GADO team participated in our next It’s Time Project mobility. Together with our partner school – Zespół Szkół Drzewnych i Leśnych im.Jana Kochanowskiego in Garbatka-Letnisko we went to Gulbene in Latvia. The LTTA mobility in Gulbene held in March 2025 was a memorable experience for us. From the opening ceremony in the school to the final presentations and events, every moment was filled with learning and cultural exchange. The ice-breaking activities on the first day helped us bond quickly, and the school tour highlighted Gulbene’s commitment to sustainability. The presentations on sustainable development delivered by students were particularly impactful and I believe that our students and teachers gained practical knowledge that we can apply back home. The visit to the company in Lizums helped to understand the importance of sustainable practices in the wood industry and to emphasize the global connections. The workshops e.g. on natural resources, re-usable materials, prototypes or animations, provided a platform for us to discuss national policies on sustainable development and how we can implement them in our own countries. Also, the visit to the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry in Riga was a highlight for use. It showcased innovative solutions for sustainable resource usage. The activity in the woods made us appreciate the beauty of nature even more. The final dinner with traditional Latvian folk dances was a perfect way to celebrate our accomplishments together. This Erasmus+ experience has motivated us to become advocates for sustainability in our community! We left Gulbene with not only new friends from partner countries but also a renewed commitment to environmental changes. We are grateful for this opportunity and will cherish the memories created in Gulbene. Thank you for hosting us in your beautiful school 🙂

Our GADO team was pleased to participate in LTTA in Belgium in October 2024! Centred around the principles of sustainable development and goals, this programme invited international teachers, students and pupils from various countries to experience Belgium’s heritage while engaging in hands-on initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges. The curriculum integrated local environmental issues with challenges focusing on food waste, renewable energy, waste reduction, and biodiversity. Students from Zottegem collaborated with their international peers to develop practical solutions for sustainability-related issues, increasing a spirit of cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Through workshops on natural resources and crafts, presentations, city game on fast/slow fashion, SDGs quizzes, field trips to Brussels and Ghent, and community projects, students were working on sustainable practices, such as clean waters, urban gardening, eco-friendly transportation, and green initiatives. They gained valuable insights into Belgium’s policies and sustainable living, as well as the European Union’s broader goals for environmental sustainability. During the training, we all visited the European Parliament, Belexpo, and Parlementarium in Brussels, which was a great opportunity to learn about the country’s commitment to sustainability, the history of European democracy and the role of activism in daily life. Students also prepared their presentations on the national priorities in education for sustainability: SDGs from an economical perspective and took part in delicious cooking workshops. The other day, we went together to Ghent, where we were invited for a river clean-up using canoes. This activity was not only a great physical exercise in nature but also a meaningful step for better water quality and protection of local waters. In addition to academic enrichment, the exchange encouraged personal growth and intercultural understanding of pupils, who were staying with their host families. Students developed essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability while forming lasting friendships across borders.
We would like to thank our Belgium hosts for a welcoming atmosphere and effective and interesting training! It provided a unique platform for both teachers and pupils to actively participate in the global conversation on sustainable development, equipping them with the knowledge and passion to effect positive change both locally and internationally.