The project aimed to enhance knowledge and practical skills in environmental sustainability, intercultural collaboration, and digital competencies. A key focus was on environmental education, particularly biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems. This should include examining endangered species in Lake Saimaa and along the Danube, and exploring both local and global causes for them becoming endangered. One of our goals was to develop strategies for environmental protection and sustainability while fostering a shift in participants' values and beliefs regarding sustainable living. At the same time, the project sought to develop organisational and interpersonal skills among all participants. This was done through interdisciplinary project work, which also should have contributed to improving language skills. A key element was the exchange of knowledge, fostering a positive attitude towards European values and offering an opportunity to experience social and cultural diversity. By exploring Vienna and Lappeenranta the participants should become more familiar with the environments. Finally, the project aimed to enhance digital competencies by using various tools and applications to facilitate collaboration
After learning about the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ during a seminar attended by teachers of our schools, we developed the idea of starting a project together. Since both of our schools lacked international contacts and cooperations, this idea was particularly appealing. Additionally, both schools have a strong focus on environmental issues, and therefore we regarded Erasmus+ as a chance to place local environmental topics into a wider international context. Another key area of interest was inclusive teaching. ERG Donaustadt has a strong record in that regard, while Kesämäen koulu wanted to expand its expertise in this area. For ERG Donaustadt, an Erasmus+ project offered a unique opportunity to join an international cooperation and to travel to another country with an inclusive class comprising several children having various special needs. The significant differences between the educational systems of Finland and Austria made an exchange between these countries particularly attractive.