From September 22 to 26, 2025, students from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium took part in the Erasmus+ project “Beyond Plastic: Pathways to a Sustainable Tomorrow” hosted by Dr. Nassau College in Assen, the Netherlands. The mobility week was filled with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences.

The project aimed to encourage young people to reflect on the environmental impact of plastic, promote sustainable behavior, and seek innovative ways to protect the planet.

At the start of the week, students met their Dutch host families and new international friends. After an engaging introduction at the Traptheater, they began working in international teams on documentary film projects. Each group chose its own topic related to sustainability and plastic reduction. They conducted interviews with local residents, teachers, and environmental experts, filmed and edited their documentaries, combining creativity with research.

On Tuesday, students visited the RWZI Assen / Waterschap Hunze en Aa’s water treatment plant, where they learned about water purification processes. Wednesday was spent on Schiermonnikoog Island, exploring nature and participating in outdoor sustainability workshops. Thursday included a visit to the Stainkoeln waste processing company and an educational excursion in Groningen, where students explored the city, attended workshops at Forum Groningen, and experienced Dutch culture firsthand.

After daily activities, students spent their evenings with host families, sharing meals, discovering Dutch traditions, and practicing English in a natural environment. These moments fostered cultural understanding and lifelong friendships.

On the final day, students presented their documentary films, showcasing their insights, teamwork, and creativity.

Throughout the week, participants developed numerous competences: enhanced environmental and sustainability awareness, strengthened critical thinking and creativity, improved English communication skills, learned collaborative work in international teams and gained digital competences through filming and editing.

This mobility became not only a learning journey but also a life experience — one that inspired students to act responsibly and to believe that even small steps can lead to a sustainable future.