SHARMED: Shared Memories and Dialogue

Image: SHARMED logo

SHARMED was an action-research project running from 2016–2018 that brought about an innovative learning experience to more than 1,000 children aged 9–11 in three countries. Photographs and other visual materials were used to spark dialogue around personal, family, and community memories and to teach children about cultural diversity in a respectful way.

Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, SHARMED had three aims:

1. To lead children to understanding that difference is not negative but is very natural and valuable. SHARMED aimed to empower children in expressing their differences and being open to other people’s differences.
2. To encourage teachers to take advantage of the diversity of their pupils, which is usually perceived as an obstacle rather than an opportunity. SHARMED wanted to stimulate a change in perspective to inspire teachers and support them in adapting the instruments developed by SHARMED to foster a more inclusive education.
3. To promote innovation in teaching practices, presenting the results of the evaluative research to different stakeholders.