Report of the 4th Mobility in Greece– Rafina (4–9 May 2025)
The 4th Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) of the project “Protect Your Nature, Protect Your Future” took place at 1st Gymnasio Rafinas, from 4 to 9 May 2025, with the participation of students and teachers from five countries: Greece, Latvia, Turkey, Germany, and Italy.
A total of 113 students and 23 teachers took part:
• Greece: 56 students & 13 teachers
• Latvia: 5 students & 2 teachers
• Germany: 1 student & 2 teachers
• Turkey: 24 students & 3 teachers
• Italy: 10 students & 2 teachers (School 1), 16 students & 2 teachers (School 2)
The mobility focused on fostering environmental awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening intercultural communication among students and teachers. Through a mix of hands-on activities, cultural exchanges, and educational trips, participants were encouraged to explore the connection between nature, culture, and science.
Objectives and Themes
The activities of the week aimed to:
- Enhance students” environmental awareness through field activities and observations of local ecosystems.
- Promote cultural exchange and the development of a shared European identity.
- Emphasize the importance of environmental responsibility through sustainable practices, including waste management and biodiversity preservation.
- Encourage active student involvement in citizen science activities.
- Support collaboration and inclusivity among students from different backgrounds and abilities.
Detailed Programme
Day 1 – Sunday, May 4, 2025
After all delegations gathered at 1st Gymnasio Rafinas, the group departed for Schinias National Park. They were guided through the wetland ecosystem, followed by a visit to the Archaeological Site of Rhamnous. In the evening, a traditional Cretan festivity with music, dance, and local food took place.
Day 2 – Monday, May 5, 2025
The day began with the official welcome ceremony at 1st Gymnasio Rafinas, followed by presentations from students on their schools and local areas. A presentation by 1st Gymnasio Rafinas on protecting coastal ecosystems and combating climate change followed. In the afternoon, students participated in environmental workshops at Marikes Beach, focusing on water analysis, biodiversity, and waste management, followed by a land art activity. A visit to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon concluded the day.
Day 3 – Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Participants took a ferry to Andros Island, where they learned about the island’s traditional dry-stone walls and environmental conservation practices. A guided tour of Chora emphasized the connection between cultural heritage and the natural landscape. The day ended with a friendly football match between the Triglia Rafinas youth team and the Erasmus students.
Day 4 – Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The group traveled to Megara for hands-on activities at Perivolaki farm, including gardening, composting, and beekeeping. A visit to Corinth Canal and Nafplio followed, with a walking tour to explore the cultural history of the area.
Day 5 – Thursday, May 8, 2025
Students visited the Hymettus Aesthetic Forest, followed by a visit to the Paleontology Museum at the University of Athens to learn about fossils and geomythology. The day concluded with a visit to the Acropolis Museum and a stroll through Plaka.
Day 6 – Friday, May 9, 2025
The final day included rotating workshops on environmental robotics, dance-theatre, and poster creation. Students presented their group projects, followed by a visit to the Rafina Town Hall and Marine Life Museum. The mobility concluded with a Closing Ceremony, including an Environmental Torch Relay in Rafina and a Gala Dinner.
Results
The mobility in Greece produced significant educational, cultural, and environmental outcomes:
- Deepened environmental knowledge through active participation in local ecosystems and environmental activities.
- Strengthened communication, collaboration, and digital skills among students.
- Increased creativity and engagement through art, music, and environmental projects.
- Promoted intercultural understanding and European citizenship.
- Enhanced teachers” professional development through the exchange of best practices in outdoor and sustainable learning.
Conclusion
The mobility in Greece successfully integrated environmental education with cultural exchange and experiential learning, providing both students and teachers with valuable insights into sustainability, biodiversity, and European identity. The activities fostered active participation and collaboration among students from different countries, and the results will be shared through presentations, the Erasmus Results Platform, and school websites.
Participants returned with a strengthened commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural cooperation, equipped with new skills and experiences that will shape them as responsible, act,
