Calendar of Activities

The first sessions focused on building a strong intercultural team spirit. Through games like “Two Truths and a Lie”, musical chairs with opinion statements, and collaborative challenges, students from five different countries quickly overcame language barriers and created bonds of trust and mutual respect. These early activities set the tone for open communication and meaningful dialogue throughout the week.

Students compared their national educational systems and shared how class councils operate in their schools. The activity culminated in a class council simulation, where students assumed representative roles and practiced decision-making procedures. They discussed responsibilities, democratic representation, and how to implement meaningful student voice at school level.

Cypriot students shared how their student councils are elected and function, offering insight into the structures of school democracy in Cyprus. This exchange enabled all participants to reflect critically on their own systems and imagine improvements.

One of the highlights of the mobility was the Debating Workshop, where students developed key competencies in argumentation, public speaking, and respectful disagreement. Guided by a structured framework, students practiced formulating arguments, anticipating counterpoints, and refining their persuasive communication style.

Debates revolved around current topics such as:

• Should fast food be banned at school?

• Are plastic bags an acceptable convenience?

• Is veganism better for the planet?

• Who is responsible for reducing the carbon footprint: citizens or the government?

• Should farming be local and seasonal?

Students engaged with enthusiasm, demonstrating growing confidence, cooperation, and awareness of diverse viewpoints. The workshop provided a space not only to learn debating techniques but also to explore social and environmental issues critically.

On the final day, students participated in an expert-led session with Ms. Ebrahim, a representative from Das Progressive Zentrum, a Berlin-based think tank. The talk was carefully structured: each country team used tablets to research her work and create questions based on their assigned focus. A team of moderators from different countries selected the best questions to present.

This session explored youth participation in democratic processes, barriers to civic engagement, and how students can act as agents of change. The students' questions were insightful and sparked valuable discussion. The interactive format ensured that all students engaged deeply with the theme of youth voice in democracy.

During the week, students collaborated on presentations about their home schools and developed proposals for improving their own cities and school environments. Cypriot students shared ideas on:

• Building green areas and bike lanes

• Addressing heating/cooling infrastructure

• Promoting inclusion and more transparent student councils

These presentations demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and an awareness of real-world civic needs.

The mobility included a rich cultural programme aligned with the learning goals:

• Bundestag (Parliament): Students toured the building and observed where political debates take place. They learned about the German legislative process and how youth can be politically active.

• Futurium – House of Futures: Interactive exhibitions explored how democracy might evolve in the future, connecting civic education with innovation.

• East Side Gallery & Berlin Wall Memorial: Students reflected on the symbolism of the Berlin Wall and the importance of overcoming division in society.

• Museum Island: A visit to the Greek antiquities section prompted discussion about cultural preservation and heritage.

These visits added historical depth to the discussions and helped students link the abstract ideas of democracy and participation to real historical and political contexts.

An exciting moment was the project-wide logo contest, where each country submitted a design representing Speak Up. Students and teachers voted, and the winning entry was created by Pavlos Ioannidis from Cyprus. His AI-enhanced logo — a globe with a megaphone symbolizing free expression — won by one vote over the Italian design.

This achievement fostered school pride and highlighted how digital creativity and symbolism can be used to communicate democratic values.

Throughout the week, students demonstrated growth in collaboration, communication, and confidence. They reflected on the significance of democratic engagement and freedom of expression in their school lives and broader communities.

Reflections collected on the Padlet platform revealed key insights:

• Students valued learning how to listen and speak up respectfully.

• Many felt inspired to bring participatory practices back to their own schools.

• Interacting with peers from different cultures broadened their worldviews and increased their sense of European identity.

You can explore their full reflections by accessing the embedded Padlet on this page.

The Berlin mobility offered students a rich blend of experiential learning, democratic practice, and intercultural collaboration. Over the course of the week, they developed key competences that extended far beyond the classroom.

Through structured debates, class council simulations, and expert-led discussions, participants strengthened their ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives. Public speaking, argumentation, and persuasive techniques were not just taught, but actively practiced — allowing students to build confidence and clarity in expressing their views.

Intercultural awareness grew naturally through teamwork with peers from five different countries, as students learned to navigate cultural differences, listen actively, and find common ground. The workshop by InterAct and the talk with Ms. Sarah Ebrahim challenged them to reflect on their roles in democratic societies and how youth can shape the future.

Creative thinking and digital skills were also fostered through presentation work, collaborative projects, and the logo competition — which was proudly won by Cyprus. Students demonstrated initiative, innovation, and a shared commitment to the project’s values.

Beyond the formal activities, the cultural programme allowed participants to connect historical context with current civic realities, deepening their appreciation for democracy, freedom of expression, and European identity.

This mobility has left a lasting impact on our students — equipping them with tools for dialogue, collaboration, and civic engagement. It was not just a week of travel, but a meaningful step in becoming more thoughtful, active, and responsible young citizens.