It is clear from social developments in recent years that boys are increasingly a focus of critical attention and of concern to educationalists. Through the project "Small heroes in trouble - boys searching for their identities", the partner institutions will address what is currently a theme of growing importance, namely the gender-specific dimension in children's education and upbringing. The project is concerned with boys in the 6-11 age group. In all the European countries involved in the project, boys of this age attend primary school.

The project therefore targets students training to become primary-school teachers as well as practicing teachers in the primary sector.