Du local au global. Eveiller les consciences chez les jeunes européens sur les enjeux du réchauffement climatique et de la montée des eaux.

Our project aimed to cultivate European citizenship among French and Dutch high school students through intercultural cooperation and the development of digital skills. We gave pupils the means to...

Our project aimed to cultivate European citizenship among French and Dutch high school students through intercultural cooperation and the development of digital skills. We gave pupils the means to overcome language barriers, differences in education systems and varied cultural norms. By encouraging exchanges between pupils from different backgrounds, we have promoted inclusion and celebrated diversity within the European community. Collaborative activities enabled students to understand and respect cultural differences while recognising themselves as European citizens. The project also focused on developing digital skills, which are crucial in today's world. By engaging them in digital learning platforms and collaborative online projects, we prepared pupils for life in a digital society. We have sought to reinforce a sense of belonging to the European Union while helping students to navigate in culturally diverse environments. This project aims to inspire future generations of adaptable, culturally aware and digitally literate European citizens.

The exchange programme included a variety of activities to encourage cultural exchange, address climate issues and foster mutual understanding and inclusion. In the Netherlands, students worked together to create and cook a climate-neutral menu, took part in city walks with social and educational aspects, visited an ecological garden focusing on climate change, explored biomimicry in the context of transport, attended Dutch language classes, studied housing insulation and visited museums and sites related to water management and sea-level rise. In France, students attended French classes, participated in discussions on carbon footprint, cultural integration and inclusion, researched water analysis, visited cities and ecological sites highlighting issues related to sea level rise, and prepared low-carbon lunches using local produce. Digital activities include online courses in English, video creation, website creation, a film and the use of Canva.

Prior to our physical mobility, the long-distance exchanges constituted a digital mobility. Each group produced digital productions related to the themes of the project and the presentation of their school. Over the course of the project, each class produced a website and a video. These materials were distributed to partners and presented to families. The Dutch pupils showed an increased interest in French culture and language, actively participating in the DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française), demonstrating an increased intercultural knowledge. At the same time, the French students developed their ability to express themselves in English, gaining confidence and initiating discussions in English. Language skills improved in both French and Dutch, fostering intercultural collaboration. The project also resulted in a sustainable action plan, outlining the steps to be taken to promote environmental responsibility in both schools. In addition, the French and Dutch students shared and adopted locally sourced recipes, promoting environmentally friendly food practices.