In conformity with our Erasmus K2 "Hands in Hands” project plan, the second short term exchanges with groups of pupils took place, this time in Šibenik, Croatia. It was with great satisfaction, as well as contagious enthusiasm that, from 20th to the 27th of May, we, Ana Chaves (8ºC) and Inês Martins (8ºC) accompanied by their teachers Maria Silva and Ana Esteves, participated in this exchange where they had a lifetime experience.

On Saturday (20th) morning we headed for Oporto airport full of anticipation and excitement. Seeing as it was the first time on a plane for some.

The trip entailed a long day of connecting flights to Lisbon and the Croatian capital, Zagreb. Finally, at around 11.00pm, we arrived a tourist hotel. Exhausted, we crashed for the night.

 

Sunday! A new day.

Fresh and ready, we began our day at round 8.00 am. After a hearty breakfast we set out for sightseeing. Among the beauties the Croatian capital had to offer, we saw: the Zagreb Cathedral, the Arte Pavilion, the National Theatre the Fountain of Life and the Mirogoj Cemetery. Once again, it was time to leave. To the bus station! Where a five hour trip was awaiting us. Šibenik here we come! Greeted by host families and teachers, we couldn’t ask for anything else.

 

Next day, at 9.00 am, we arrived at Osnovna škola Petra Krešimira IV, the Croatian host school. Where students and teachers were received with a warm reception, after which we were introduced to all the creative team members. We also had the honor of hearing a few words of welcome from the school headmaster Darko unaković and a representative of the local municipality. As well as being introduced to the croatian school system. We then had a short tour around the school and had the opportunity to attend a few classes, where we learnt a little about the Glagolitic script, the city of Sibenik and painted a giant board game on the school playground. In the afternoon, we were treated to a trip to Prvić Island where we visited the Faust Vrančić Memorial Centre. Faust Vrančić was a Croatian Renaissance inventor, philosopher and a linguist. Who characters and was partially checked invented a parachute, among other innovative machines.

 

On Tuesday (23rd), the began really early. At 8.00 am there were science, math, physics and chemistry teachers waiting to enlighten these fresh young minds. We then set out for the old city center where we took part in the International Children's Festival workshop. Here, in the open air (for all to see), project members performed simple folk dances and played traditional and regional games in keeping with the theme of our project “hands in hands”.

Afterwards, we took a walk around the old town of Šibenik and visited the Šibenik City Museum.

 

On Wednesday (24th) we started off the day with a special its class. Partaking in the workshop: “learning through games”, with special needs students. Once again we headed towards the old city center to take part in the second half of the International Children's Festival workshop.

In the afternoon there was a field trip to Etnoland Pakovo Selo. Here we were able to get a acquainted with the continental Dalmatian rural way of life and its tradition.

 

On Thursday (25th) we set out on a one-day field trip to Krka National Park. The visit began with a tour of the park with the aid of a professional guide. Followed by photo sections and creating short film based on the project topic “Hands in Hands“.

 

Friday (26th), our last morning in Sibenik. takes off at 8.30 with students competing in different games in keeping with the theme “Hands in Hands”. All the while, teachers are meeting to discuss and evaluate the activities that took place in the past week, as well as, outlining the work to be presented and the activities to take place in the next exchange. After the meeting, the teachers were invited to visit the Barone Fortress, before returning back to Osnovna škola Petra Krešimira IV to participate in the awards ceremony, followed by the farewell party for the Erasmus+ participants. Later that day, we headed for the bus station, facing once again a five-hour trip back to Zagreb. If there was any doubt that the past few days had been filled with pleasant moments and daily bonding, that doubt was forever extinguished. The farewell, at the bus station, involved tears from several students. We can say that nostalgia has not disappeared from the hearts of all involved. Finally yet importantly, the atmosphere of camaraderie and joy that has taken root in our little group (students and teachers) has contributed to making this trip a success at all levels.

Below you can take a look at Ana and Inês' learning diaries we shared in our local community and school in Portuguese language.

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The Portuguese team.