The hosting of two teachers and eight students from the RHIZO Lyceum school in Kortrijk, Belgium, was successfully completed in Naoussa over the last few days. The visit took place as part of the educational project “RECIBIOS – Challenge-based experimentation on BIOdegradable RECIpeS in lower secondary education,” which is being implemented this year in schools in Naoussa and Belgium and is co-funded by the Erasmus+ program.
The Belgian delegation was hosted by the 1st Gymnasium of Naoussa “Lappeio,” with the parallel support of the non-profit organization EduQuest. The project is part of the implementation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) teaching based on the concept of the bioeconomy and the circular economy.
During the visit, Belgian students and teachers, among others, collaborated with their Greek classmates in a series of experiential workshops and activities:
- On the first day, experiments were conducted with biodegradable materials, transforming natural waste (such as eggshells and coffee grounds) into new and useful products.
- On the second day, a meeting was held with a representative of the Municipality of Naoussa to present the project and discuss educational issues.
- The third day was devoted to field visits. The first stop was Vergina, where a tour of the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai was conducted. After that, we went to Thessaloniki, where the students joined mixed working groups at the InCommon organization’s “Cycle” workshop and took part in the experiential activity “Bringing the Map to Life.” The students participated in discussions on the circular economy and the bioeconomy, and toured the neighborhoods of Thessaloniki’s Upper Town with the aim of recording circular economy practices implemented by residents and businesses in the area.
Throughout the trip, guests had the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the region through educational visits and cultural exchange activities. In addition, they strengthened their cooperation, creative thinking, and communication skills. This experience was a unique opportunity for all participants to learn from each other, engage in cultural exchange, and strengthen their European identity.
The RECIBIOS program is implemented by a consortium of partners RHIZO Lyceum (Belgium) – coordinator, 1st Gymnasium of Naoussa, and the non-profit organisation EDUQUEST, with the aim of developing and integrating innovative STEAM teaching methods related to sustainability, environmental awareness and the bioeconomy.
More information about the project: https://eduquest.gr/recibios/