The role of education in improving life chances for children and breaking cycles of deprivation

25 - 26 September 2008
Milan

The two-day set of events was hosted in Milan on 25th and 26th September by Milan Metropoli. They addressed the role of education in improving life chances for children.

Policy workshop

Representatives from London, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Milan, Budapest, Solna and Vasteras explored the role played by education in improving children’s life chances and reducing social exclusion.
In particular delegates:

• Exchanged knowledge about strategies and projects in place in partner cities which successfully engage disadvantaged children in educational projects to prevent them from becoming excluded from school or involved in anti-social behaviour.
• Discussed the role played by local government or other organisations working with this target group.
• Considered how cities can learn from each other and build on these examples of successful projects or strategies to improve children’s life chances.

Conference

This conference explored the policy framework and strategies surrounding the role played by education in improving children’s life chances and reducing social exclusion. There were presentations from policy and research experts working in a European context who looked at the wider policy framework surrounding the links between education and the reduction of child poverty and presentations of practical initiatives in place in two European cities (London and Milan).

STUDY VISIT to the Talent Factory in Milan
This project works with vulnerable children and involves them in expressive artistic activities which give them the possibility of building a positive image of themselves and acquiring skills for their own development.

Download the policy bulletin containing a summary of the issues discussed at the event.
Read the agenda for the policy workshop.
View the agenda for the policy conference.