Project Meeting in Didim, Türkiye

A Memorable Milestone in Environmental Awareness - Third Mobility of the project in Didim, Türkiye

From November 18th to 22nd, 2024, Didim, Türkiye, played host to the third mobility of this project inspiring week of collaborative learning brought together participants from Portugal and Turkey to address climate change through innovative educational activities and cultural exchange.

The week kicked off with a warm welcome on Monday morning at the hosting school. Participants, including teachers and students, engaged in ice-breaking activities that set a friendly tone for the program. A Workshop on climate change followed, fostering a deep understanding of this critical global issue among attendees. The day concluded with a chess tournament and a creative painting session centered on environmental themes, showcasing the participants' artistic flair.

Tuesday brought a mix of science, gratitude, and cultural connections. A unique activity, "A Delicious Roll of Appreciation for Our Teachers," highlighted the importance of recognising educators' efforts. Teachers and Students were invited to learn how to make a traditional dish, “Yaprak Sarmasi” - Sarma (Turkish for "wrapping" or "rolling") is a traditional food in Ottoman cuisine – nowadays, Turkish, Greek, Levantine / Arabic, Armenian, etc. – made of vegetable leaves rolled around a filling of minced meat or grains such as rice/ bulgur, or both. It is commonly marketed in the English-speaking world as stuffed grape leaves, stuffed vine leaves, or stuffed cabbage leaves. After this activity, students conducted climate change experiments in the science lab, blending hands-on learning, and building a water filter.

Before lunch, a musical event celebrated the power of music in bridging cultural gaps. In the afternoon, visits to Didim Municipality and the National Education Directorate enriched participants' understanding of the local governance of environmental policies. The day wrapped up with a Model United Nations (MUN ) session focused on Sustainable Development Goal – 13 – Climate Change Action.

On Wednesday, traditional dance activities delighted attendees, followed by an interactive quiz about climate change, emphasizing learning through fun and engagement. The participants enjoyed a relaxed afternoon, fostering informal bonds and cultural immersion.

Thursday was dedicated to exploring Didim’s rich history and natural beauty. Participants visited the iconic Apollon Temple, and Altınkum Seaside gaining insights into Turkey's cultural heritage while appreciating the importance of preserving natural and historical treasures. At the beach, students were challenged to pick up the trash from the sand. The afternoon was also free, which allowed students to bond with their peers and do some souvenir shopping.

The final day featured reflections on the week’s achievements. Participants completed a Google Form evaluation and contributed to an Activity Padlet showcasing the highlights of the mobility. Certificates of Attendance were distributed in a heartfelt ceremony, celebrating the dedication of all involved.

The mobility not only strengthened international collaboration but also empowered participants with knowledge and tools to combat climate change. This experience underscored the importance of education in fostering a sustainable future and left all participants enriched by the cultural and academic exchanges.

As the Turkish from Keşan and Portuguese teams returned home, the memories and lessons from Didim will undoubtedly inspire further actions in their schools and communities. This mobility served as a shining example of how Erasmus+ projects unite people across borders to build a better future for the next generation.

Padlet of the LTT