Erasmus team from Stjepan Radić Elementary School at the second meeting of participants of the ARTISTIC JOURNEY TO GREEN FUTURE project
Malta, 19-23 May 2025
From 19 to 23 May 2025, the second mobility of the Erasmus+ project “Artistic Journey to Green Future” took place in Malta, hosted by St. Francis School, a coeducational primary school providing education to children aged 5 to 11. The school is based on the Christian values and charisma of its founder, Sister Margherita De Brincat, and is located in the town of Cospicua, also known as Bormla, a historically significant and charming place that offers an authentic experience of Malta. As the project was designed to encourage children to develop environmental awareness through artistic expression and the connection between art and sustainability, the stay in Malta once again confirmed that children’s emotional connection with nature is best developed through creative activities. The mobility in Malta confirmed the value of Erasmus+ projects in creating sustainable and creative educational approaches. The Croatian team was represented by MARIJANA CURIĆ, a homeroom teacher and project coordinator for the Stjepan Radić Elementary School, TOMISLAV TOMIĆ, the school principal, IVANA ČARAPINA, the school librarian, and ANTE LEKO, an art teacher.
Teacher Marijana Curić expanded her knowledge in the field of integrating art and ecology and presented school projects to an international audience with great success. Principal Tomislav Tomić gained insight into concrete examples of implementing sustainability and artistic approaches in education, which she will use in the future development of the school. Librarian Ivana Čarapina was inspired by the possibilities of connecting literature, digital tools, and ecology in her work with students and gained ideas on how the library can be a space for developing environmental awareness in students through creative content. Teacher Ante Leko further improved his skills in applying visual arts in the service of raising environmental awareness and new ways of combining art, the environment and engaged education.
All participants returned motivated, full of ideas, and ready to further improve their work in their schools.
The activities and programme of the mobility included the following:
Day 1 – Welcome and first activities
The mobility started with an informative presentation by the Maltese team, published on the official project blog. Participants reviewed the digital diary of previous activities. This was followed by an inspiring drama workshop on the school lawn with senior students, which aimed to awaken a sense of environmental responsibility. During classroom visits, participants observed how students applied art and everyday tools (pictures, objects, food, movements, music) to create greener messages. The Spanish team organised a team activity “Listen and guess the film”, combining music and films as a means of connecting.
The day concluded with a walk from Cospicua to Vittoriosa to promote sustainable mobility, with a visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace.
Day 2 – Connecting with Nature through Art
On the second day of the mobility, participants visited a kindergarten in St. Lucia and briefly spent time in different classes, observing children’s activities on the theme of a green future. This was followed by a walk to the Chinese Garden of Serenity and an outdoor art workshop, which provided an opportunity for contemplation and creative expression in a natural setting. The afternoon was dedicated to a visit to the Tarxien Temples, symbols of the ancient connection between man and nature. Participants experienced the importance of sustainable living, inspired by the heritage and philosophy of ancient cultures.
Day 3 – Intercultural sharing and presentation
The day began with an eTwinning presentation by the Turkish and Croatian teams, followed by classroom visits where activities related to ecology and students’ creative expression were observed.
The Croatian team was led by teacher Marijana Curić, who gave a lecture on “Green Classroom,” presenting numerous initiatives and works by her and her students from the Stjepan Radić Elementary School. Teacher Marijana showed her rich personal experience of working with students on various projects, most of which she received quality marks from the eTwinning educational community. In the eTwinning project “Artistic Journey to Green Future”, she continues to present school activities, which she demonstrated in the lecture How to love nature through art and sustainable development. The Macedonian team presented a project on climate change. The day ended with a joint dinner at the Ta’ Marija restaurant, with a Maltese folklore evening – music, dance and rich local cuisine. This further connected all participants and enabled cultural exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 4 – Field Trips and GLOBE Program
On the fourth day, classroom visits continued, with older students taking on the role of guides. Ms. Ramona Mercieca, Deputy Coordinator of GLOBE Malta, gave a presentation on the GLOBE program.
Participants then visited Ġnien San Klement and joined students in conducting outdoor science and environmental activities. The day ended with a visit to Mdina, the so-called Silent City, which promotes sustainable mobility and heritage preservation through its urban design solutions.
Day 5 – Creative Technology and Evaluation
The final day began with a session in the IT classroom. The Turkish team gave a presentation on street photography of nature, and sample animations were presented.
The teachers participated in a training workshop on creating short animations. This was followed by a final Erasmus meeting and evaluation, followed by a certificate award ceremony.
The afternoon was reserved for a visit to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where participants enjoyed the ambiance of sustainable living in harmony with nature and a traditional way of life.
The Croatian team used their free time to explore the cultural and natural attractions of Malta, further connecting with local heritage and customs, which included sightseeing in beautiful Maltese towns that, on the one hand, provide an authentic Maltese atmosphere through narrow stone streets, traditional balconies and colorful doors (Valletta), and on the other hand, modern tourist centers with nightlife, shops, restaurants and beautiful promenades (St. Julian's and Sliema).
This mobility enabled all participants to learn about Maltese culture and its sustainable principles, which further motivates them to introduce similar practices in their own schools.
Returning from mobility brings new energy, inspiration for further work, and a desire to improve teaching.
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