During the week of March 11-15th, we hosted in Italy our Erasmus partners from Latvia, Turkey and Spain for the second short-term joint staff training event “Climate Change Commitment Programs in Schools.” The main objective of the mobility was to create a program to fight climate change to be carried out in our schools. We believe that we achieved this goal in different ways by organising many activities such as meetings with experts, job-shadowing and visits to external sites related to our project.
On Monday, March 11th 2024, we held the welcome ceremony in the theatre of our school with the participation of Margherita Frappa, councillor for Public Education and Culture of the Municipality of Ladispoli, and the intervention of activists from the Fridays For Future Italy movement, who further explored the theme of combating climate change. The day after, we visited the Natural Reserve Torre Flavia where Corrado Battisti, the manager, explained the unique characteristics of these wetlands and how they protect and preserve this precious area. It is a very important marsh for the migratory avifauna and the last stretch of the ancient “maremma” (swampy coastland) of the Lazio province. On Wednesday, we went to the National Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology in Pratica di Mare, where we saw the Forecast Room and received an interesting briefing on climate change and the return of extreme weather phenomena. Later, at the Automatic Radiosonde Station, precisely at 12:00 PM, we witnessed the launch of the radiosonde connected to a natural latex balloon, which reaches altitudes that can exceed 30-35 km and penetrate the stratosphere. That afternoon we explored the Etruscan Necropolis “Banditaccia” in Cerveteri which is only about 8 km from our school. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true "village" of tombs constructed to replicate ancient homes. However, they are entirely carved (including the furnishings) into the rock to accommodate the "soul" of the deceased for eternity, according to Etruscan belief. On Thursday we spent the entire day discovering the wonders of Rome, the Eternal City. It was a captivating journey through 2,800 years of history, narrated by basilicas, churches, bustling squares, ancient ruins, majestic fountains, and iconic monuments creating the spectacular backdrop of the historic centre. The day concluded with the magic of the Colosseum illuminated by the soft lights and colours of the sunset. We paused to take one last photo together, capturing a precious moment of harmony that reminded us of how boundaries and differences are only apparent obstacles that are instantly overcome with the "bridges" of friendship.
The last day marked the conclusion of a rich and exciting week for all of us. The activities led to the development of a “Climate Change Program” that will be included in our schools’ curriculum, in accordance with the European Union legislation and policies on the environment and climate. We enjoyed seeing Matteo Miceli, a renowned Italian sailor and "ocean ambassador," in his inspiring video message to the teachers from the Bahamas, where he is currently sailing. Another very interesting presentation was done by Alfonso Lustrino of "Ben di Bio," who delved into the topic of food sustainability, explaining how each of us can take action against climate change by making conscious and sustainable food choices.
In the closing ceremony, we bid farewell to each other with the commitment to meet again soon in Latvia, knowing that we are capable of collaborating in perfect harmony because we share the same dream of a Future of Peace and Sustainability.
“Corrado Melone School” Erasmus Team
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