https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb_3FqycwgE

Between March 30 and April 4, 2026, a group of sixteen high school students (grades 9–11) and three teachers from Liceul Teoretic “Radu Vlădescu”, located in Pătârlagele town, Buzău County, participated in a structured learning mobility hosted by Varnenska Morska Gimnazia “Sv. Nikolai Chudotvorec” in Varna, Bulgaria. The activities of this transnational mobility, organised within the Erasmus Project no. 2025-1-RO01-KA121-SCH-000321135, focused on the objectives established in the Learning Agreement, primarily aiming to enhance the Romanian students’ access to quality ecological education and to familiarize them with some of the best European practices in sustainable development and responsible lifestyles.

From a pedagogical and methodological perspective, the mobility programme was grounded in an integrated approach to learning, combining formal, non-formal, and informal educational contexts. The activities were structured to address the cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioural dimensions of learning, with a strong emphasis on the development of civic competences and ecological awareness.

A key component of the program consisted of participation in formal STEM-based learning activities. The demonstration lesson entitled “Ships and Pollution in the Black Sea” provided a relevant interdisciplinary framework through which students explored the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. By engaging with scientific content drawn from environmental science, geography, and biology, the students developed analytical skills and deepened their understanding of cause-effect relationships in ecological systems. This type of inquiry-based learning contributed directly to the formation of informed and responsible attitudes towards environmental protection, thereby supporting the overarching Erasmus objective.

Complementing the formal learning dimension, the multimedia presentations delivered by the students facilitated knowledge exchange and peer learning. These presentations encouraged active participation, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate environmental topics effectively. The use of digital tools in preparing and delivering these materials also contributed to the development of digital competences, which are essential for active citizenship in contemporary society.

A particularly impactful activity in terms of civic competence development was the meeting with a Greenpeace Ambassador. This interaction provided the students with insights into environmental activism, the role of non-governmental organizations in shaping public policy, and concrete strategies for civic engagement. By connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, the session fostered a sense of responsibility and empowered our students to perceive themselves as active agents of change within their communities. This aligns closely with the Erasmus priority of promoting active citizenship and participation in democratic life.

The transnational digital workshop further reinforced collaborative and intercultural learning. This activity both enhanced the participants' creativity and communication skills and fostered teamwork, adaptability, and intercultural understanding. By engaging in collaborative problem-solving within an international context, the students developed key social competences and gained practical experience in working across cultural boundaries-another essential aspect of European citizenship.

Experiential learning was another central pillar of the mobility. The cultural and documentation visits enabled the project participants to observe sustainable practices within real-life contexts, thereby facilitating the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practical understanding. These activities supported the development of critical thinking and comparative analysis skills, allowing the Romanian and Bulgarian learners to evaluate different approaches to sustainability and reflect on their applicability in their own communities.

A significant contribution to behavioural change was achieved through the organization of a clean-up activity in a public space. This hands-on experience exemplified the principle of “learning by doing” and had a direct impact on the internalization of pro-environmental values. By actively participating in environmental protection, the students developed a stronger sense of civic responsibility, initiative, and teamwork. The subsequent picnic featuring traditional Romanian products also contributed to strengthening group cohesion and promoting cultural identity within an intercultural framework.

The inclusion of structured evaluation activities - initial, formative, and final - ensured the coherence and effectiveness of the learning process. The use of digital assessment tools facilitated continuous feedback and reflection, enabling both students and teachers to monitor progress and adjust learning strategies accordingly. This approach supported the development of metacognitive skills and encouraged students to take responsibility for their own learning outcomes.

In terms of results, the mobility successfully achieved its primary objectives. The students demonstrated improved ecological awareness, a deeper understanding of sustainability concepts, and an increased willingness to engage in civic actions related to environmental protection. Additionally, they developed a range of key competences, including critical thinking, digital literacy, communication skills, teamwork, and intercultural awareness.

In conclusion, our Erasmus+ mobility in Varna represented a coherent and effective educational intervention, characterized by methodological rigour and pedagogical innovation. By integrating diverse learning contexts and focusing on competence development, the programme contributed significantly to the formation of responsible, informed, and active citizens. The outcomes highlight the essential role of international mobility experiences in promoting education for sustainable development and in preparing young people to address the complex challenges of contemporary society.

The contents reflect the views only of the author, and the National Agency and European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.