Following the first mobility of the Erasmus+ project "Resilience for the Future" in Sweden in March 2024, Paralimni Lyceum was thrilled to host the second phase of the project, welcoming 10 students from Ava Gymnasium Taby, Sweden, and 8 students from Ins. Alba Del Valles, Spain, from May 27th to 31st. This mobility shifted the focus to areas where Cyprus could improve in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on research conducted by the students during the first mobility in Sweden. For a more detailed account of the project activities you can visit the following pages on eTwinning: https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects/sustainable-horizons-erasmus-global-goals-and-cultural-exchange/twinspace/pages/mobility-cyprus-may-2024
The students were divided into international teams and tasked with analyzing specific SDGs where Cyprus had room for improvement. This involved:
Identifying Challenges: Students delved into issues like gender equality, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, analyzing Cyprus's current status and identifying areas for improvement.
Developing Solutions: Drawing inspiration from best practices in Sweden and Spain, the teams brainstormed and designed innovative solutions tailored to the Cypriot context.
Creating Action Plans: Each team formulated a detailed action plan outlining steps to implement their proposed solutions, considering feasibility, stakeholders, and potential impact.
Producing Final Products: The culmination of their efforts involved two key components:
Presentations: Each team prepared and delivered a compelling presentation to an audience of students, teachers, and parents in the school auditorium, showcasing their findings, proposed solutions, and action plans.
Call to Action Videos: To extend their message beyond the school walls, the students also created short videos serving as a call to action, encouraging viewers to engage with the chosen SDG and contribute to positive change. These videos were shared on the project's eTwinning page to reach a wider audience.
You can view the students' videos below:
Winning video: Gender & Equality
Beyond collaborative project work, the students engaged in a diverse program that included:
A day trip to the Cape Greco Environmental Education Centre provided insights into marine ecosystems and sustainable practices, with activities like identifying local flora and fauna and discussing threats to marine biodiversity. The students also experienced a dive at the underwater sculpture museum in Ayia Napa, further exploring and understanding the unique local ecosystem.
A visit to the University of Cyprus included tours of the KIOS and FOS Research Centers, showcasing cutting-edge research in sustainable energy and robotics. The students also attended a lecture and workshop on Sustainable Development Goals, connecting academic learning with real-world applications.
Welcome Presentations: On the first day, Paralimni Lyceum students presented to their guests, showcasing Cypriot culture through presentations on traditional food, history, the school and its surrounding area, and the poignant history of Famagusta and the Turkish invasion. The students gathered at the closed stadium to have brunch together, tasting traditional tastes of Cyprus and then danced together.
Nicosia Tour: A guided tour through the historic center of Nicosia allowed students to experience the divided city and learn about Cyprus's rich cultural heritage, visiting landmarks like the Selimiye Mosque and the Leventis Municipal Museum.
Traditional Night Out: A memorable evening was spent at the Ropas tavern in Paralimni, where students savored traditional Cypriot cuisine and bonded over lively folk dancing, experiencing the warmth of Cypriot hospitality.
Dancing together
Activities at the environmental centre
This Erasmus+ project fostered:
Intercultural Competence: Students interacted with peers from diverse backgrounds, promoting understanding and respect.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Collaborative work on real-world challenges developed critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
Practical Experience: Students applied theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, particularly in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Lasting Friendships: The experience fostered international friendships and expanded students' global networks.
Paralimni Lyceum remains dedicated to promoting global citizenship and equipping students to address 21st-century challenges. The Erasmus+ project "Resilience for the Future" empowers our students to become active contributors to a more sustainable and equitable world.
We express our sincere gratitude to all contributors to this successful mobility, including the staff at the Cape Greco Environmental Education Centre, the University of Cyprus, and the Play4All restaurant in Paralimni for providing the farewell lunch. Special thanks to the Paralimni Municipality and the Paralimni Lyceum Parents' Association for their generous sponsorship of the traditional night out at the Ropas tavern in Paralimni.
