From 18 to 22 May 2026, the CHAIN Erasmus+ consortium had the joy of hosting a group mobility of students in Florina, Greece. During this special week, we welcomed 49 students and 10 teachers from four European schools: Viimsi Kool from Estonia, Victor Mendoza Primary School from Spain, École Saint Julien from France, and Zakladna škola Zubrohlava from Slovakia.
This mobility was also a meaningful moment for our local consortium. Alongside the four CHAIN schools – the 5th Primary School of Florina, the Experimental Primary School of Florina, the Primary School of Vevi and the Primary School of Ydrousa – we had the pleasure of collaborating with the 3rd Primary School of Florina. This cooperation made the experience even richer and showed how powerful it can be when schools in the same community work together.
The week began with an official welcome event at the Municipal Amphitheatre in Florina’s central park. Students from the 5th Primary School welcomed our guests with songs in French, Spanish, Estonian and Greek, under the guidance of their music teacher, Iris Papakonstantinou. The visiting schools then presented their countries and schools, while students from Slovakia and Estonia shared dances from their own cultures. Students from the 3rd Primary School presented a modern dance performance, while students from the Experimental Primary School, Vevi and Ydrousa Primary School performed traditional dances from Macedonia and the “Gaitanaki”. The event closed with the dance group of “Aristotelis”, which brought energy, rhythm and smiles to everyone in the room.
In the evening, the consortium, together with the Parents’ Associations of the schools, organised a welcome barbecue party at the 5th Primary School of Florina. Teachers, parents and students helped create a warm and festive atmosphere, with music, dancing and a truly international buffet, as students from all participating countries brought local sweets to share.
Tuesday was dedicated to school-based workshops. At the Experimental Primary School, students from Estonia and Slovakia created their own “Care Creatures” using simple materials and microbit technology. These small interactive creatures came to life and asked for care, reminding students of the importance of attention, empathy and responsibility. The students also created stop-motion films on the theme of caring for animals.
At the 3rd Primary School, students from France and Spain took part in a variety of activities, including work on the Olympic Games, mathematical games and quizzes, activities about the planets, a school event dedicated to the Pontic Greek Genocide, and a joyful session of dances and games in the school gym. At the 5th Primary School, the visiting students were welcomed with Greek and international songs, a musical presentation by the Florina Municipal Philharmonic, interactive games and dances that created a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
On Tuesday afternoon, the group visited the Archaeological Museum of Florina and Florina Fencing Club OXIF, where students and teachers had the opportunity to learn more about fencing and even try it themselves.
On Wednesday, we travelled to Prespa National Park for a full-day outdoor experience. At Agios Achilleios, students worked in international teams and took part in a creative nature-based activity. Using natural materials respectfully collected from the environment, they completed playful missions such as building shelters, flags, animal tracks, balanced stone structures and small boats. The final mission was especially memorable, as the teams placed their handmade boats in the lake before leaving the island.
On Thursday, the group visited Nymfaio and the ARCTUROS wildlife sanctuaries. Through guided visits to the bear sanctuary and the wolf and lynx area, students explored the theme of coexistence between humans and wildlife, a topic closely connected to the natural environment of our region.
More than a programme of visits and workshops, this week became an experience of connection. Students communicated, created, played, danced, learned and collaborated across languages and cultures. Teachers exchanged ideas, supported each other and shared moments that strengthened the relationships among our schools.
We would like to warmly thank all visiting students and teachers for their enthusiasm, openness and positive spirit. We are also deeply grateful to all the teachers from the five Florina schools who contributed to the organisation and success of the week, as well as to the parents and local partners who supported the activities.
The Florina mobility reminded us once again that Erasmus+ is not only about travelling to new places. It is about building trust, creating shared memories, and helping young people experience Europe as a space of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect.
Share this content: