusive leadership, the project empowers schools to independently create equitable and supportive learning environments, reduce dropout and early school leaving rates, and enhance student well-being.

The project targets teachers, principals, and students in schools located in areas with high levels of poverty. Through mentoring, training, and peer learning among schools, ARISE fosters the development of inclusive school cultures and sustainable change.

ARISE builds on the successful ARISE Network, expanding its mission to combat educational inequalities through inclusive leadership and strong school communities.

Main project activities:

• School Leadership Training: a five-module, ten-day training programme focused on developing inclusive practices in schools
• Mentoring Support: expert guidance for schools in developing and implementing School Improvement Plans aimed at reducing educational poverty
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: creation of school networks and learning communities to share best practices and innovative solutions
• National Advocacy Events: promoting solutions for reducing educational poverty in each participating country
• International Conference: bringing together experts and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and advocate for more equitable education policies

The project is funded by the UniCredit Foundation and runs from August 1, 2025, to July 30, 2028.

Partners:

• NEPC – Network of Education Policy Centers (international network, lead partner)
• Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Open Academy Step by Step (Croatia)
• Forum for Freedom in Education (Croatia)
• Center for Interactive Pedagogy (CIP Center) (Serbia)
• Center for Education Policy (CEP) (Serbia)

Stay tuned for news and results from this project, which is helping to build schools of equal opportunities for every child.