First mobility – At DSU-RCSOO „Kiro Burnaz” Kumanovo, North Macedonia
from the 17th to the 23th of September 2024
CULTURAL AND NATURAL EXPEDITION
The transnational learning mobility was a meticulously structured, seven-day program designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and Macedonian cultural heritage. This comprehensive itinerary was executed with fidelity to the initial project plan, involving a rich blend of educational lectures, practical workshops, cultural excursions, and high-level institutional meetings.
The mobility commenced with participant arrivals (Day 1) and a transformative orientation phase (Day 2). The program was officially launched with a welcoming ceremony followed by an orientation walk around the host school. A symbolic gesture of environmental stewardship and European values was performed through the planting of an Erasmus tree on the school grounds. This was followed by a visit to the on-site Meteorological station, featuring a specialized lecture by the responsible teacher, emphasizing data-driven environmental monitoring. The commitment to capacity building and internationalization was underscored by an institutional visit to the Municipality, where the delegation was officially received by City Council President Mrs. Ivana Gjorgjievska and Secretary Mr. Aleksandar Gelevski. The day concluded with a crucial meeting with local education sector representatives, which included a detailed lecture on the Macedonian educational system, facilitating knowledge exchange and understanding of different pedagogical approaches.
Day 3 focused on practical sustainability and biocenosis. After greetings from the principal, the core activity involved a comprehensive beekeeping workshop at the school’s apiary. Led by a specialist teacher, the session covered bee behavior, hive conditions, honey production, other bee products, and the vital ecological importance of bees. A dedicated discussion highlighted the impact of climate change on pollinators and local biocenosis, as well as the nutritional value of honey. Participants observed beehives up close inside the fenced area to analyze bee organization and production processes. This was immediately followed by a hands-on herb tea workshop, where students blended and tasted their own mixtures from approximately ten herb options. The focus on herbal medicine was reinforced by a visit to Herb Pharmacy Rosa, where participants reviewed various products, followed by a presentation from an expert on herbal and medicinal plant production, emphasizing sustainable farming practices.
The remainder of the program was dedicated to experiential learning and cultural immersion. Day 4 featured a major excursion to Canyon Matka and Vrelo Cave, allowing students to explore natural Macedonian scenery. The boat ride to Vrelo Cave provided a tangible connection to geological history, with a focus on striking stalactites and stalagmites dating from the Ice Age and a discussion of the local biodiversity, notably the approximately 200 butterfly species. A visit to the EVN museum at the Matka hydro plant’s first artificial lake provided insights into sustainable energy practices. The day culminated in a cultural tour of the capital, Skopje, encompassing significant landmarks and promoting a deeper appreciation for European cultural heritage. Day 5 concentrated on viticulture as a form of traditional sustainable industry, with a visit to Popova Kula Winery and the Wine Museum. Participants learned about Macedonia’s autochthonous Stanushina grapes and the “Rose Stanushina” wine, followed by a presentation of the “Wine Route.” The day also included a walk to the Iron Gate, a site famous for international white-water kayaking, linking local activities to global events. The concluding excursion (Day 6) to Bislim Gorge near Kumanovo (Pčinja village) provided a guided environmental exploration, allowing students to observe wildlife, such as the Bislim eagle, and local flora and fauna along the Pčinja River, reinforcing environmental awareness. After the walk in the nature , the group proceeded into the center of Kumanovo and visited Batko Gjorgjija statue, landmark of the town and the Church Sveta Troica, admiring the architecture and the frescos inside the church. The final ceremony, including the awarding of Certificates of Mobility and the completion of the satisfaction questionnaire, marked the official conclusion of the structured activities, leading to the Day 7 departure.
There has been no significant divergence from the initially planned activity. The core objectives, thematic focus, and daily structure of the learning mobility were implemented as outlined in the project application, ensuring the maximum intended benefit for all participants.
