The project aimed to increase environmental awareness and essential competence of students and teachers by integrating the topic of ecology, or more specifically the problem of pollution and environmental protection in general, into all general education subjects. Through providing teachers with a Manual of creative and innovative situations (a Manual with 40 scenarios for teachers to use in their own classes, but also in section classes, extracurricular activities, and elective subjects), the project helped them with the implementation of interdisciplinary and competence-oriented teaching methods on the protection of the environment. Through collaboration with local experts and community stakeholders, it worked towards promoting the 13th UN Sustainable Development Goal - Climate Action. The project further sought to enhance professional competence of teachers for project-based learning, stimulate students towards adopting environmentally sustainable behavior, and foster collaboration between European schools. Through the combination of creativity, innovation, and sustainability, it sought to create a sustainable environmental education model and encourage similar projects in other European schools.
Our school applied for this project to address the need for raising ecological awareness among students and teachers and to improve environmental education quality in our community. Niš, where our school is located, is one of the most polluted cities in Serbia, especially regarding air quality. This motivated us to take action and design an international project that encourages young people to understand environmental problems and take responsibility for protecting nature. We also aimed to strengthen teachers’ competences in innovative, project-based and cross-curricular teaching methods that integrate ecological topics. Through cooperation with partner schools from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Turkey, we wanted to exchange good practices, promote active citizenship and inspire behavioural change among students. The project addressed the needs of developing ecological and civic competences, supporting teachers in creative and inclusive teaching, raising awareness about air pollution, promoting European cooperation, and creating a practical handbook with lesson scenarios for long-term impact.