A bridge of friendship over Europe.

<< Background >>Both schools represent a similar, modest experience in implementing international projects. Nevertheless, both institutions are fully aware what a great changes such projects might bring into students' lives. This was the driving force for us when we were jointly constructing the project proposal. Our partnership has been designed to address the needs of our oldest students from grade 6 to grade 9. We wanted to offer them different ways to expand on their skills and knowledge. We do believe it is our institutional responsibility to provide our learners with chances to strengthen their competences. The project provided opportunities that would not otherwise be available for us. Equally important was the expected impact of the project on the future of our schools. We shared an organizational challenges and we wanted some of our dedicated teachers to gain a new professional experience. The initiative enhanced our professional capacity to implement international projects in the future.<< Objectives >>Our aim was to create more opportunities for our oldest learners to develop their own potential. We both, as Elvire Vatovec Prade and Tadeusz Kosciuszko primary schools recognized the need to do more in supporting our youth in facing the challenges of the modern world. We wanted our students to deepen their knowledge about their local area and other parts of Europe. We wanted them to be active participants in social life. Our graduates should better understand cultural differences in Europe, recognize what we have in common and be aware of our shared values. Participants were expected to enhance their ability to communicate in different social contexts. What is more, they were supposed to use ICT tools more effectively to solve specific problems and support their learning. We also wanted to strengthen the institutional capacity of our schools to better engage in international initiatives.<< Implementation >>The key points of the project were two international mobilities. In October 2022 a group of three teachers and twelve students came to Slupsk. An equally strong group from Poland travelled to Slovenian Koper in March 2023. The trips complemented our online cooperation. We used many remote collaboration tools, including the eTwinning platform. A total of 373 students from grades 6 to 9 had the opportunity to join local and international project activities. They exchanged introduction letters. Student councils representatives rebuilt project corners and classes made wall newspapers in their classrooms. There was an international project logo contest organized. We jointly celebrated 2022 and 2023 European Days in May. Students researched and expanded on project thematic areas during educational hours. They prepared multimedia quizzes. They were also responsible for the construction of questionnaires for local residents. We organised an open lesson and jointly celebrated European Day of Languages on 26 September 2023. Students took part in extra-curricular classes throughout the project. We implemented numerous activities both locally and internationally.<< Results >>Students in an international team developed questionnaires for local communities. We collected statistical data from residents of Slupsk and Koper in over 600 surveys. We researched about people's backgrounds, their relatives and foreign languages they knew. A publication in a form of a newsletter was issued in which we analyzed collected statistical data and compared the structures of local communities in Slupsk and Koper. Students prepared multimedia presentations inspired by our partnership and a video clip about mobility. In addition to that, we finished eTwinning supporting project.