Second mobility- KEMER ANADOLU LISESI (Türkiye)
from the 9th to the 15th of March 2025
KEMER ECODISCOVER
The Erasmus+ mobility week in Kemer was implemented with great success and closely aligned with the objectives, methodology, and daily structure defined in the original project plan. The activity was designed to promote environmental awareness, intercultural understanding, and active citizenship through a balanced combination of theoretical sessions, practical workshops, and cultural visits. The mobility began with a warm official welcome by the District Governor and the Mayor of Kemer, symbolizing institutional recognition and local support for the project. Following this, participants gathered at the host school to share a traditional Turkish breakfast, which served as the first intercultural experience and encouraged communication and friendship among students and teachers from partner countries. The first day focused on forest fires, addressing their causes, consequences, and prevention strategies through interactive presentations and brainstorming sessions. Participants then visited the Kemer Firefighting Training Center and a local fire observation tower to observe firefighting equipment and early detection systems in real-life conditions. These visits successfully linked theory to practice and strengthened participants’ understanding of environmental protection. The second day addressed climate change and sustainability. Students and teachers attended presentations and group discussions about the global impact of climate change and ways to reduce human influence on nature. During the visit to the environmental NGO KEMKUT, participants learned about renewable energy, disaster prevention, and sustainable community projects. In the afternoon, a guided hike in Göynük Canyon and Beydağları Coastal National Park provided an opportunity to explore areas affected by recent forest fires. Students actively participated in tree planting, gaining a sense of environmental responsibility and solidarity. On the third day, the focus shifted to marine ecosystems. The morning started with an eco-art workshop where students painted tote bags depicting environmental challenges and climate change. This creative session encouraged artistic expression while reinforcing the project’s ecological message. Later, participants attended a seminar on marine pollution at the Akdeniz University Underwater Research Center and visited the Kemer Marine Research Center, learning about marine biodiversity and conservation efforts. A boat trip provided direct observation of marine life and inspired further discussion about sea preservation. Visits to Antalya’s Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, the Archaeological Museum, and Atatürk’s House helped participants connect with Turkish history, architecture, and national identity. The ancient city of Phaselis offered a perfect setting to reflect on the harmony between cultural heritage and nature conservation. Throughout these visits, participants compared their local traditions with Turkish culture, strengthening mutual understanding and European identity. The final day combined environmental learning with celebration. A guided walk in Olympos-Beydağları National Park and a cable car journey to Mount Tahtalı offered a unique view of the region’s natural beauty. The certificate ceremony and farewell dinner at the host school, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, created an atmosphere of cultural unity and friendship. There were no major divergences from the initial plan. All planned educational, cultural, and environmental activities were fully completed.
Overall, the mobility achieved and even exceeded its intended outcomes. Participants developed a deeper understanding of environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable living. They also improved their digital, linguistic, and social skills, strengthened European cooperation, and formed meaningful intercultural bonds that will continue beyond the project’s duration.
Third mobility -Békéscsabai SZC Zwack József Technikum és Szakképző Iskola (Hungary )
From from the 18th to the 24th of May 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATIONS
The project was successfully executed over seven days, focusing on themes of environmental awareness, sustainability, and green entrepreneurship.
The first day involved airport transfers for all participants. Upon arrival, a meeting was held with the hosting families to facilitate the students’ integration.
The second day’s activities commenced with an official welcome ceremony, followed by an introduction to the school facilities. Participants attended a presentation on the effects and results of global warming on the world economy. This was followed by a Green Entrepreneurship Workshop designed to educate attendees on innovative green business models, sustainable product design, and the economic benefits of environmentally responsible entrepreneurship. Local entrepreneurs who had established eco-friendly businesses shared their experiences and insights during this session.
The third day included a visit to a Sustainable Farm where participants learned about environmentally friendly farming practices. This practical session was followed by a creative task: creating a short film or a cartoon. The narratives for these creations focused on the lives and works of well-known ecologists, scientists, artists, and inventors who had made significant contributions to the progress of environment, science, society, technology, economy, and agriculture, supporting an innovative, developing, and safe life on Earth. The final products were uploaded onto the project webpage and other platforms. Subsequently, an EU Environmental Policies Workshop was conducted, led by an expert who provided insights into the environmental policies and initiatives of the European Union, discussing topics such as EU directives, regulations, and funding programs related to environmental conservation and sustainability.
On the fourth day a hands-on workshop was held to create sustainable and reusable products from recycled materials, thereby promoting eco-friendly practices. The afternoon featured TEDx talks about Global Citizenship and Climate Change, which were recorded and uploaded for wider dissemination.
Day five began with a local clean-up event aimed at raising awareness on the importance of a clean environment and community involvement. Following this, participants engaged in making vinegar from various fruits and creating terrarium mini-gardens, symbolizing the concept of a small, self-contained world. The day culminated in an art exhibition featuring the students’ eco-friendly artworks created during the week, showcasing their creativity in promoting environmental awareness.
On the last working day the penultimate day was dedicated to cultural and natural visits to the surrounding areas. This was followed by a formal certificate ceremony for all participants. The project concluded with a farewell party, which included traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
The final day involved airport transfers for the departing participants.