Kuopio Upper Secondary School of Arts Lumit has been awarded the European Commission’s EITA Prize
The European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) is being presented for the sixth time in 2026. Four Erasmus+ projects from Finland have been selected for the award. One of the winners is Kuopio Upper Secondary School of Arts Lumit, whose project focused on exploring foreign-language literature while developing students’ international communication skills.
In Lumit’s Erasmus+ project, “Reading Beyond Borders: A European Book Adventure,” it became clear that international cooperation supports learning on many levels. Students’ interest in English-language literature increased, and their intercultural communication skills were strengthened.
Discussing literature together with students from different countries helped young people gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, cultures and societies. At the same time, the project fostered new friendships and gave students greater confidence to operate in international environments, says Vice Principal Mari Hahtala-Pirskanen.
During the exchange period, students experienced firsthand the importance of language skills. This increased their motivation to further develop their linguistic abilities. Living with host families also provided valuable insight into everyday local life.
“Experiences like these deepened students’ understanding of European diversity in a way that is difficult to achieve in a classroom setting,” Hahtala-Pirskanen continues.
According to the EITA award jury, the project carried out by Kuopio Upper Secondary School of Arts Lumit has promoted language learning in a variety of ways by strengthening reading culture and increasing students’ motivation to read. Through literature, language learning becomes naturally connected to cultural understanding, which further enhances the development of linguistic skills. At the same time, the project has fostered critical thinking, creativity and empathy, all of which support meaningful and holistic language learning.
European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA)
The European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) is a European Commission award for the school education, vocational education and training, and adult education sectors. The award recognizes teachers and educational institutions that have participated in innovative Erasmus+ projects aimed at developing teaching and learning. It is presented annually throughout the Erasmus+ programme period 2021–2027.
In 2026, the theme of the EITA is “Skills for Life.” The theme supports the European Union’s efforts to improve basic skills across Europe. The award is presented to Erasmus+ projects that help develop one or more of the following five key competences: literacy, mathematics, science, digital skills, and citizenship skills.
This year, a total of 110 projects across Europe have received the EITA award. In addition to Kuopio Upper Secondary School of Arts Lumit, the Finnish recipients are Karhula Upper Secondary School, Häme Vocational Institute and the Central Ostrobothnia Joint Municipal Authority for Education and Training. The awards will be officially presented to the Finnish winners on 11.11. 2026.
Link: https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/school-education/european-innovative-teaching-award
