Newsletter 4 final

Comenius Project Newsletter Issue #4

Index :

Impressions on mobility in Latvia

Quizz & Statistics

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Latvian Team

Latvian Team : REFLECTIONS ON THE FINAL MEETING IN LATVIA (Jurmala)

On behalf of the Latvian team, it was our great pleasure to host our partners for the Final Meeting of the COMENIUS Project ‘EAT smart, WORK more, BE healthy’ in Jurmala (Latvia), which is a member of European Spas Association and it has a status of “Healthy City”, granted by World Health Organization. Most probably it wasn’t a coincidence that we all met in Jurmala for the last project meeting to analyze the impact, content and improvement of project activities and draw perspective conclusions.

The week was organized to meet the needs and purposes of the project dealing with healthy life issues and habits. Before making the schedule and deciding on activities, we came together and asked ourselves some basic WHY? questions – Why do you (our guests) have to see this/that? Why do you have to do this/that? Why is this/that important? We didn’t want you to experience random activities, feelings, spaces and places. We wanted you to meet the right people in the right place and the right time. We wanted you to experience what is special, unique and different about our country, people and traditions in the context of our healthy lifestyle project. But in spite of that, the weather was a kind of surprise – it was snowing heavily in the second week of April, which is not typical even

for our latitude, thus providing a welcoming northerntouch to our final meeting. By organizing the activities we based our concept onthe following principles:

- Everyone should feel like in a team;- Provoke the exchange of ideas and experiences;- Show, learn and understand the cultural differences.

Latvian Team : REFLECTIONS ON THE FINAL MEETING IN LATVIA (Jurmala)

Firstly, we wanted that you to have an insight into our school’ s life, understand why we’re called Alternative school, understand the basic principles of student-friendly and student-focused school, notice the advantages of so called small school, as well as share some pedagogic experience.

Secondly, the people involved in team-building and drama activities were supposed to bring everyone together for a fruitful and meaningful project work.

Thirdly, we definitely wanted you to taste Latvia through our national cuisine and slow food meals as well as experience the modern trends concerning raw food. We wanted that you learn about our typical rye (black) bread, which is so healthy and baked according to ancient Latvian bread baking traditions and only from quality and natural ingredients.

As a conclusion, Participation in Comenius Multilateral School Partnership Project “Eat Smart, Work More, Be Healthy” since 2011 has proved to be an excellent tool for bringing classroom theories to life. Considering that 21st century education focuses on the global awareness, civic and health literacy and wide range of skills and competences, participation in our Project activities has turned out to be a challenge and at the same time an exciting adventure for everyone involved.On behalf of our team, we would like to express our greatest thanks to all our partners for great work, mutual cooperation, efforts and understanding in the course of our project. I think we all have gained experience, friends and inspiration and judging from the final answer of our quiz, the project has changed our vision of life, which is considered to be the greatest contribution.

It was a great pleasure meeting all of you!

LATV IA

20 13Monday, April 8th

On Monday morning, we met our partners at the hotel. We went by bus to school.

The Director, Egils Blums, at the "Alternativa Jurmalas Skola" gave us a visit.

The students had prepared a welcome concert.

Welcome to the city of Jurmala by the director of the tourist office was very

pleasant. After visiting the Kindergarden Jurmala, we discovered the Baltic Sea.

In the afternoon, we were involved in the

activities of folk dance. The guided tour of

Jurmala is made under the snow, it was

beautiful.

Home Dinner in a raw food restaurant

French Team

LATV IA

20 13Tuesday, April 9th

With Arthurs, we participated at the activity to develop

team spirit. Then we worked on our project "Eat smart, work more and be healthy “

before the drama activity.

In the afternoon, guided tour of the old town of Jurmala through

games onthe symbols of the city.

Dinner in a design coffee "Galerija

Istaba"

LATV IA

20 13Wednesday, April 10th

Departure for Liepaja and visit a traditional Latvian bakery

(making black bread) "Bakery Laci."

