Animal species endangered by climate change
Erasmus+ Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey
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.
Meeting in North Macedonia, Tetovo
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 5th 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.
Mobility in Finland
The water usage during two days
Water Literacy Toolkit for Teachers, Students and Adults
The Future of Water
A Celebration of Unity and Learning: Five Countries, One Unforgettable Experience
In May 2022 our school had the distinct pleasure of hosting a remarkable student exchange program that brought together young minds from five different European nations—Romania, Spain, Northern Macedonia, Finland, and, of course, Slovenia, this time’s proud host country. This event not only celebrated cultural diversity but also fostered an atmosphere of learning and mutual respect concerning our Erasmus+ project topic of water.
From the moment the students from Romania, Spain, Northern Macedonia, and Finland arrived, our Slovenian host families welcomed them with open arms, providing them with a warm, familial environment. Each visiting country brought three students, creating a vibrant mosaic of cultures and languages under one roof.
Program Highlights
Sunday, May 15: The week was packed with activities designed to promote cultural exchange and collaborative learning. The event kicked off with a spirited get together of host students and families and our estemed guests who grew fond of each other the second they met. It was helpful that this was our second project meeting which allowed first contacts and fleeting friendships to grow and expand.
The program began with the arrival of all the teachers and students, followed by an introductory meeting and dinner at a restaurant. This set the stage for a week filled with engaging activities designed to deepen cultural awareness and collaboration.
Monday, May 16: The day started with a warm welcoming ceremony and a tour around the school. Students dove into creative workshops, including an art session led by Urška Glavnik and a traditional folklore dress and dance workshop. The highlight was the guided tour of Celje, including the historical “City under the city” and the Counts of Celje, enriching everyone’s understanding of the local heritage.
Tuesday, May 17: An exciting day trip to Šentjur and Rogaška Slatina included visits to a water treatment facility, the crystal workshop at Kristalna Rogaška, and a guided tour of Olimje, featuring the castle and apothecary. These experiences offered students practical insights into environmental management and local craftsmanship, the use of water for medicinal and tourist purposes as well as the possibilities nature has created for us as humankind to improve upon our lives and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Wednesday, May 18: The group explored Velenje, participating in water scientific workshops and visiting the coal mine museum for a real miner’s lunch. The visit to Velenje Castle provided a fantastic historical overview of the region and the day concluded by visiting a traditional Slovenian farm where water played a major role as a sourse of power for mechanical work as well as basis for growing crops.
Thursday, May 19: A mix of culinary and innovative incubator workshops allowed students to engage both creatively and intellectually. The day was rounded off with visits to Tehnopark and the majestic Celje Castle, culminating in a farewell dinner that celebrated the week’s friendships and collaborations.
Friday, May 20: The final full day included a trip to Ljubljana, where students explored cultural landmarks like Metelkova, Tromostovje, and the Ljubljana Castle. The day emphasized Slovenia’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant urban life.
Reflections on the Experience
The meeting was universally praised by participants for its organization and the variety of experiences offered. Students and teachers alike found the activities not only enjoyable but also immensely educational. The interactions with host families enriched the visit, providing deep personal connections and a true sense of Slovenian hospitality.
The feedback from both the visiting students and their Slovenian peers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many described the experience as “enlightening” and “inspiring,” noting how it broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of different cultures. The host families expressed great joy in having the opportunity to share their homes and hearts, making lifelong friends in the process.
As we reflect on this successful exchange, it is clear that such initiatives are invaluable for our project and people working in it. They not only provide our students with the tools to become global citizens but also sow the seeds of international friendship and cooperation that can last a lifetime. We are immensely proud of our students and grateful to the visiting delegations for participating in this enriching experience.
Perhaps our final thought would be that this meeting was more than just a meeting of young people from different countries; it was a celebration of unity, learning, and the unbreakable bonds that we forged. We look forward to more such opportunities that continue to bring us all closer in this global community. Our joint experience was a profound journey through diverse cultures and shared experiences. We are grateful to the students and teachers from Romania, Spain, Northern Macedonia, and Finland for joining us in Celje and making this event a memorable success. We look forward to continuing these wonderful relationships and exploring more opportunities for cultural exchange in the future.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this inspiring week, proving once again that learning knows no borders.
Our Romanian Adventure
From March 5 to 11, 2023, the cast of five schools participating in The Future of Water project was in a hurry to travel to Romania. The host school, Scoala Gimnaziala Ioan Badescu from Bucharest, became a temporary home to guests from Finland, Spain, Turkey, North Macedonia and Slovenia for a week. Some of the participants in the project, both students and teachers, have known each other from the previous meetings, but for some it was a completely new experience.
The hospitable hosts of the Romanian school prepared a number of activities for us, which were in one way or another were related to the management and use of local water resources. The visiting students learned about how the Romanian primary school tries to bring the topic closer to their students through an interesting science lesson and prepared special workshops for us on the topic of saving water. We visited the Romanian national laboratory for water quality control and saw the process of extracting and filtering water from thermal springs in the thermal baths.
Participating schools also presented their work at the joint event which happened at Scoala Gimnaziala Ioan Badescu. Presentations on the quality of local water resources of individual countries and ideas for reducing water consumption, which is our great natural resource, were exchanged in English.
There was also enough time for us to get familiar with Romanian culture and habits. We took pleasure in visiting the tourist attractions of Bucharest, among which the palace of the Romanian leader Ceausescu stood out, and we also went to the countryside, where we visited a very special open-air museum. We learned a lot about various Romanian traditional crafts, including the making of colorful bracelets, clay products and witnessed first-hand a day at blacksmith’s workshop. At the museological workshops, we learned how paper is made and made ourselves our own pieces. We also saw the devices that were once used to bind books. We drove to the Black Sea and visited the Dolphinarium and Planetarium, where we watched a documentary on the melting of the ice at the North and South Poles as a result of global warming. That did not leave us indifferent for sure.
In the meantime, we spent some quality time socializing and engaging in indoor or outdoor sports activities. We visited the adrenaline park, where we tried our hand at tightrope walking, which left many teachers on the floor breathless! We spent our last day in a modern water park, where every descent down the slide was a very special experience.
As part of the Erasmus+ program, visiting students live with families of students from the host school, which is an exceptional opportunity to spontaneously learn about their customs and culture. During our Romanian adventure, we forged many new friendships in this way, which we promised ourselves to cultivate further. Until the end of The Future of Water project, we are looking forward to 2 more meetings in Finland and North Macedonia.
Until then: La revedere!
