Success for the ZLSB with three approved EU projects

The Center for Teacher Education and Educational Research (ZLSB) at TU Dresden can celebrate an outstanding success: In the past few months, the ZLSB has received three approvals for EU-funded projects – in three different funding programs. This triple success is unprecedented even at TU Dresden's European Project Center (EPC).

“Three applications, three hits – that’s an extraordinary result that confirms we are addressing the right issues and are networked with strong partners worldwide,” emphasizes Maria Richter-Babekoff, International Affairs Advisor at the ZLSB and project coordinator.

Three projects – one common goal: Making the world a better place
All three approved projects share an overarching goal: Shaping education in such a way that it contributes to a world that is more equitable, sustainable, and digitally sovereign.

• DILIGENCE (Digital Literacy Guidance in Teacher Education for Critical Empowerment)
  With a funding volume of EUR 1.5 million, DILIGENCE strengthens the digital literacy and pedagogical skill set of teacher trainers and teachers in Mozambique. The project promotes inclusion, equal opportunities, and social participation, especially for disadvantaged groups. Through training programs, a multilingual learning platform, and the close integration of national educational institutions, DILIGENCE contributes to a more equitable, sustainable, and democratic education system and supports the implementation of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, which promotes sustainable partnerships and digital transformation worldwide.
• Smartiverse
  With a funding volume of EUR 400,000, SMARTIVERSE responds to the urgent need to integrate sustainability, digital education, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the training of primary school teachers in the field of STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). The project develops age-appropriate teaching and learning materials that promote critical thinking about using digital technologies for a sustainable future. SMARTIVERSE uses practical modules and open learning resources to strengthen inclusive education, critical media literacy, and the responsible use of technology in European classrooms.
• TAP-DCE (Teacher Academy Project – Democratic Citizenship Education)
  With a funding volume of EUR 1.5 million, TAP-DCE strengthens democracy education in schools and in teacher training in Europe. In light of growing threats to democratic values, the project promotes skills for democratic participation and critical thinking among teachers, students, and pupils. International professional learning communities will develop and test teaching and learning materials, and make them available online. TAP-DCE links democracy education with sustainability, inclusion, and digital literacy, thereby contributing to resilient, value-based education systems in Europe.

Interlinking creates added value
As different as the three projects' focuses may be, their greatest value is revealed when they are combined. “We see the real magic in the interlinking of these projects,” says Maria Richter-Babekoff. “Working together creates synergies that will benefit not only TU Dresden, but also partners in the Global South in the long term.”

At a total funding volume of EUR 3.4 million, this triple success marks a significant milestone for the ZLSB and lays the foundation for sustainable international cooperation in teacher training.

Contact:
Maria Richter-Babekoff
International Affairs Advisor at the ZLSB