The after noon, we visited this military town (Tsar and USSR).

The visit Karosta neighborhood (USSR) and the

military prison was very impressive.

Dinner in a "Three chef" gourmet restaurant, run by a popular television cook Latvian

Martins Sirmais.

LATV IA

20 13Thursday , April 11th

Departure for Sigulda, one of the most picturesque cities of Latvia. We visited a workshop of amber jewelery "Magic of the baltic amber." Then we

work on the project: creation of a quiz and posters.

The after noon, we visited a traditional factory

wooden spoon

Goodbye Dinner at the "Innocent Cafe" where our guests gave us beautiful gifts: honey,

berries, chocolate, ...

LATV IA

20 13Impressions of the meeting

The latvian hospitality :We were greeted by Inga, a professor of English at the Alternativa Skola of Jurmala, on Monday morning. She followed us throughout the week in various activities and parties. The director of the institution, Hegels and many teachers are occasionally added, including Wolf, and Einars Arthurs, professor of sport.The welcome was very friendly and professional, each participant had prepared their speeches and nothing was left to chance.Students at the school were all of our arrival and were also very welcoming, they participated in the tour of the school and some activities throughout the week. They had also prepared home combines music, singing and sports a demonstration show.

Activities in school:During our stay, we participated in activities at the school:- Folk dance: we understand the importance of preserving the Latvian heritage through this activity, but not only. The competences worked through this activity are many: group cohesion, music listening the coordination, memory and breath and all through the game- The "teambuilding" Arthurs, the host of this event, managed through various games to create cohesion between the different participants (from different countries): the game of rope or how can we get to spend 16 people in a circle of rope, ... This sequence shows the importance of group work, social interactions .- The theater in connection with the project "Eat smart, work more, be healthy"), we worked on the will and the courage to express his views. The aim was to understand adolescents should not be influenced.

Visits:- The capital Riga (800 000) is a beautiful city with 75% of Art Nouveau architecture. The major religions are represented in Latvia through magnificent monuments of religion: the Orthodox Church of the Nativity, the Lutheran Cathedral of St. Peter and the synagogue. The old town is being renovated to becoming next year the 2014 European capital.- The city of Jurmala, the seaside city, showing its richness through many recent buildings (metal and wood) and sports facilities .- The Baltic Sea was frozen , for us it was magical.- The city of Liepaja, military port, put us to the heart of the history of the twentieth century. The visit of the military prison and the surrounding areas, have shown us the trauma of the people: the occupation of the tsar, Nazi and Soviet.- Visiting a traditional Latvian bakery, factory wooden spoon and workshop Amber showed us their desire to preserve their traditional knowledge .

LATV IA

20 13Impressions of the meeting

Meals:We ate in different places during our stay from the school canteen at the gourmet restaurant: - The school canteen: the meal takes place between 13:00 and 14:00, the students eat with their teachers. The food is on the table (salad, hot dishes, fruit drinks), each student takes his plate and cutlery and uses. They always eat the input of raw vegetables (beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms), grilled or boiled meat (mostly chicken) with potatoes or other legumes and fruit dessert. They do not drink of water but often berry juice, milk or apple juice. They prefer black bread to avoid over consumption. Their meals are very balanced, we have seen little or overweight people.- Restaurants: the Latvian team wanted us to discover healthy Latvian cuisine leading us in a vegetarian restaurant. Other Latvian restaurants have confirmed our observation made at school: a balanced and healthy, low-fat food and sugar. The gourmet restaurant in the same way, we did find the same types of products (salmon, vegetables, berries, ...) cooked even more refined.

