LatvianTeachers visit to Arta
20.04.2013 ? 29.04.2013
According to the programme, the visit was planned for September/October, 2012, - before the class exchange of Greek students to Latvia. Due to the fact, that Cibla secondary school students were having state exams in March-June, 2013 and would be too busy to participate in the class exchange programme to a full extent we changed the visits; - first the students, then the teachers. Hence the aim of the visit was not so much on introducing Latvia and its language but on consolidation and assessing the project.
On April 20 two Cibla secondary school teachers ? Sarmite Lescinska, Head of Educational Board of Cibla municipality and project coordinator Irena Skutele ? set off to Arta, Greece. First, we spent two days in Athens: did lots of sightseeing (Acropolis, Syntagma square, museums, parks) and enjoyed the lovely weather.
On Tuesday we arrived in 2nd General Lykeion of Arta and were more than glad to meet our Greek friends: the staff and the students, especially the ones involved in the project. Hugs and kisses, warm memories and tears, - it all came back when we watched the ?good-bye and thank you?videos made by the students. I was struck by some students? , especially Konstantina?s, splendid knowledge and skills of Latvian and we tried to use as much Latvian as we could in our everyday communication.
After meeting the staff and students we spent some time on sightseeing in Arta. After that our project partners had planned a surprise to us: - a trip to the north of Greece, to a mountainous village Nymfaio, Florina perfecture.
Nymfaio is one of the prettiest mountain villages in Greece, it lies at an altitude of 1300 metres and it houses the Brown Bear Information centre of Arcturos.
Arcturos is a Greek non-governmental organisation seeking to enhance biodiversity and sustainability in the Greek rural areas. It protects mountainous ecosystems, with an emphasis on bears and large mammals. The organisation is supported by volunteers who work together for the protection and management of wildlife and natural environment.
Everything was perfectly organised: environmental education in Arcturos Bear and Wolf sanctuaries, volunteering: cleaning the forest paths and premises, sightseeing trips, meals, accommodation. Thank you! We believe the trip has made a contribution to create a better future for environment.
Three days flew past. Tranquility of nature, endless leisurely talks with the teachers and students was a perfect end to our 2-year project. Officially the project ends on July 31 but we do hope it will continue ? in our hearts first and foremost, but also by going on with commmunication in social media and possible future visits.
Good-bye friends!
Uz redzesanos!
