As part of the new Superschools 2024–2026 cycle, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) has introduced a new dimension to the programme: the Pool of Superschools Champions—a network of experienced teachers committed to strengthening peacebuilding and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Building on the success of previous Superschools exchanges, the Pool recognises teachers who have already played a key role in implementing school partnerships and empowers them to become multipliers in their local communities. Over the course of the programme, 26 teachers from across the Western Balkans will be engaged, with 13 selected in each call.
As Superschools Champions, teachers support the programme through local outreach and promotion, sharing their experience with fellow educators, and by leading peacebuilding workshops for young people. Through activities such as Spark Sessions and Bridges to Peace workshops, they help extend the impact of Superschools beyond exchanges and into classrooms and communities.
In addition to their outreach role, Superschools Champions receive tailor-made capacity building, mentorship, and opportunities to actively participate in key Superschools events. By strengthening their facilitation, intercultural, and community engagement skills, the programme ensures that the values of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect continue to grow—teacher by teacher, school by school.
The Pool of Superschools Champions reflects RYCO’s commitment to sustainability, recognising educators not only as participants, but as agents of change shaping the future of regional cooperation through education.
RYCO Superschools is a programme for school exchanges in WB6 with the objectives to support the peacebuilding and reconciliation process and intercultural learning and dialogue among schools, students and their communities. The programme is part of a multi donor project, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the RYCO.