Working time:During the week we spent two times to work on the project:-In the school on Tuesday morning we thought about creating a poster that would aim to encourage young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. As a first step, we have with students and determined group of healthy and unhealthy lines then we began to realize the sketch of our project.- On Thursday, the students created the posters while the adults were the assessment meeting of the project.Carmen, the initiator of the project, reminded us of the various documents to be made to finalize the Comenius project: common photo album with various partners, a common slideshow of activities implemented in the different partner countries, creating the fourth Newsletter, the assessment of the project quiz.We have created a quiz on the project "Eat smart, work more, be healthy" to be given to students (minimum 50) and teachers (10 minimum) to to evaluate the project's impact on students and adults.

The question was asked to repeat the experience, the situation was the same for the various partners :- The project has been very rewarding for students and adults discover new cultures, food habits, landscapes, ...- Difficulties were encountered: shortage of time for better cohesion between the different countries, a very important additional work for the project.All partners believe repeat the experiment but not in the coming year to take time to pause and reflect on another theme interesting year.

The Latvian team was able to show us some of his country, while sticking perfectly with our Comenius project "Eat smart, Work more, Be healthy!“

We could see their involvement in the project and their students, the Latvian culture seems to perfectly match a healthy lifestyle.

SPAIN : IMPRESSIONS OF LATVIA

The visit to Latvia was our last mobility and although we were eager to know, we felt that our project reached the final and a cloud of nostalgia to cover us.

A short and memorable week infuses with taste, smells, colors and warm feelings.

In Latvia, we had a lot of interesting experiences.

Firstly, the warm welcome of the host families to our pupils, they were like in their own home and the hospitality and kindness of the Latvian team.

Secondly, our students and teachers learnt many things about the culture, the jobs, the customs and the cuisine from Latvia. We had the opportunity of visiting a traditional bakery and to make our own bread, an amber master, a wooden spoon factory and different restaurants with healthy and tasty food.

Thirdly, we learnt about the history and monuments and simbols with the sightsee in Riga, Liepaja, Karosta, Sigulda and the Former Military Base from Tsarist and Soviet time.

Our students enjoyed a lot in the Military Base because with the play they understood the history of these people. They were fascinated with the snow and with the temperature.

Moreover, we had the opportunity of getting to know a landscape and climate different from ours.

The landscape of the Baltic Sea was amazing.

In conclusion, we feel very happy and grateful for getting to know and learning many interesting things. And our pupils have opened their mind being exposed to another culture, lifestyle, cuisine, climate, habits... They have realized the importance of learning English to communicate with foreign people to have a large circle of friends and to share their tastes and hobbies.

We want to give thank to Latvian team: Einars, Ilze, Volfs and of course to Inga who has worked with all her interest and effort for us.

You all are really our friends.

Spanish Team

Aurora, Ana, Mari Carmen y nuestros alumnos: Natalia, Nerea, Manuel y David

Furthermore, our pupils enjoyed participating in drama activities and cooperation and relationship games. The work teams were very interesting and funny and they could practice the language explaining their jobs. I would like to highlight the activity in which students had to brainstorm about healthy lifestyle and the advertisement for teenagers.

“The end of a great experience or a new start?’’

Romania Team : LATVIA 8 -12 APRIL 2103

Mobility gives a chance for young people to do research or voluntary work in various countries – near or far away. Doing this, they not only get to know the other countries' culture and people but also gain new knowledge and skills being parted from their usual environment, thus getting good practice and exchanging experiences with their peers. The obtained experience and knowledge will increase the students' open -minded in order to discover new approaches.

Within the COMENIUS programme young pupils did project development, teachers' exchange and other types of project approach aiming to improve the quality of education and enhance the multi-cultural dialogue from Latvia ,Romania,Spain and France go for mutual exchange visits working to establish better comprehension and friendship between the youth of the countries. Youngsters participate in discussion forums, visits and institutions, as well as study the culture,educational sistems and history of all countries.Shall I say to you all something about the latest Comenius mobility in :

LATVIA – AN AMAZING COUNTRY !

On Sunday, we started our fourth mobility within the Comenius project. Our flights were due at 14.30 pm and lasted approximately 10 hours. We arrived at our hotel at 1 am, because we had to take a taxi from the airport to our hotel.

