The exchange week for the Erasmus+ project Stand for the Future in Orivesi, Finland, brought together upper secondary school students from Orivesi and Tallinn for a dynamic and enriching experience focused on sustainability, teamwork, and personal development.

The week kicked off with ice-breaking activities that helped students from both schools get to know each other even more and build friendships right from the start. This set the tone for a collaborative and engaging week filled with workshops and hands-on projects.

As part of our UNESCO collaboration OUR BALTIC SEA, students were provided with opportunities for direct engagement with local environmental associations, specifically Oriveden luonnonsuojeluyhdistys, a local association that works to protect nature in the Orivesi region of Finland. One of the standout workshops focused on bees, with invited lecturers who were passionate bee enthusiasts. This session provided valuable insights into the role bees play in our ecosystems and how their preservation is crucial for sustainability.

Another notable session led by the local experts of Oriveden luonnonsuojeluyhdistys was the Baltic Sea workshop, where students explored environmental challenges facing the Baltic region and discussed solutions to protect this vital body of water. 

Read more about our eTwinning project Our Baltic Sea: 
https://peda.net/orivesi/lukio/kansainv%C3%A4lisyys/etwinning/our-baltic-sea

Throughout the week, participants worked on filming and post-production for educational videos centered around UNESCO goals, sustainability, and emotional well-being. These videos, which highlighted the connection between mental health and sustainable living, were produced as a creative way to raise awareness in their communities. The students took ownership of the project, from scripting to filming and editing, resulting in powerful messages that were shared within their schools and beyond.

Team-building activities played an essential role in fostering strong bonds among the students. Together, they participated in fun and collaborative events such as making pizza, going on inspirational walks, and engaging in other group tasks. These activities not only strengthened teamwork but also encouraged creativity and problem-solving in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. In their free time, students came up with different ways to spend time together.

The exchange week also provided a platform for students to express their cultural backgrounds and build lasting friendships. In addition to formal workshops, students shared ideas on sustainability and ways they could apply these principles in their daily lives. The week was packed with activities that left a lasting impact, including the creation of meaningful relationships between the Finnish and Estonian students.

#UNESCO 
#ErasmusPlus
#BalticSea