As part of the Erasmus+ project “Growing up with values from storytelling”, coordinated by Edifacoop, the 1st LTT (Learning, Teaching and Training Activities) took place in Braga from 11 to 16 November. This event was attended by 9 teachers and 16 students from partner schools in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Turkey.
Throughout the week, the program was rich and diversified, based on the theme of the project – working on universal values through children’s literature. Thus, pupils participated in games about values, watched a dramatization of the story “The Little Black Sheep” about the importance of difference, had a volunteer-led workshop on inter-help, and unveiled values associated with the historical sites of Braga city center. In the trip to Porto, stories were the focus of attention, not only during the manual binding workshop at the National Print Museum and but also during the visit to “World of Discoveries”, where they learned about the adventure of Portuguese explorations.
The contact with families of Edifacoop students, at the end of the day or overnight, allowed them a greater understanding of Portuguese culture, cuisine and family values. This experience was accentuated with cultural visits to Braga’s historical center, Bom Jesus do Monte, Sameiro Sanctuary, Porto city center and traditional dinner at Edifacoop, organized by the staff.
This meeting was also important to discuss and align future project objectives, activities, and mobilities. In order to involve members from partner schools who did not travel to Portugal, a joint video conference was held on the eTwinning platform in which all countries presented a traditional song or dance. On the last day, Edifacoop delivered to the Bulgarian school, responsible for the next LTT, an embroidered linen fabric, typical of Minho, with the name of the project; thus, it is intended that each country, in turn, present its piece, in order to obtain at the end a project patchwork quilt.
The 1st LTT was productive and allowed closer bonds with the participants. Students and teachers benefited from the activities and enriched each other. Thus stones were laid that will cement the steps to be taken together over the next two years.
