e TwinniNG MOBILITY TO GREECE

The project theme, which the teams from both schools worked on throughout the year, was related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. During their stay in Greece, the Romanian partners engaged in a variety of educational activities with our students and experienced our warm hospitality and culture.

On the first day of their visit, the Arsakeio students warmly welcomed the Romanian students and teachers. Together, they enjoyed an English-guided tour of the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. Divided into four mixed groups, the students collaboratively completed activity booklets about the Acropolis. To reinforce their knowledge and for fun, they played an online educational game with multiple-choice questions about the Acropolis and ancient Greece.

Afterwards, the students explored the picturesque streets of Plaka and had lunch at a traditional tavern in Monastiraki, where the guests had the opportunity to savor traditional Greek cuisine.

Finally, the Arsakeio students guided the Romanian students through the archaeological site of the Ancient Agora using an audio guide they had created themselves. They had gathered information about the site from the internet, processed it, and recorded an audio guide.

On the second day, the educators and students from Romania visited the hosting school, the B' Arsakeio-Tositseio High School of Ekali. After a welcoming address from the school administration and program coordinators, the visitors were given a brief tour of the school premises by students participating in the program.

Next, the students listened to a lecture in English by Professor Vasileios Lambrinoudakis, who teaches Classical Archaeology at the University of Athens and serves on the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture.

Professor Lambrinoudakis highlighted to both Greek and Romanian students the significance and urgency of understanding and preserving their cultural heritage. He emphasized that younger generations must embrace and transmit their cultural legacy to future ones, as the foundation of every civilization's present and future lies in its past.

 Following that, the students took part in a simulated excavation at the Archaeological Park of the Arsakeio-Tositseio Schools.

AT the end of the day, the Greek students showcased traditional Greek dances and invited their Romanian counterparts to join them, guiding them through the steps of some of these dances in the school gymnasium.

After the dances, homemade traditional Greek delicacies were offered.

On the third day, an excursion was arranged to Mycenae (one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites) and Nafplio (the first capital of modern Greece). Our school's students guided their Romanian counterparts to the Acropolis of Mycenae, the museum, and the Treasury of Atreus.

Next, the students, divided into 4 mixed groups, participated in a historical treasure hunt, searching for clues within the Old Town of Nafplio.

On the fourth day, students and educators conducted learning activities at the school.

The students discussed the protection and promotion of World Heritage Monuments and participated in an online educational game with multiple-choice questions about the archaeological site of Mycenae to reinforce their knowledge.

After receiving a presentation on the significance of the circular economy and sustainable development, the children upcycled an old shirt into a reusable shopping bag in our school library area.

Furthermore, they discussed in groups and contemplated the risks threatening our cultural heritage, exchanging ideas on ways to preserve it in the School Library.

The last activity of the day was a treasure hunt with QR codes related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in our school forest.

The day ended with a ceremony for the distribution of Participation Certificates and hospitality gifts.

The visitors expressed  their appreciation to the school community of the 2nd Arsakeio-Tositseio Gymnasium of Ekali for the warm reception, hospitality, successful activities organized, and excellent cooperation in the eTwinning program.

 The tears of emotion shed by the students and teachers during the farewell are evidence of the program's success. The hospitality and warmth of the Greeks left a strong impression on the Romanian partners, and the Greek educators and students were also delighted with the entire hosting experience they provided to their new European friends.