Empowering Education for a Sustainable Future: Highlights from the SMILE Project’s Final Conference and Activities

The Sustainable Mobility in School Education (SMILE) Project recently concluded its pilot activities and final conference at the University of Groningen on October 29-30, 2024. This notable Erasmus+ initiative is dedicated to integrating climate change, sustainable mobility, and STEAM education within European schools.

The final conference, titled “From Awareness to Action: The Role of Education in Building Sustainable Futures,” gathered over 40 participants from across Europe. Together, they explored innovative educational strategies aimed at inspiring students to become agents of change for a sustainable future. The event began with social activities on October 29, fostering networking and collaboration among attendees.

A highlight of the conference was an engaging workshop led by CARDET and INNOVADE, titled “Driving Change: Pathways to Fostering a Culture of Sustainable Mobility.” This session employed educational simulations to teach early secondary school students about sustainable transportation options and their critical role in reducing carbon emissions. Additional presentations included “Sustainability Today & Tomorrow” by RC and I&F, which focused on ongoing and future sustainability initiatives. KMOP and RUG hosted “Green Heroes: Ways to Act for Sustainability,” empowering individuals to take actionable steps toward environmental responsibility. Swati Vartak also led a session on “Fostering Emotional and Intercultural Skills for Sustainable Action,” emphasizing the importance of these skills in promoting sustainable initiatives.

In early October, the SMILE Project launched a series of pilot activities in Cyprus, including workshops at “Apeiteio” Agros High School and Engomi A’ Primary School. These activities engaged 40 students and 30 STEAM educators in testing and deploying SMILE’s latest educational resources, which featured innovative video animations and digital escape rooms centered on crucial themes like climate change and sustainable mobility.

The active participation of primary and secondary school students enhanced their creative and critical thinking skills while encouraging collaboration among peers. The educational resources facilitated lively discussions and reflections on both local and global issues, empowering students to develop informed perspectives on these pressing matters. Educators provided invaluable feedback during the activities, contributing to the refinement of content and delivery methods, ensuring the resources were both engaging and effective.

Throughout its duration, the SMILE project has prioritized enhancing teachers’ abilities to implement activities related to climate change and sustainable mobility, empowering school communities to take meaningful action. This international collaboration, featuring partners from the Netherlands, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Cyprus, underscores a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient future through education.

More information about the SMILE Project can be found here.