Discovering Sardinia: Cultural Differences Through Students’ Eyes
On 20-26th October, 2024 6th graders from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium travelled to Italy, Sardinia under the Erasmus + KA121 program (no. 2024-1-LT01-KA121-SCH-000215452) to get to know another culture, make new friends, visit unique places of this island, taste traditional dishes and learn traditional dances. It was not only a valuable educational experience, but also a cultural adventure and an opportunity to learn more about the traditions of this special island.The students were pleasantly surprised by the warmth, kindness and care of the families, surrounded by love and attention. In Sardinia, families often maintain a strong bond and community spirit, which can appear to guests as an extremely warm and sincere way of life. Such an experience can undoubtedly enrich children - not only broadening their world view, but also understanding how language and culture can create a sense of belonging, even when the environment is different from their own. Italians are really very warm people, especially towards children. By staying with families, the sixth formers not only improved their English but also picked up a few words or phrases in Italian.In the modern education system, technology and innovation are becoming an integral part of the educational process. In Sardinia, Italy, a school called ISTITUTO COMPRENSIVO ANTONIO GRAMSCI, in order to integrate modern teaching methods, organized an unusual English lesson for sixth graders, combining robotics and language learning. This method not only helped improve language skills, but also developed many other skills needed in the XXI century.Modern education is increasingly moving beyond the traditional classroom, giving students the opportunity to learn through experience and a direct connection with nature. One such lesson is an unconventional trip to Platamon, where sixth graders immersed themselves in the natural sciences, observing birds and fish and exploring the soil. This lesson was also integrated into other subjects, such as biology, geography and even literature, and pupils were encouraged to write about their experiences. The aim of the lesson was to develop the pupils' ability to know and explore the processes of nature, and to develop critical thinking, creativity and co-operation skills.The children spent the last day increasing their physical activity by going on a hike around Bramassa Park. The length of the walk was about 7 kilometers. The weather was very kind to the travelers and after walking half the way, the children had a great opportunity to swim in the azure waters of the Mediterranean and even see the octopus swimming live. The guide introduced the children to the ancient forts in the park, explaining their purpose and how the Sardinians tried to save them.The difference observed and identified by the children between the cultures was - time. In Italy, time is more flexible, so lateness is not considered a big problem, and the rhythm of life is freer and slower, with great attention paid to the quality of rest, lunch breaks and time with the family.Family life is also different - Italians often maintain extremely close ties with their loved ones, with family gatherings, lunches or dinners being an integral part of their daily routine. Lithuanian family ties are also strong, but are more often considered a private aspect of life. It may have been difficult for the children to fit into these Italian gatherings at first, but they eventually adapted and accepted it as part of their daily routine.The integration of technology and innovation into the teaching process at the Sardinian school gave students the opportunity to develop skills that are important for the XXI century - problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Robotics classes during English lessons were an excellent example of how modern teaching methods can interest children and help them to absorb new information in a practical way.Lessons in nature, for example on Platamon, encouraged pupils to experience the processes of nature firsthand, observing birds and fish, studying the soil. Such experiences not only develop scientific knowledge, but also stimulate an awareness of the value of nature and the responsibility for its preservation. A walk in the Bramassa Park, an introduction to the historical forts and a swim in the Mediterranean gave the students invaluable impressions.
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES OF STUDENTS MOBILITY IN SUNNY CAXIAS (November, 2024)
The recent mobility project in Caxias, Portugal, provided an enriching, multicultural experience that combined educational activities, cultural exploration, and environmental initiatives. The program kicked off with a virtual meeting, allowing participants from various countries to introduce themselves, discuss their goals, and share an overview of their local activities. This initial meeting helped students connect and understand the different backgrounds and perspectives each participant brought to the project.
On arrival, the inaugural session set a positive tone for the week. Hosted at São Bruno's School, the welcome event included presentations on local project initiatives, a tour of the school, and icebreaker activities with 7th-grade students, fostering an atmosphere of openness and collaboration. This was followed by a traditional Portuguese dance workshop, where participants learned the steps of the “Regadinho,” immersing themselves in the local culture. In celebration of St. Martin’s festivity, students took part in a drama workshop, which offered them the chance to creatively express themselves while learning about Portuguese traditions. The day ended with each participant sharing presentations about their home country, engaging in interactive games that built a sense of community and belonging.
The cultural exploration continued with a visit to the historic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Belém. Participants enjoyed a tasting of the iconic "Pastéis de Belém" and explored the Marquês de Pombal Palace and gardens in Oeiras. These visits provided valuable insights into Portuguese heritage, architecture, and local flavors, enriching students' appreciation for the host country’s history and traditions. Reflective activities during bus rides encouraged students to discuss and share what they had learned.
