SiS Catalyst at the finishing line

BRUSSELS – A joint policy seminar held in Brussels on 25 September focused on the ET2020 agenda and its new approaches towards social inclusion and (higher) education in relation to the SiS Catalyst project and European policy-making.

The European Students’ Union (ESU) was invited to discuss subjects such as equity, social cohesion and active citizenship. Questions such as why the voices of children, youth and students matter in the policy debate were put forth and steps for combating institutional gender inequality discussed. The participants also debated if the higher education system in Europe is fit for a purpose beyond 2020 and how national access plans can be used as tools in that respect.

The event was organised with support of the European Economic and Social Committee at its premises in Brussels, Belgium.
What is SiS Catalyst?

SiS Catalyst is a 4 year, European Commision funded Mobilising Mutual Learning Action Plan. It is an initiative to foster and support ethical, effective and sustainable engagement between children and young people and the social, cultural, political, scientific and educational institutions which make the decisions that will shape their futures.

Enhanced interaction is believed to be beneficial to both children and young people and institutions through exchange of views and improved mutual understanding.

While it seeks to empower children everywhere and influence all kinds of institutions to engage with them, the initiative has a particular focus on strengthening relationships between post-secondary education institutions and the children who, despite ability, currently appear unlikely to enter them.

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For more information, please contact:

Elisabeth Gehrke, ESU Chairperson: +32/479.591.499 // elisabeth@esu-online.org or Robert Hlynur Baldursson, ESU Communications Manager: +32/473.669.894 // robert@esu-online.org