The Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education in Western Macedonia (PDEWM), Greece

The Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Western Macedonia (Greece) is a KA1-accredited educational authority for the 2021–2027 period. It is responsible for the administrative and educational supervision of schools and teaching staff across four prefectures in northwestern Greece: Kozani, Grevena, Florina, and Kastoria. The Directorate’s primary role is to implement and coordinate the national educational policies set by the Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Research. It also oversees the planning and execution of various educational initiatives, including those funded by European programmes.

Under the leadership of the Regional Director of Education, the Directorate supervises a network of 410 primary schools and 126 secondary schools, including general, vocational, special education, music, and art schools. In collaboration with a range of supporting structures – the Educational Support Centres for Special Education, Environmental Education Centres, Educational Innovation Hubs, Centres for Educational Innovation – the Directorate strives to enhance the quality of education in the region. Through these efforts, it supports both teachers and students in developing strong theoretical foundations and practical experience in key educational areas.

KMOP EIH, Greece

KMOP EIH, based in Greece, is one of the country’s most long-standing NGOs known for its experience and deep knowledge in enhancing educational staff well-being and guiding schools towards adopting innovative improvement methodologies, like their renowned LiveWithoutBullying project which reached schools throughout Greece. Over the past 15 years, KMOP EIH has been instrumental in launching over 300 impactful projects, obtaining support from both institutional and private funding sources.

The organization’s mission centres on societal betterment through innovative interventions and the formulation of effective social policies, possessing notable skills in mental health and a strong history in collaboratively designing educational reforms. It maintains strong connections with government bodies, evidenced by its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with both the Hellenic Ministry of Labour and the Hellenic Ministry of Education, in addition to partnerships with the Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece and numerous local municipalities. Its strong background positions KMOP EIH as leader of WP4, leveraging its extensive expertise and network to drive significant impact.

Uskudar İlçe MEM, Turkey

Uskudar İlçe MEM oversees 106 public schools in Istanbul, serving over 60,000 students, with extensive expertise in educational initiatives focused on positive psychology, efficacy, and supportive learning environments. Their recent training programs have supported wellness for over 800 teachers across 50+ schools, equipping them with tools for social-emotional learning and resilience. The EU Erasmus+ project “Yenilikçi Oyun Bavulu” reached over 1,000 students with game-based kits for psychomotor skills and self-concept, in collaboration with Maltepe University.

They promote a strengthbased approach in literacy proficiency and special education, supported by a district-wide committee of 50+ counsellors and experts. Partnerships, including SOYAC, have aided the psychosocial wellness of 500+ students through art therapy. With skilled teams in online training content and EU project implementation, we can advance efficacy and wellbeing district-wide. Their stakeholder network will facilitate adoption across educational levels. Uskudar İlçe MEM is well-positioned to lead this initiative.

Institute of Development (IoD), Cyprus

The Institute of Development (IoD) was established in 2003 with a vision to improve wellbeing and achieve optimal human functioning through continuous personal and professional development. Its mission is to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to flourish through evidence-based methods, including the principles of Positive Psychology, character education, soft skills development, emotional intelligence, and compassion.

Centre for Creative Development “Danilo Dolci”, Italy

The Centre for Creative Development “Danilo Dolci” is a non-profit inspired by Danilo Dolci, promoting nonviolent and creative community development. Key focuses include 1. Innovative educational methods, 2. Active citizenship and community dialogue, 3. Nonviolent development and critical thinking and 4. Social justice and inclusion.

The Centre collaborates with over 25 schools, universities, local associations, and 300+ partners in 50 countries, with a team of 15 staff and 40+ volunteers. They emphasize personal and professional development through innovative training programs in communication, critical thinking, emotional education, resilience, and digital transformation.

Their Reciprocal Maieutic Approach (RMA) fosters nonviolent communication and group dialogue, enabling communities to identify needs and create shared solutions for social, political, economic, and educational change. The Center’s initiatives aim to improve teaching and learning conditions, promoting empathy, engagement, and emotional well-being.

die Berater, Austria

The core competence of die Berater is adult education and training, specializing in transversal competence development, language courses, IT seminars, and vocational programs. With around 45 branches across Austria, die Berater has trained approximately 350,000 people through 200 annual programs since 1998.

Their media department develops e-learning and mobile learning solutions. In relation to OPE, die Berater has significant experience in school education through European projects on inclusion, sustainability and digitalization. They provide avatars to long-term ill pupils, support resilience and belonging, offer ECDL tuition and career guidance for young cancer patients, and partner in the Erasmus Teacher Academy TUTOR on inclusion. This focus on fostering positive mindsets and self-efficacy aligns well with the goals of the OPE project.