The mobility program emphasized both physical activity and teamwork. Participants enjoyed an exciting day at Jamor Nautic Center with canoeing classes and mini-golf, which were followed by a shared picnic that encouraged informal socializing. Later, at Parque Aventura in Jamor, students engaged in tree climbing and ziplining, which promoted teamwork, resilience, and confidence-building.
Another highlight of the project was the focus on environmental awareness. A visit to Aquário Vasco da Gama exposed students to the importance of ocean conservation and the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. Inspired by this experience, students participated in a beach cleanup at Caxias, learning hands-on about the impact of litter on coastal environments and the importance of individual contributions to environmental sustainability. This commitment to environmental action continued with a creative workshop at Quinta Real de Caxias Garden, where students explored the local horticulture and expressed themselves through artistic activities.
The mobility week concluded with a comprehensive tour of Lisbon, where participants explored iconic sites including Cais do Sodré, Praça do Comércio, São Jorge Castle, Praça da Figueira, Rossio, and the Elevador de Santa Justa. This immersive city tour allowed students to experience the vibrant culture of Lisbon while reflecting on the week’s learning experiences. The program wrapped up with a farewell meal featuring Portuguese cuisine, where certificates of participation were awarded to commemorate the students' involvement and achievements.
Throughout the week, participants developed new friendships, improved their communication skills, and deepened their understanding of both cultural diversity and environmental stewardship. This mobility experience in Portugal left a lasting impact, equipping students with valuable insights and skills that will inspire their future academic, personal, and professional journeys.
"Exploring Sustainability and Cultural Heritage: A Student Mobility Experience in Catania, Sicily"
From 31st March until 4th April, a group of 12-year-old students from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium participated in an Erasmus+ mobility in Catania, Sicily. This enriching experience aimed to deepen students' awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to environmental sustainability, healthy nutrition, and the importance of physical activity and psychological well-being.
Throughout the mobility, students engaged in interactive workshops, outdoor activities, and collaborative projects that emphasized eco-friendly practices, balanced diets, and active lifestyles. They also developed essential communication skills by working in diverse groups, fostering teamwork and a strong sense of team spirit.
One of the highlights of the mobility was the Kindness Room activity, where students engaged in exercises that promoted kindness, empathy, and effective communication. These activities allowed students to build stronger relationships with their peers while exploring the importance of social cohesion and emotional intelligence in educational settings. Students also had the chance to participate in a physical education session or explore local Sicilian culture through a shopping experience. These activities not only contributed to the physical well-being of the students but also provided insight into the cultural traditions and everyday life of the local community.
The mobility emphasized the integration of digital learning with a session in the computer lab, where participants used interactive tools to explore sustainability topics. By collaborating on digital projects, students gained a deeper understanding of the role technology played in promoting sustainable practices. An exciting part of the program involved the Cooking Lab, where students were introduced to traditional Sicilian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The focus on healthy and sustainable food practices highlighted the importance of food security and environmental responsibility. Students not only learned to prepare delicious meals but also gained insight into the benefits of supporting local economies and adopting sustainable food practices.
Exploration of Catania’s city center offered another layer of learning. Participants embarked on a guided tour to discover historical landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo and the Roman Theatre. The tour focused on how Catania’s rich history shaped the city’s current environmental and social landscape, giving students a deeper appreciation of the interconnections between history, culture, and sustainability.
In addition to these educational activities, the program included an excursion to a local beachside location. This reflective tour provided students with an opportunity to learn about coastal conservation efforts and the importance of protecting marine environments. The tour emphasized the need for global environmental protection and highlighted the role each individual could play in preserving natural resources.
A visit to the coastal town of Cefalù added another layer of cultural and ecological learning. During the trip, students explored the town’s historical landmarks and learned about its sustainable practices. The experience also allowed participants to engage with the local community, understanding how sustainable practices were integrated into daily life.
The final sessions of the mobility focused on technological innovation and creativity, as students engaged in a Robotics Lab. Here, they learned how technology could be harnessed to address environmental challenges. By building and programming robots designed to solve sustainability issues, students gained practical experience in combining technology with sustainability.
The Origami Lab offered a quiet, focused opportunity for students to create art with an emphasis on sustainability. By using eco-friendly materials, students not only enhanced their fine motor skills but also explored the concept of resource conservation in art. Music therapy sessions were designed to provide students with a therapeutic space to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. This form of therapy fostered relaxation, emotional expression, and overall mental health, supporting the students’ well-being during their mobility experience.
Through this diverse and hands-on mobility experience, students not only learned about sustainability and cultural heritage but also developed important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. The program fostered an appreciation for local traditions while empowering students to become active participants in global sustainability efforts.