MOBILITY IN THESSALONIKI — March 2026
GROW Erasmus+ Project
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DAY 1 — Monday: Welcome & Team Building
The Greek mobility started at the Primary School of Liti, where the Italian delegation was warmly welcomed by the school's Principal, the President of the Community of Liti, and the President of the Parent Association.
The morning kicked off with "Common Ground Circles", an ice-breaking and bonding game designed to help students and teachers from all partner countries get to know each other in a fun, relaxed way.
Next came the "Build a Bridge Challenge" — a hands-on mixed-team activity where students from different countries worked together to build a bridge using simple materials. The challenge promoted cooperation, communication, critical thinking and sustainability, perfectly in line with the GROW project values.
After a coffee break, the Portuguese team led a workshop, sharing their project work and best practices on sustainability.
The afternoon featured a powerful activity: "All Different / All Essential: The Mosaic of Inclusion" — an art-based and interdisciplinary workshop led by a visual artist and teacher at the host school. Through artistic expression, students explored themes of social and emotional education, history, and cultural identity, learning that every individual is an essential piece of a bigger mosaic. The activity combined collaboration, critical thinking and cultural expression.
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DAY 2 — Tuesday: Discovering Thessaloniki
The second day was entirely dedicated to discovering the rich history and culture of Thessaloniki, Greece's vibrant second city.
The group embarked on a Cultural & Educational Walking Tour divided into three parts:
• Part 1 — The Upper City (Ano Poli): the morning began with a walk through the historic upper town, exploring Byzantine walls, traditional architecture, and panoramic views over the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
• Part 2 — City Centre: after a short coffee break, the tour continued through the heart of Thessaloniki, visiting key historical landmarks and learning about the city's multicultural past.
• Part 3 — Afternoon exploration: the walking tour concluded in the afternoon with further discoveries in the city centre, giving participants a comprehensive picture of Thessaloniki's heritage — from Roman and Byzantine monuments to its modern, cosmopolitan character.
A lunch break in the city gave everyone the chance to taste local Greek cuisine and socialise.
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DAY 3 — Wednesday: Environmental Sustainability in Action
Day three was the heart of the GROW project's sustainability focus, with a full-day excursion to the Environmental Sustainability Education Centre (KEPEA) in Poroia and Lake Kerkini.
The group departed early from Liti and arrived at KEPEA Poroia, where they received an introduction to the wetland of Lake Kerkini, a precious ecosystem protected by the RAMSAR international treaty. Introductory games helped participants connect with the environment and each other.
Next, they visited the Museum of Lake Kerkini, learning about the lake's biodiversity, the species that inhabit it, and the environmental challenges it faces. A stop at a café with traditional local products offered a taste of the region's culinary traditions.
The highlight of the day was the field visit to Lake Kerkini itself, where students engaged in:
• 🐦 Bird watching — observing the rich birdlife of the wetland (pelicans, herons, flamingos and more)
• 🌍 Environmental awareness activities — hands-on exercises about the impact of human actions on ecosystems
The excursion continued with a visit to the dam at Lithotopos, followed by a group meal. A truly immersive day connecting students with nature, science, and environmental responsibility
[13/03/2026 14:28] MisterMac: .
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DAY 4 — Thursday: Science, Technology & Innovation
The fourth day was dedicated to science and technology with a visit to the Noesis Science Centre and Technology Museum in Thessaloniki.
[13/03/2026 14:28] MisterMac: The morning started with a Planetarium screening of "Alien Worlds", a fascinating show exploring the possibility of life on other planets — sparking curiosity and scientific thinking among students.
This was followed by the "Tinkering" educational lab, where students experimented with materials and tools in a creative, hands-on workshop that encouraged problem-solving, creativity, and scientific exploration.
After a break, students explored the Museum of Technology, discovering how science and innovation have shaped the modern world.
Meanwhile, students from all partner countries delivered presentations on collaborative projects they had been working on throughout the GROW project — a moment to celebrate the work done together and reflect on what they had learned about sustainability.
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DAY 5 — Friday: Free Day & Farewell
The final day was left free for participants to explore Thessaloniki at their own pace, do some shopping, or simply enjoy the city's atmosphere.
The mobility concluded with a memorable farewell dinner featuring traditional Greek cuisine — grilled meats, local appetisers, homemade desserts, and live music. It was an emotional evening to celebrate the friendships formed, the experiences shared, and the values of the GROW project: sustainability, inclusion, and international cooperation.