Within the framework of the EmpowerVET project, from April 20–24, 2026, students and teachers will participate in an international Design Thinking training, taking place along the Camino de Santiago in Spain, hosted by IES Ribeira do Louro.
This training is designed as an immersive learning experience, where education takes place in a real-life environment, integrating nature, movement, and reflection into the learning process.
The programme is structured around the Design Thinking methodology, guiding participants through its key phases:
- Empathise
- Define
- Ideate
- Prototype
- Test/Present
On the first day, participants will engage in team-building activities, form international teams, and start working on real-life challenges.
During the following days, activities will take place along the Camino route, where students will explore the environment, analyse real-world challenges, and develop innovative ideas connected to sustainability and local development.
The process will continue with idea selection and the development of prototypes using simple and natural materials, turning learning into a hands-on and practical experience.
The training will conclude with project presentations, enabling feedback, reflection, and evaluation of outcomes.
This activity is expected to contribute to:
- strengthening critical and creative thinking
- applying innovative methodologies in practice
- enhancing international collaboration
- connecting education with real-life challenges
Ultimately, this training goes beyond a traditional learning activity — it functions as an open innovation lab, where students learn by doing and co-creating real solutions.
