We create for ecology Erasmus Project

Project Title

We create for ecology

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills; Natural sciences; International cooperation, international relations, development cooperation

Project Summary

We Create for Ecology was an international project designed and carried out by two partner schools- Základní škola Svážná Most, Czech Republic, and Terra Meppel, The Netherlands. The main objective was to raise awareness of ecological issues among the youth through doing various projects. Students have learnerd about birds and insects, they have made bird houses, bird feeders, insect houses, bumblebee houses, squirrel feeders, they have met a forester and a bee expert, they have made extensive research on the project topics. They have learned about Land Art and tried some LA projects on their own. They organised an event called Fair Trade Breakfast and gave information about fair trade to the attandees. They have learned about coal mining and the recultivation of the mine areas, that is so specific for the area of one of the partner schools. They have made photo herbals, learning about flowers and herbs, and they have made photo books with all the memorable moments. The participants learned how each one of them could do something to be helpful or sustainable in their environment. The students from Svážná and Terra schools live in such different environments that it created amazing conditions and opportunities for everyone to learn from each other, especially during the exchange trips when they stayed in a foreign country. Meeting new people, communicating in English, cooperating during various projects, staying with a foreign host family and learning about their everyday life, producing amazing things together, making friends for life, it was all part of everyone’s journey.
We managed to do all activities we had planned, with only two exceptions- the second exchange trip had to be canceled due to Covid 19 pandemic (force majeure). It was very sad for all participants as they were so excited to learn abroad. Instead, we were able to make online meetings where we carried on with some of the little projects. We found a way how to stay in touch via video chats, social media, and a website with all photos of our projects. The website is http://meppelmost.wixsite.com/wcfe. It is secured by password because there are minors in the photos. The password was given to all participants as well as other students from both schools (and their parents). The password is wcfe2021.
During and after the pandemic it was clear that the students needed social contact more than anything else, so the online meetings were aimed mainly at that. Lots of talking, socialising, exchanging social media information, but also doing some little projects together, drawings, evaluation of the whole project, discussing the experience everyone had and what we learned along the way. We also brainstormed ideas for future potential projects as we would like to continue our international friendship and cooperation.
The second activity that had been canceled two times due to the pandemic (force majeure) was participating at Easter Fair. The fair had been canceled both years by the city due to the government restrictions. We still plan to participate at the fair next year even when the project is officially over.
We met all objectives that had been set out and we even did some extra little projects. We also involved more people than we had planned so it is safe to say that we raised awareness in our schools / cities. We keep doing online meetings even outside the project and with different pupils as it is a great way how to practise English and start new friendships that will most likely lead to other projects.

Project Website

http://meppelmost.wixsite.com/wcfe

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 34780 Eur

Project Coordinator

Zakladni skola, Most, Svazna 2342, prispevkova organizace & Country: CZ

Project Partners

• Stichting AOC Terra