Over the past two years, we’ve taken part in four inspiring mobilities in Italy, Greece, France and Türkiye. Each one brought together Irish students and teachers with peers from across the EU to learn, share, and connect. We explored themes like equality, peaceful conflict resolution, and sustainability through peacebuilding workshops for students.
Rome, Italy | Heritage, Equality & Democracy
After the first teachers’ meet-up in Dublin in Januray 2024, we gathered in Rome for our first mobility in March 2024.
Students worked in groups to explore cultural differences and shared values through activities such as “Telling Vesna’s Story”. We also tackled complex topics such as gender equality, social justice, and democratic living. As part of the mobility, students and teachers had the chance to explore the city on guided tours.
On the last day, each group shared short films summarising their experience. The farewell party featured music and dance from all partner countries. We left Rome inspired, full of memories and stronger connections.
Athens, Greece | Emotions, Empathy & Expression
In September 2024, we travelled to Athens, where we had the chance to mix class with excursions.
Students attended regular lessons at the Greek school and attended works where they shared and discussed quotes on diversity. These quotes now decorate the school’s inspirational wall. Teachers and students also took part in a digital workshop on the ESEP platform, Twinspace, and our project website.
We also had the chance to explore Athens through scavanger hunt and open-air musseum visits. Students also took part in an excursion to Aegina Island and took part in Greece’s official Athletic Day. The mobility ended with a joyful farewell party, where we celebrated our spirit of unity.
Le Mans, France | Sustainability, Solidarity & Reflection
In January 2025, we were hosted in Le Mans, where we focused on activities on sustainability and solidarity. Particularly interesting were the workshops were students explored their emotions and responded to group dynamics and challenging comments to build emotional resilience. Students also visited the WWII Blockhaus. The visit helped us reflect on the value of peace and the role of history in shaping the present.
As part of the mobility, we visited the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. We explored the race museum and completed the “CARS” activity, where we used car parts as a metaphor for effective teamwork.
On our final day, we travelled to Paris. Highlights included the Louvre and other famous landmarks. We reflected on values from the French Revolution and how they connect to our programme on peace and justice.
Instanbul, Türkiye | Culture, Dialogue & Human Rights
Our final mobility in April 2025 took us to Istanbul. Students took part in pacebuilding workshops such as “The Race Card,” “Fear Bubble,” and “Circles of Influence,” exploring prejudice, fears, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. We wrapped up with activities on leadership, everyday challenges, and human rights.
We also enjoyed rich cultural experiences, from eating traditional Turkish food to exploring historic Istanbul sites.
Etwinning and networking
This experience has shown young people how crucial it is to create spaces for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Through these peacebuilding workshops for students, we’ve not only explored essential global issues but also forged lasting friendships across borders.
This initiative has an Etwinning page and a website collecting the student’s presentations they created for the initiative. Check it out to be inspired and implement similar initiatives or to use the resources created!
Are you a teacher in Dublin and would like to collaborate with us on similar initiatives? Contact us! We are open to collaborate and to assist you bring to life the best local projects and international initiatives for your school!