NEWS
4th Newsletter
November 2025
We’ll tell you about the MilkiWay Conference.
This was far more than a formal event, it was a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression, filled with workshops, music, dance, and theatre with 84 active participants, teachers and educator/artists!
Held over three days in Madrid and hosted by Fundación Yehudi Menuhin España in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, the Spanish Ministry of Education and University Autónoma of Madrid, the event showcased the Milki-Way project through presentations and interactive sessions. The programme highlighted the role of music in children’s holistic development and the importance of intercultural learning in primary education.Two thematic workshops focused on empathy in education and the Milki-Way Teacher Guide, offering practical insights and shared experiences.
As the project comes to an end, partners have developed a strong sustainability plan, with new initiatives already emerging. The project’s impact continues to grow, with thousands of users from 29 countries accessing its resources online.
Milkiway website
3rd Newsletter
October 2025
First: see the MilkiWay Teacher Guide and the Activities (if you haven’t seen them yet…)
Then, few words about the Workshop in Limassol, Cyprus.
The workshop brought together experts and teachers from Cyprus and Spain in a dynamic and creative programme. Participants explored the value of cultural diversity through music and language, using the Milki-Way project as an engaging educational tool.
Teachers shared their experiences with the Milki-Way e-Library and audiobook activities, while also testing and refining materials from the Teacher Guide. Their feedback contributed to improving its clarity and usability.
Despite busy school schedules, participants were actively involved, and overall feedback was highly positive, highlighting the quality, relevance, and interactive nature of the workshop.
Next… a big event: the MilkiWay Conference in Madrid! 
Teachers workshop in Limassol - Cyprus
8-9-10-11 October 2025
Thanks to our associated school, 18th Primary School of Limassol, Ayios Antonios, with Ms. Joanna Rodiki Pedriti, Principal of the school and the teachers Ms Zoi Maniori, Ms. Myria Iona together with Ms. Panagiota Antoniou, Ms. Erini Plousiou, Mr. Andreas Zenemides Mr. Statis Hadjigiannis to gave us amazing hospitality and contributed to draft the teachers' agenda and activities together with the Italian and Spanish team. A great team effort!
Singing and social inclusion
Graham F. Welch - Evangelos Himonides - Jo Saunders - Ioulia Papageorgi - Marc Sarazin
There is a growing body of neurological, cognitive, and social psychological research to suggest the possibility of positive transfer effects from structured musical engagement. In particular, there is evidence to suggest that engagement in musical activities may impact on social inclusion (sense of self and of being socially integrated). Tackling social exclusion and promoting social inclusion are common concerns internationally, such as in the UK and the EC, and there are many diverse Government ministries and agencies globally that see the arts in general and music in particular as a key means by which social needs can be addressed. read the entire article
2nd Newsletter
October 2024
Then, a few words on the workshop just held in Sarzana, Italy. The workshop brought together partner organisations and schools in a collaborative and inspiring setting.
Two participating schools, the 18th Primary School of Limassol (Ayios Antonios) and Public School Miguel Hernández from Madrid, actively contributed to the event.
A key outcome of this first transnational meeting was the development of the foundations for the project’s educational guide. Partners defined its structure, themes, and pedagogical approach, ensuring it will be inclusive, accessible, and adaptable across different contexts.
Teachers and educators also shared ideas for creative Activities, with a focus on storytelling, digital tools, and intercultural exchange.
The meeting strengthened cooperation among partners, establishing a clear direction for the next steps. Beyond the work sessions, participants enjoyed Italian cuisine and the beautiful local landscapes.
Here to download the newsletter No2 in pdf
1st Meeting in Sarzana Italy
23-25 September 2024
First meeting and workshop held in Sarzana (Italy), with the participation of 2 schools affiliated to the project, one from Limassol, 18th Primary School of Limassol, Ayios Antonios and one from Madrid, Public School Miguel Hernández
The UMSIC Project
Usability of Music for Social Inclusion of Children
Between September 2008 and August 2011, the Usability of Music for the Social Inclusion of Children (UMSIC) project sought to exploit modern music and mobile technology to promote a greater sense of inclusion for children aged 3‐12 across Europe, especially those who may be in danger of marginalisation. In particular, UMSIC targeted two main groups of children deemed to be at a particularly high risk of marginalization. These included newly immigrant children growing up in bi‐cultural contexts and children with moderate learning difficulties (such as attention deficit disorders) (UNESCO, 2010; Van Winden, 2001). The intention was to develop music software that could be used easily by children (including those that fall into the target groups) in a variety of contexts (such as at school and at home). Read more here
1st Newsletter
May 2024
“MILKI-WAY- Music Instrument e-Library for Kids Way of multicultural enjoyment and learning.”
Music lies at the very heart of every nation’s cultural identity, and musical instruments play a vital role in preserving and expressing these traditions across generations. Our project is dedicated to supporting primary school teachers with innovative and effective educational tools that promote multicultural learning while fostering social inclusion in the classroom. By harnessing the universal language of music, we aim to create meaningful connections among children from diverse backgrounds. At the core of this initiative is a unique exploration of musical instruments from 15 different countries. Reed more...
Here to download the newsletter No1 in pdf
