Erasmus+ MOBILITY TO ROMANIA

The student and teacher mobility, as part of the approved European Erasmus+ program KA121-SCH, with the code 2023-1-EL01-KA121-SCH-000132601 and entitled "Young Change Makers," was successfully conducted from April 1st to April 5th, 2024. It took place at Colegiul National Pedagogic "Constantin Bratescu" in Constanta, Romania, situated on the banks of the Black Sea, the largest port city in Romania.

Our school was represented by 16 students from the 3rd grade of the B' Arsakeio-TositseioJunior High School in Ekali, along with teachers Ms. Gkarmpola Athena (English teacher), Ms. Xyrafa Athena (English teacher), and Ms. Archontia Savvidaki (Computer Science teacher). Over the course of five days, the teachers and students from the partner schools took part in a series of activities conducted in English.

On the first day, Monday, April 1, 2024, the students visited the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum in Bucharest. This museum is a unique outdoor exhibition faithfully depicting a typical Romanian village, established in 1936. It boasts over 300 wooden houses, windmills, churches, and other structures representing rural Romania. It stands as the largest museum of its kind in Europe. 

Afterwards, the students took a delightful walk in Bucharest's largest park, Herastrau Park, and ended their excursion at the impressive Triumphal Arch on the park's southern side. Inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, the Triumphal Arch is dedicated to Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I.

Afterwards, the Romanian students led their peers on a tour of Bucharest's historic old town, visiting some of the city's notable landmarks. They explored the Romanian Athenaeum, which functions as a concert hall and houses the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Orthodox Church of Stavropoleos. They also visited the Cărturești Carusel bookstore, renowned as one of the most beautiful bookstores globally, and strolled through the picturesque 19th-century Macca-Villacrosse Passage, among other attractions.

On the second day, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the Romanian students took their Greek counterparts on a tour of their hometown, Constanța. During this captivating exploration of the city, the students admired the Roman mosaics, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the majestic Mahmud II Mosque, the historic Genoese Lighthouse, the faithful replica of the Capitoline Wolf statue from Rome, and the striking Art Nouveau building of the Casino situated along the shores of the Black Sea. 

Afterwards, we visited the Romanian school, Colegiul National Pedagogic “Constantin Bratescu,” where the program was officially kicked off by the school's principal. Then, we were given a tour of the school facilities. The reception was especially warm, with students waiting at the school entrance to welcome us.

Next, we headed to the school gymnasium, where the students of our host school presented traditional Romanian dances. Afterward, we enjoyed a reception in the school foyer with an array of traditional Romanian delicacies. 

Following that, both Romanian and Greek students delivered presentations on the history, culture, and civilization of their respective countries.

Finally, the students engaged with the folk tradition of Romania by participating in a delightful craft activity. They decorated bottles with seeds, symbolizing abundance according to local tradition, which were then offered as gifts. 

On the third day, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the students visited the picturesque Danube town of Tulcea in Romania. A standout experience for all was the river cruise along the Danube and its canals, offering them the chance to observe various bird species, fish, and rare plants.

 Following that, all the students visited the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Museum, where they learned about the significance of biodiversity and the conservation of the region's ecosystem.

On the fourth day, Thursday, April 4, 2024, marked the morning of a guided tour to the ancient Greek colony of Histria, where the remains of temples dedicated to Zeus, Apollo, Poseidon, Hermes, Demeter, and other ancient Greek deities were unearthed. 

At the end of the visit, the students cleaned up the archaeological site, aiming to inform, raise awareness, and involve students in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

Next, the students visited the Museum of Archaeology and History of Constanta, where they learned about the ancient heritage of the city, which has Greek and Roman origins. 

Finally, the students engaged in another environmental awareness activity by cleaning up a beach in the city of Constanta. Key objectives achieved through this endeavor include fostering environmental consciousness, promoting volunteerism, raising awareness, and encouraging collaboration.

At the end of the day, we exchanged hospitality gifts and participants were awarded certificates of participation in the mobility program.

On the fifth day ,  Friday, April 5th, 2024, our students were given a tour of the Parliament Palace, formerly known as the "People's Palace," which is the largest state building in Europe and the second-largest parliamentary building in the world, following the Pentagon in Washington.

Our journey concluded with a stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town of Bucharest , where the past of a beautiful medieval city is omnipresent, filled with splendid buildings and impressive monuments.