ENGLISH/ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

Erasmus+ Mobility in Elche, Spain (March 9–13, 2025)

In March 2025, a group of students aged 15 to 17 from Lykeio Verginas participated in an enriching Erasmus+ mobility programme hosted by IES Sixto Marco School in Elche, Spain. The activity brought together students from diverse backgrounds, including some from disadvantaged groups, all sharing a common enthusiasm for cultural exchange, inclusion, and learning.

Over the course of five days, students engaged in a variety of interactive and educational activitiesdesigned to foster teamwork, resilience, environmental awareness, and respect for diversity:

• Icebreaker and Team-Building Activities: The programme began with cultural networking games like “Find Someone Who…” and traditional activities to break the ice and encourage early connections among participants.

• Cyberbullying Awareness & Digital Resilience: Through a powerful interactive session and role-playing, students explored the impact of cyberbullying and created awareness campaigns to promote responsible online behavior.

• Building Motivation and Resilience: Students participated in storytelling and group challenges aimed at strengthening their ability to overcome personal and academic challenges, developing a growth mindset.

• Sustainability through Creativity: Teams built board games and items like coin purses using recycled materials, learning about environmental responsibility through hands-on, creative collaboration.

• Respecting Diversity and Inclusion: Role-play, real-life case studies, and a “Walk in Their Shoes” activity allowed students to explore issues of discrimination and inclusion, culminating in the creation of a “Diversity Pledge.”

• Strengthening Cooperation: Through trust-based team games such as “Blind Builder,” students enhanced their communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.

The mobility provided students with meaningful experiences that enhanced empathy, digital citizenship, creativity, and teamwork. It also allowed them to broaden their horizons by experiencing life in another country and building friendships that transcend borders.

Visiting the Jirorcova School in the Czech Republic

Erasmus+ Mobility in České Budějovice, Czech Republic (March 31 – April 4, 2025)

In spring 2025, a group of ten students from Lykeio Verginas travelled to České Budějovice, Czech Republic, to participate in a week-long Erasmus+ mobility hosted by Gymnázium Jírovcova. The students, aged 15–17, were warmly welcomed by Czech host families and engaged in a rich programme of educational, cultural, and personal development activities.

The mobility was designed to strengthen students’ social, civic, and digital competences, with a strong emphasis on ethical digital use, resilience, and intercultural understanding.

Key Highlights of the Week:

• Cultural Introduction & Icebreaking
  Students began the week with fun icebreakers, student presentations, and a tour of the historic city, fostering early connections and cultural awareness.

• Exploring Artificial Intelligence
  In two workshops titled “Motivating Students in the Digital Age: The Power of AI”, students explored how AI can support learning. They experimented with AI tools, evaluated their usefulness, and discussed how technology can enhance motivation in education.

• AI & Ethics
  Through role-play and interactive discussions, students participated in the workshop “Ethics in Action: Responsible AI Use for Students”, where they examined real-life ethical dilemmas and co-created guidelines for responsible AI use in schools.

• Motivation & Resilience
  Hands-on challenges like the "Bridge of Belief" and activities like creating a "Resilience Map" helped students reflect on personal strengths and build perseverance and teamwork skills.

• Managing Stress & Anxiety
  In the “Calm in the Chaos”workshop, students practiced stress-reducing techniques and created personalized “Calm Toolkits,” promoting mental wellbeing and self-care.

• Digital Responsibility & Cyberbullying
  Through simulations and empathy-building activities, students explored the emotional impact of cyberbullying and discussed how to act responsibly and supportively in online spaces.

• Reflection & Farewell
  The programme concluded with a thoughtful evaluation session, creative reflection activities, and a lively farewell celebration with food, music, and dance, bringing together students, teachers, host families, and staff.

Outcomes:

This mobility experience empowered students to think critically, communicate across cultures, engage ethically in digital environments, and develop a stronger sense of European identity. It was a week filled with learning, laughter, and lasting friendships that extended beyond borders.