The kick-off meeting of the project "Think Global, Act Local" was held in the beautiful town of Bisceglie, Italy. The meeting spanned three productive working days and took place at an NGO specializing in adult education, which served as the host institution for the event. Each partner school sent a delegation of three teachers to participate in the meeting, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise.
The meeting kicked off with team-building activities and ice-breakers on the first day, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the participants. During this time, the detailed planning of project activities took place, covering various aspects such as project management, implementation strategies, mobility activities, setting deadlines, signing partnership agreements, dissemination plans, and monitoring procedures. The participants also engaged in discussions related to teaching and education in the context of the pandemic, exploring innovative approaches and sharing their experiences. Additionally, the first two training modules, Module 1 on the discussion forum about teaching and education in the pandemic and Module 2 on the climate emergency, were conducted on the first day.
In the afternoon of the same day, the participants had the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of the city, immersing themselves in the cultural heritage of the Jesi area. This provided a valuable opportunity to appreciate the local context and draw inspiration from the surroundings.
The second day focused on training modules 3 and 4. Module 3 delved into the concept of outdoor education as a comprehensive and organic training proposal, while Module 4 explored the principles of the circular economy, urban regeneration, and ecological conversion. Following the training sessions, the participants enjoyed a trekking trip, allowing them to connect with nature and further enhance their understanding of the topics discussed.
On the final day, the training continued with modules 5 and 6, which covered environmental education, sustainable development, ecosystems, and biodiversity. A workshop on mixed groups was also organized, where the participants learned about various methods and developed outdoor activity plans. These plans were tailored to suit the unique school and geographical contexts of each partner country, promoting inclusive and adaptable educational practices.
Moreover, during this day, the participants dedicated time to creating the official website of the project, a digital platform that would serve as a central hub for sharing information and resources. The assessment and evaluation of the training modules were conducted, and certificates of participation and Europass documents were awarded to the attendees, acknowledging their active involvement and contribution.
Throughout the meeting, a member of the host team diligently recorded the minutes of each session, ensuring that key discussions and decisions were properly documented. The work agenda was collaboratively prepared by the host team in conjunction with the other participants and shared with the partner schools in advance, allowing them to adequately prepare for the meeting.
The kick-off meeting of the "Think Global, Act Local" project in Bisceglie, Italy, successfully laid the foundation for collaborative efforts in the field of adult education. The diverse range of training modules, combined with team-building activities, cultural exploration, and strategic planning, fostered a productive and inspiring environment for the participants.