From October 14 to 18, 2024, NGO “Škola za budućnost” Niš, from Serbia in Nis hosted students and teachers from partner countries: Portugal, Latvia, and Turkey. During this period, various activities were carried out.
- First day in Serbia
Arrival day, getting to know each other.
- Second day: Project Opening and Participant Introductions
The second day of activities was filled with a rich program that included both cultural and educational segments, with active participation from students and teachers. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the activities provided participants with an opportunity to get to know the local culture and traditions better.
The NGO principal Milica Mladenović welcomed everyone, delivering a greeting speech. After the national anthems were played, the school choir performed several pieces, which added to the warm atmosphere.
Participants then introduced their countries through presentations, followed by a folk dance lesson. They had the chance to learn the basic steps and moves of traditional dances, which sparked great interest and enthusiastic participation.
In the computer lab, students formed four international teams. Each team was given the task of using the Scratch programming language to design characters and tell a story about the causes of climate change and its effects on us.
After lunch, a workshop called “Green City” was organized for the students, led by Dr. Lana Pantelic Radjelovic, a professor from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in Niš, along with her doctoral students.
During the afternoon hours, participants visited the city center and the local fortress, where they had the opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical landmarks of our city.
After a long day, participants enjoyed a pleasant atmosphere and local cuisine, ending the first day with socializing and relaxation.
- Third day
The third day of activities within the “Code for Climate Change” project was dynamic and filled with diverse content, incorporating both educational and cultural-historical elements.
In the computer lab, students from Portugal, Latvia, and Turkey, together with our students, participated in a coding workshop. With the support of IT teachers, the teams continued working on their projects in the Scratch programming language. The focus was on developing animated characters and creating interactive stories that depict the causes and consequences of climate change.
After coding, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Nis through a tour of historical monuments. They visited landmarks such as Mediana, the Skull Tower, and Niska Banja.
Following the tour, they enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant, where participants had the chance to refresh and savor local specialties. This was an excellent moment for informal socializing and sharing impressions.
In the afternoon, the participants continued their tour of the city, focusing on the central part of Nis. They visited the main streets, squares, and the Delta shopping center. Our students, who were part of the international teams, accompanied them throughout the day, including the walking tour, which fostered closer collaboration and strengthened connections among participants.
This day was enriched with both educational and cultural content, allowing participants to deepen their knowledge about climate change and become better acquainted with the history and culture of Nis.
- Fourth day
As part of the “Code for Climate Change” project, a one-day excursion on October 16, 2024, took participants to several cultural-historical and natural landmarks in Serbia. The purpose of this excursion was to provide participants with a unique experience of discovering the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our country.
The participants set out in the morning. The first stop was the Manasija Monastery, one of the most important Serbian medieval monasteries. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the history of the monastery, its architecture, and its significance in Serbia’s cultural heritage.
After visiting Manasija, the group headed to the Resava Cave, one of the oldest and most beautiful caves in Serbia. Participants were fascinated by the natural beauty of the cave, and the guide introduced them to the geological processes that formed these incredible rock formations.
The next destination was the Lisine Waterfall, where participants enjoyed lunch in a natural setting. This break in nature was a refreshing part of the trip, and participants had time for photos and a short walk around the waterfall.
The final stop was the Natural History Museum in Svilajnac, where participants had the chance to see various exhibits related to natural sciences. The museum especially impressed participants with its displays on dinosaurs and Serbia’s natural resources. This was an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about evolution and natural processes in a practical way.
The excursion was extremely successful, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the history, culture, and natural beauty of Serbia. This day contributed to strengthening international cooperation and friendship among students and teachers, as well as enhancing their understanding of environmental and cultural topics.
- Fifth day: Conclusion of the Erasmus+ Project “Code for Climate Change”
The final day of the “Code for Climate Change” project was dedicated to presenting results and the formal awarding of certificates, along with concluding activities marked by sports and socializing.
The last day began with final coding sessions in the computer lab. Students finalized their projects, refining the stories they had been developing throughout the week, focusing on educational animations that depict climate change and possible solutions to this global issue.
After successfully completing the project work, a formal certificate award ceremony followed. This ceremony was emotional, marked by applause and congratulations for the successful realization of the project.
After the certificates were awarded, the presentation of the project products took place—animated stories coded by the students. In the music room, each team presented its interactive story, which creatively explained the causes and effects of climate change.
The last segment of the day included sports events held in the physical education hall. These sports games allowed students to relax and spend their final hours together in an active, sportsmanlike spirit. This activity was a perfect way to wrap up a week full of learning and collaboration.
The final day was marked by success, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment for all participants.
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