From November 6th to November 12th, Istanbul hosted yet another remarkable Erasmus+ meeting that brought together participants from six countries: Slovenia, Finland, North Macedonia, Spain, Romania, and Turkey. Each country was represented by three students and two teachers, creating a vibrant and diverse group. The meeting was a part of the “Future of Water” project, which aims to address and find sustainable solutions for water conservation. The experience was enriching, with students enjoying the warmth of host families, engaging in cultural exchanges, and collaborating on meaningful project activities.

Arrival and Warm Welcome

The participants arrived in Istanbul on Sunday, November 6th, and were warmly received by their Turkish hosts. The meeting point was at the school, where students were introduced to their host families. This initial encounter set the tone for the entire week, as the students immediately felt at home and excited for the days ahead.

Monday, 7 November: Welcoming and Cultural Immersion

The official activities began on Monday with a welcome ceremony at 10:00 AM. This ceremony was followed by a school visit, where participants had the chance to explore the educational environment and interact with Turkish students and staff. After the visit, presentations were conducted, allowing each country to share their perspectives and progress on the water conservation project.

The afternoon included a presentation specifically focused on the future of water, setting the stage for the week’s collaborative efforts. The day concluded with a visit to Camlica Hill and the Istanbul Observation Terrace, offering breathtaking views of the city and fostering a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s rich history and culture.

Tuesday, 8 November: Project Studies and Sightseeing

Tuesday was dedicated to project studies in the morning, emphasizing the collaborative aspect of the meeting. Later, the participants embarked on a memorable sightseeing tour, including visits to Pierre Loti Hill, the Red Church, the Iron Church, and a captivating boat tour along the Bosphorus. These activities were not only educational but also immensely enjoyable, providing a perfect blend of learning and leisure.

Wednesday, 9 November: Historical Exploration

Wednesday’s schedule included a visit to the Historical Peninsula, where participants explored iconic landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Lunch at the Historical Sultanahmet Meatball Shop was a delightful cultural experience, followed by a tour of the Grand Bazaar. This day was particularly memorable for the students as they delved deep into the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul.

Thursday, 10 November: Remembrance and Activities

On Thursday, the day began with a solemn ceremony at school to commemorate the death anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Following the ceremony, teachers participated in a meeting while students engaged in project activities, furthering their work on water conservation.

The afternoon was filled with visits to Galata Tower and Taksim Square, with some free time to explore Taksim’s bustling streets. These excursions allowed participants to experience the modern side of Istanbul and its dynamic urban life.

Friday, 11 November: Cultural Exchange and Farewell

Friday started with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local restaurant, providing a delicious taste of Turkish cuisine. This was followed by a certificate ceremony at school, where participants received recognition for their efforts and contributions to the project.

The day continued with a tour of Kadikoy and Besiktas, two vibrant districts of Istanbul, and concluded with a heartfelt farewell dinner. This dinner was a time for reflection, celebration, and the strengthening of friendships formed over the week.

The Erasmus+ meeting in Istanbul was an outstanding success, characterized by the kindness and hospitality of the Turkish people, the enriching cultural exchanges, and the collaborative spirit of the project activities. Students and teachers alike cherished the opportunity to work together on a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The experience not only enhanced their understanding of water conservation but also created lasting memories and friendships that transcended borders.

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05.11.2023 (Sunday) It was arrival day of all participant in Tetovo, North Macedonia. From our side as partner organization my Mobility it was offered and organized local transport included the cheapest and better hotel for or guest during the stay in Tetovo, North Macedonia. North Macedonian families including students has been waiting partner organization in a hotel and were taken at their homes.

06.11.2024 (Monday)  The first day between 10:00:12:00 from our side my Mobility our partners has got the opportunity to visit our local partner school (primary school Liria) where partners got the opportunity to visit the school, participate in a English Language Classes, visiting library of the school, introduced the staff  of the school and getting some basic information about the school, educational system in North Macedonia and an on the other side from staff volunteers was been organized ice- breaking activities between my Mobility and partner organizations of the projects. During the activity except students has been participant also teachers of partner organization.  

The second half of day between 12:30:15:30 from our side my Mobility it was organized visiting of city Tetovo including the most historical places of the city: Art Gallery of Tetovo (in charge of Art Advisor Behar Ferati). The second visit was colorful mosque of Tetovo and visiting historical monument Arabati Baba Teqe in Tetovo . After we have got lunch together and our hosting students took our guest and return to their homes for a rest.

07.11.2023 (Tuesday) The second day between 09:00:10:00 our guest got the opportunity to visit Canyon Matka near Skopje. It was organized boat trip for all participants. After the Canyon Matka we continue directly to the capital city Skopje to visit Hydrometrical Service of North Macedonia between 11:00:12:00. During the visit it was organized presentation of working and operation system of the public institutions where participants got the opportunity to gain knowledge about the topic and the Water in North Macedonia.

The second half of the day between 13:00:15:00 our guest got the opportunity to visit the capital city of Skopje including the historical monuments:   city center, ( old and new part) , old bazar, and the museum of Mother Teresa. After having lunch together we all got back at Tetovo.

08.11.2023 (Wednesday) The third day between 10:00:14:00 our guest got the opportunity to visit another local partner of my Mobility (primary school Kiril and Metodi) in Tetovo. During the stay our guest got the opportunity to meet students, staff including the management of the school where my Mobility in cooperation with hosting school organized different presentations, activities and workshops related to the topic of Water and Climate Change in North Macedonia as: presentation of environmental issues in our city of Tetovo organized by my Mobility. (between 11:00:12:30). 

And workshop designed an experiment Rapid Melting of Polar Glaciers from our volunteers my Mobility. During the workshops except the participants of our project partners it was been involved also the students of partner school who not being part of exchange at all. The number of participants of student and teachers was very high.

The second day between (14:30: 15:30) it was organized free walking by the river of Shkumbin enjoying the nature and warm weather. At the end all student got back at homes families.

09.11.2023 (Thursday ) All day it was organized a cultural trip to Ohrid lake ( UNESCO mixed heritage site- 40 worldwide. Between 12:00:12:45 visiting the Museum “Bay of Bones” . It was build late back at 5^th millennium BC.

From 13:00:16:00 our guest got the opportunity the city center of Ohrid (Jerusalem of Balkan) including old and new part. (Upper Gate, Old St Kliment Church, Ancient Theater, Site of Plaoshnik, famous church Kaneo, and the central part of Annual Ohrid Festival.  After the traditional lunch it was organized departure from Ohrid to Tetovo at 17:00 to 20:30

10.11.2023 (Friday) Between 12:30:13:15 it was organized conference with the topic: The impact of Climate Change into the Water organized by the expert of South East Europian University SEEU in Tetovo, North Macedonia Associate Profesor Dr Bekim Nuhija. During the conference our guest and volunteers got the opportunity to gain deep knowledge and information and asking questions related to the topic.

The second half of day our organization my Mobiity organized the process of delivery of certificates.  From our organization my Mobility it was organized firewall dinner for tasting our traditional food of North Macedonia.  As evidence it will be showed picture for the all activities

11.11.2023 ( Saturday) Departure day for all guest.

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