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The fifth Erasmus+ discussion: experiences of non-governmental organisations

On 17 December 2025, Kaunas 1st Music School hosted an expert discussion within the ERASMUS+ KA210-SCH project “Social Vibes & Biz: music, technologies and social entrepreneurship”, entitled “Organization of expert discussions involving organizations of people with disabilities, refugees, NGOs”. The discussion focused on the links between inclusion, community building, and music education in relation to social change.

The discussion was attended by Dr Daiva Kuzmickaitė—a lecturer at Mykolas Romeris University and a sociologist—as well as the head of Kaunas Caritas programme for foster and guardian families, “Vaiko gerovės institutas” (Child Welfare Institute), and the coordinator / programme head of the Child Welfare Institute project “Support for the Integration of Ukrainian War Refugees into Lithuanian Society.”

A significant part of the conversation was devoted to identifying which inclusion barriers still limit the participation of vulnerable groups in cultural and educational activities, and how practical, emotional, or social obstacles often make it more difficult for them to engage in music education. 

The discussion also explored how music can become a tangible force for social integration and for strengthening community when it is created not “alongside” others, but together—drawing on organisations’ experience, success stories, and small but meaningful everyday changes.
 
The discussion also highlighted a practical direction for turning students’ creativity and musical competences into a foundation for social entrepreneurship and meaningful engagement—not only at the level of ideas, but by addressing real problems through music, more clearly articulating the impact of activities and what should be considered genuine success in these processes. It was also emphasised that, for future work with vulnerable groups, young people particularly need a combination of social, cultural, and entrepreneurship competences, and that the most sustainable outcomes emerge from consistent partnership models between schools and NGOs.

The session was complemented by questions from the audience and further enriched by the insights of Dr Daiva Kuzmickaitė, along with concrete examples from the activities and experience of the Child Welfare Institute, working with foster and guardian families and with initiatives supporting the integration of Ukrainian war refugees.

Photos: accordion teacher-expert Janė Macevičienė
Text by: piano teacher-expert Dr. Domantas Milius
ERASMUS+ KA210-SCH project „Social Vibes & Biz: music, technologies and social entrepreneurship“.
WP1 Strategic Discussion on Social Entrepreneurship in Music Schools.
A1.1.4 Organization of expert discussions involving organizations of people with disabilities, refugees, NGOs