Newsletter of Blue Horizons: Youth-Led Solutions for a Water-Secure Future

Meeting Agenda

On Monday, the 12th of February 2024 participants were welcomed at BORG Wiener Neustadt. They were involved in ice-breaking activities and presentations of the project and the participating schools. Then they were guided in the school by the students. They took part in a workshop on (drinking) water situation and individual water consumption. After all partners had lunch together in Wiener Neustadt, they took the train to St. Egyden where they had a guided tour at the drinking water reservoir in Neusiedl am Steinfeld.

On Tuesday, the 13th of February 2024 participants explored the city of Wiener Neustadt. After that, they visited the Viennese water pipeline in ''Höllental"and then had a ride on the cable car up the Rax mountain where they had lunch at the top of Rax mountain. A stop in Reichenau an der Rax followed.

On Wednesday, the 14th of February 2024 a workshop on drinking water purification and recycling was organized, followed by group activities on how to develop water-saving habits and practices. Then participants had a guided tour at Bad Vöslau Mineral Water Company, where they were informed on the process of water embottlement and distribution.

On Thursday, the 15th of February 2024 participants visited Vienna where they had a guided tour at "Schloss Belvedere"and at "Stephansdom".

On Friday, the 16th of February 2024 preparation for the online meeting was done, as well as reflection on activities and a farewell ceremony.

The LTTA raised awareness among the partіcіpants about the importance of sustainable water management and empowered them to become active agents of change іn theіr communities. By participating in the workshops and group discussions, the students learnt how to identify and address water-related challenges іn theіr own local contexts. The accompanying teachers were able to gain insights into effective pedagogical approaches and methodologies related to water consciousness education. Overall, the activity contributed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of the participants and equipped them to take action towards a more sustainable future.

Meeting Agenda

On Monday, the 30th of September 2024 participants arrived at Gymnasio Paranestiou. Students and teachers welcomed them with a ceremony which included traditional dances. Participants visited the school and its surroundings accompanied by our students. Icebreaking activities, presentations of each school and activities on solutions to water pollution were held. A tour around the village of Paranesti followed, with a walk by the riverside of Nestos, where students observed and learnt about plants and wildlife in the area. Next participants visited the Museum of Natural History of Rodopi, where they got acquainted with the area's ecosystems and their relationship to local people.

On Tuesday, the 1st of October 2024 we had a guided tour of the archaeological site and museum of Filippoi and next a visit to the city of Kavala.

On Wednesday, the 2nd of October 2024 we arranged a cultural visit to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. We visited the archaeological Museum and the White Tower and participants had the opportunity to learn a lot about Greek history and culture. A walk in the city centre followed.

On Thursday, the 3rd of October 2024 we visited the Central Pumping Station of Drama where experts explained the water treatment technologіes and methods used and the challenges of treating polluted water. After that, we visited the river Cave of Aggitis, where we were informed about the perils that threaten the ecosystem and the importance of preserving it.

On Friday, the 4th of October 2024 the evaluation of the meeting was done. The LLTA finished with planning for the next steps in the project and a certification ceremony.

Throughout the week, the workshops, field visits, and group activities were an opportunity to strengthen the partnership among the participants, as well as to help them understand the issue of water pollution and protection from different perspectives. They developed their theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the topic by participating in the activities and performing the assigned tasks. Teachers exchanged good practices and experiences with their European colleagues. All participants communicated in English, which improved their language skills. All activities eventually contributed to the project's ultimate goal, to raise awareness about the challenges and issues associated with water resources.