Birds Flying High aimed to enhance environmental education for primary school teachers and their students, focusing on birdlife and its connection to science, arts, and the environment. The objectives were: 1.To enhance the capacity of 10 primary school teachers in STEAM by introducing them to the "Birds Flying High" educational program. This included providing hands-on training and practical experience, enabling teachers to effectively integrate the program's content and activities into their teaching. 2.To strengthen the competences and knowledge of 10 primary school teachers in non-formal education methods related to science, arts, and the environment. Through a series of non-formal educational workshops, practical applications, and training sessions, the project build teachers' confidence in using innovative, out-of-the-box teaching methods, while deepening their understanding of birds, environmental issues, and their cultural significance. 3.To provide both direct and indirect target groups, including universities, relevant ministries, environmental educators, and others, with ready-to-use educational materials and methods in OER form. These resources were made available on the partners’ websites and social media accounts.
The Birds Flying High project was an educational initiative that evolved from a collaborative effort between Almyras, BirdLife Cyprus, and primary school teachers. Initially launched in Cyprus, the program was designed to raise awareness among primary school students about local bird species, integrating STEAM & non-formal educational methods. Despite challenges like funding shortages and pandemic restrictions, it successfully engaged the local community, schools, and NGOs. Following its success, the project expanded to Greece collaborating with Hellenic Ornithological Society, leveraging the similar climate and educational context. The program addressed the need for innovative, year-long educational activities that blend environmental education with cultural and scientific elements, thus enhancing teachers' competencies and engaging students more effectively. Through transnational training opportunities and practical applications, teachers could implement new lesson plans that have a lasting impact on students' learning. The project not only fostered collaboration across different fields and countries but also scales up educational activities, offering valuable resources to improve both formal & non-formal education systems.