On Monday

During the day, we did a lot of activities, such as visiting the school, attending a welcome concert, dancing folk, visiting JURMALA CITY COUNCIL and a walking through the old parts of Jurmala that is a very exciting city, especially because its located on two different sites, a spectaculous frozen bay .

On Tuesday

Today we started practicing “HEALTHY LIFE STYLE” participating : teambuilding activities, school drama, brainstorming about life issues.

On Wednesday

This was the day of promoting a good approach of eating habits. We took part in a bakery, ’’LACI’’attending an opening exhibition and presenting results of their long time analysis connected with food . After a short lunch break with traditional Latvian food, we proceeded with a visit at Liepaja, were we did a short guided tour. In the afternoon, we visited KAROSTA – a military port , a military base where we practice sport in a different environement. In the evening , we were invited to a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

On Thursday

We focused on one topic of the mobility : working hard and how to plan a new vision of life time. This plan mainly contains methods, advice done by an amber master. The most of the presentations were very good and contained a lot of useful methods. After the presentations, we had 4 hours final project Meeting talking about results, outcomes guidelines or the final report. The schools involved both teachers and students held presentations about the activities done in their schools and design posters, having spectacular ideas that are going to be used in commercials. After that, we had a guided tour through a spoon factory making our own amulet and learning how to become skilfull craftmen. In the evening, we exhibited pictures of the posters done during this day about HEALTHY LIFESYLE .

On Friday

We did more cultural activities : We visited the ancient city RIGA. After that, the certificates were given to us. At about 12 o’clock we went back to Romania.

We have accomplished a lot of great experience in learning ,improving the vision of life, we made special friends.

WE ARE “ENRICHED’’ !

Quizz « COMENIUS »Quizz « COMENIUS »

« Eat smart, Work more, Be Healthy »

QuestionsQuestions1°. How many countries are involved in COMENIUS ? ThreeFourFive

2°. Does the project make you sport more ?YesNoI don’t know

3°. Which sports practice in Comenius Project, did you like the most ?FootballBasketballOthers sports

4°. Have you change your eating habits ?YesNo I don’t know

5°. Have you change the eating habits of your family ?YesNo I don’t know

6°. How many new friends have you made during the Comenius Project ?<33 to 5>5

7°. Does Comenius project change your vision of life ?YesNo I don’t know

Results Romania

Three Four Five

0

20

40

60

0

50

0

How many countries are involved in COMENIUS Project ?

Pupils & adultsYes No

I don't know

0

20

40

60

43

0 7

Does the project make you sport more ?

Pupils & adults

Football BasketOthers sports

010203040

33

5 12

Which sports practice in Comenius Project, did you like the most ?

Pupils & adults Yes NoI don't know

0

10

20

30

40

38

0 12

Have you change your eating habits ?

Pupils & adults

Results Romania

Yes NoI don't know

0

1020

30

40

38

0 12

Have you change the eating habits of your family ?

Pupils & adults

<3 3 to 5 >5

0

10

20

30

520 25

How many new friends have you made during the Comenius Project ?

Pupils & adults

Yes NoI don't know

01020304050

45

0 5

Does Comenius project change your vision of life ?

