A group of students and teachers from the 6th Junior High School of Larissa had an unforgettable experience participating in an Erasmus+ program in Berlin, in cooperation with the Otto-Wels-Grundschule. The trip included a visit to the German school, class attendance, joint activities with German students, and numerous educational actions at sites of cultural and historical interest.
The students had the opportunity to experience the daily routine of a German school firsthand, participate in workshops and team games, and exchange views and experiences with their peers. The cooperation between the two schools formed the core of the program, promoting multiculturalism, European identity, and intercultural learning.
European Day: A visit to Erlebnis Europa and the German Parliament
One of the most important highlights of the mission was the visit to the «Erlebnis Europa» exhibition center, where students learned about the inner workings of the European Union through interactive displays. Following that, they visited the German Parliament (Reichstag), where they learned about the role of democracy and admired the building’s impressive dome up close.
Sustainability Day: A visit to Potsdam
Focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness, the educational team traveled to Potsdam. The participants came into contact with practices and policies that promote sustainable development and respect for the environment. They toured the Volkspark, as well as the park and gardens of the Sanssouci Palace. Through their tour of the city and their interaction with its natural and cultural landscape, they understood the importance of balance between human activity and the protection of natural resources. The visit sparked discussions regarding the sustainable management of cultural monuments and natural landscapes.
Culture Day: Getting to know Berlin
The cultural day included walks and guided tours through the center of Berlin, its museums, and historical areas. The students discovered aspects of local art, modern culture, and the complex history of the German capital. Visits were paid to the Museum Island (Pergamon Museum. The Panorama, Bode Museum, Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Neues Museum), the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Jewish Museum, the East Side Gallery, the Topography of Terror (former Gestapo headquarters), the Oberbaum Bridge, and Checkpoint Charlie.
Of particular interest was the students” visit to the Futurium and the German Museum of Technology in Berlin, where they had the opportunity to engage with the world of science, innovation, and technological evolution. At the Futurium, through interactive applications and innovative exhibits, the students contemplated the future of humanity, energy, and digital life, while at the Museum of Technology, they traced the historical path of inventions and transportation, understanding how technology affects daily life and social progress.
The week in Berlin was an invaluable experience for all participants. The students returned filled with images, knowledge, and new friendships, proving once again the power of European educational programs to unite young people and foster a more open, creative, and collaborative Europe.
The contribution of the participating teachers was decisive in this educational initiative. The coordination and overall guidance were provided by the Principal of the 6th Junior High School of Larissa, Mr. Vasilios Papamargaritis, while the active participation of the teachers, Ms. Aikaterini Mantzorou and Ms. Efthymia Zacharaki, was invaluable.
