Culture Carriers and Creators: A Successful Erasmus KA210-SCH Journey

 

Over the past 24 months, the 1st EPAL of Sykeon has embarked on its inaugural Small-Scale Erasmus Partnerships program, a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with schools from Naples, Italy; Samsun, Turkey; and Granada, Spain. Under the KA210-SCH program in the School Education Sector, our project, *“Culture Carriers and Creators,”* aimed to bridge cultures, expand horizons, and cultivate a European identity among its participants. 

Fostering Connection and Growth 

The program engaged 12 enthusiastic students from class B and a team of four dedicated teachers, carefully selected to balance linguistic and pedagogical strengths across disciplines. Through this collaboration, students and teachers explored the rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), learning to embrace diversity while building bridges of understanding and respect. 

From the outset, enthusiasm ran high. Teachers began preparatory meetings months before the project's launch, shaping the program’s structure with the leadership of coordinators Ms. Efraimidou Kyriaki, Jose Manza, Selda Cetin, and Bianca Discepola. This collaborative spirit was solidified in September 2023 during the first official online meeting, where educators exchanged insights into their educational systems, teaching practices, and tools that had proven invaluable during the pandemic. 

Cultivating Language and Cultural Competence 

Language and communication were central to the project. Students and teachers alike participated in English language courses on campus, strengthening their linguistic abilities while fostering connections. Using the e-me platform, lessons followed a flipped classroom model, allowing participants to engage in meaningful dialogue. This preparation proved instrumental in enabling students to present their schools, towns, and insights on ICH topics such as its significance, transmission, and preservation. 

Exploring Heritage Through Mobilities 

The program was enriched by a series of dynamic mobilities across partner countries. Each mobility was a unique cultural immersion, blending educational workshops, site visits, and interactive activities. 

-Granada, Spain (March 2024): Participants experienced the city's historical depth, from the Alhambra's Islamic architectural splendor to the bustling streets of Sacromonte. Transnational teams collaborated on tasks, explored local cuisine, and celebrated cultural traditions with gypsy music and dance. 

- Thessaloniki, Greece (May 2024): Hosting the partners was an opportunity to showcase Greece’s vibrant heritage. Highlights included tours of the Royal Tombs Museum in Vergina, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and interactive workshops on UNESCO’s ICH list for Greece. Guests participated in traditional dances, enjoyed local delicacies, and exchanged artistic tokens of goodwill. 

- Naples, Italy (October 2024): In Naples, students guided their peers through historical landmarks, explored Pompeii, and discussed active citizenship during workshops. The farewell event celebrated cultural diversity with traditional foods, music, and dance. 

- Samsun, Turkey (November 2024): This mobility will conclude the program, with plans to explore Turkey's cultural wealth while reflecting on the project’s overarching themes of inclusion and respect. 

Building Bridges Through Intangible Cultural Heritage 

A central focus of the project was the exploration of UNESCO’s ICH list, emphasizing safeguarding practices and respecting cultural diversity. Students and teachers studied ICH through a series of presentations and collaborative activities, discussing its relevance in education and its role in fostering active citizenship. 

Impact and Looking Ahead 

The project succeeded in broadening participants’ perspectives. Students enhanced their communication skills, embraced cultural differences, and laid the groundwork for lifelong friendships. Teachers gained valuable insights into international education practices and fostered a collaborative spirit among the partner schools. 

As the program draws to a close in 2025, the 1st EPAL of Sykeon celebrates the transformative power of this initiative. By nurturing respect, empathy, and shared identity, “Culture Carriers and Creators” has left an indelible mark on all involved, proving that education transcends borders and builds bridges of humanity.