Pupils & adults

Results Turkey

Three Four Five

0

20

40

60

0

50

0


Pupils an Adults

Yes NoI don't know

010203040

40

2 8


Pupils an Adults


0

10

20

30

30

10 10


Pupils an Adults

Yes NoI don't know

01020304050

42

4 4


Pupils an Adults

Results Turkey

Yes NoI don't know

0

20

40

60

45

50


Pupils an Adults

<3 3 to 5 >5

0

10

20

30

30

128


Pupils an Adults

Yes NoI don't know

01020304050

43

4 3


Pupils an Adults

Results Latvia

Three Four Five

0

20

40

60

0 743

0 0

10


Pupils Adults

Yes NoI don't know

0

20

40

60

38

5 7

6

3 1


Pupils Adults


0

1020

30

40

19

0

31

4

0

6


Pupils Adults

Yes NoI don't know

05

10152025

22

126

3

5

2


Pupils Adults

Results Latvia

Yes NoI don't know

0

10

20

30

1811 11

3

52


Pupils Adults

<3 3 to 5 >5

0

20

40

60

39

6 5

3

3 4


Pupils Adults

Yes NoI don't know

01020304050

41

5 4

9

0 1


Pupils Adults

This report contains the results of a survey of 60 respondents ranging from the pupils of classes 4, 5, 6 and the teachers who got involved into the project activities.

A survey was conducted with a purpose to find out the impact and outcomes of two-year long healthy lifestyle activities under the COMENIUS project name “EAT smart, SPORT more, BE healthy”.

It should be pointed out that the activities have had a positive impact on both respondent groups – students as well as the teachers and the results suggest that involvement into the project has had a positive impact on the most crucial habits of human’s daily life – eating and sporting.

And last but not least, 84% respondents admitted that the project has changed their vision of life which should be pointed out as the most remarkable result since the changes in one’s personal vision might lead to the better choices you make about your further life.

Three Four Five

0

20

40

60

2

49

90

10

0


Pupils Adults

Yes NoI don't know

020406080

57

2 1

8

20


Pupils Adults


0

1020

30

40

37

1310

2

0 8


Pupils Adults

Yes NoI don't know

01020304050

37

1310

7

12


Pupils Adults

Results Spain

Yes NoI don't know

0

20

40

60

42

5 13

7

1 2


Pupils Adults

<3 3 to 5 >5

0

20

40

60

51

0 9

2

26


Pupils Adults

Yes NoI don't know

0

20

40

60

80

53

0 7

10

0 0


Pupils Adults

Results Spain

Results FranceResults France

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Three Four Five

09

46

00

10


Pupils Adults

0

10

20

30

40

50

Football Basket Others sports

38

7 10

4

06


Pupils Adults

0

10

20

30

Yes No I don't know

2820

7

2

6

2


Pupils Adults

0

10

20

30

40

Yes No I don't know

31

177

2

6

2


Pupils Adults

Results FranceResults France

0

10

20

30

40

Yes No I don't know

35

11 9

4

51


Pupils Adults

0

20

40

60

Yes No I don't know

44

9 2

8

20


Pupils Adults

0

20

40

60

<3 3 to 5 >5

50

3 2

6

2 2


Pupils Adults

We can see that this project has a positive impact at various levels:

-On students: they were thinking mostly about their patterns of food life and sports. Indeed, 60% of students say they have increased their physical activity and change their way of eating.- The students' families: 50% of students have encouraged their families to change their eating habits.- The cultural openness and communication students: 70% of students want to learn about other countries and cultures. They realized the importance of learning a foreign language, English to communicate and exchange ideas. 80% of them are made 1-3 friends at meetings.

-In adults: the theme of our project has enabled some of us to change their lifestyle to make it healthier but unlike students, we were already aware of the importance which is not the change in eating habits because they already matched healthy hygiene. These meetings and educational exchanges have new friends (60% say they have 1-3 new contacts) and discover other ways to teach.

In conclusion, the results of this quizz is rather very positive that this is for students or teaching staff. Comenius has achieved the goals we set at the beginning of the project,

mainly to push our students to have a different look at their lifestyle, but also open to the world and Europe through various exchanges . The teaching staff felt enriched by the

exchanges between our European partners.

« Eat smart, Work more, Be healthy ! » project is a massive and complex effort that will likly stand as an

exemple and model for future project of the same scope.It is important to remember that a purpose of this project is to answer questions about the impact, the content and

improvment.The project made every possible effort to arrive at final determination of doses received by both students parents

teachers and community.Because the feedback was a great one, we, the project team, have been planning, new ways of approches of this

Theme for the future.

Newsletter 4 final

Travel

Transcript of Newsletter 4 final