Kokkinochorion Panou Ioannou High School, located in the Frenarous community of Famagusta District, is accredited in the European Erasmus+ Program from 2023 to 2027. As part of this program, a delegation of students from Germany accompanied by their teachers visited our school for a week of activities on climate change and biodiversity.
The German partners arrived at Larnaca airport on September 29, 2024, and then arrived at their hotel in Ayia Napa. Participants explored the surrounding area and attended the Ayia Napa Festival.
On Monday, September 30, 2024, they visited our school and after meeting with the principal Mr. Adamos Kakouris, they were guided around the school premises. Our visitors, initially, attended a presentation of our school and an event about Cyprus Independence and our school. Afterwards, a get-to-know-you activity took place, which allowed the students to build relationships in a relaxed and fun environment, strengthening group cohesion. Later, they attended a biodiversity lecture from Birdlife Cyprus and were informed about the importance of biodiversity. They then worked in groups to build bird nests and place them correctly, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The same group of students made "seed bombs" and transplanted plants from cuttings brought from home, reusing plastic pots.
Another group of students prepared homemade lemonade and then research began, creating small presentations about our topic. At the end of the day, the children prepared a final presentation, which the 2nd High School students attended on Friday. In the afternoon the children of the two schools met at "Landa" beach where they played Beach Volley with their teachers.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the students visited Lefkara and then the village of Agioi Vavatsinias to attend the Larnaca Mountain Festival. The visit to the traditional narrow streets and the church of the Holy Cross in Lefkara was a unique experience that combined historical knowledge with cultural education. The students toured the picturesque narrow streets, admiring the traditional architecture and learning about the cultural heritage of the village. At the Church of the Holy Cross, they were informed about the historical and religious importance of the church, as well as about the precious works of art it houses.
In the village of Agios Vavatsinias, they were guided around the festival grounds and got to know traditional constructions and food up close. After having lunch they were guided through the traditional mountain streets of the village, breathing the clean and healthy mountain air.
In the afternoon, the students of the two schools went to Larnaca, where they were guided to the Larnaca Fortress and the Holy Church of Agios Lazarus.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, participants visited the Environmental Education and Information Center in Cabo Greco and then the Sea Museum in Ayia Napa, taking part in biodiversity activities and exploring the area's natural beauty.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, the students of the two schools built a vertical vegetable garden, using recyclable materials such as sewer pipes, large water bottles, plastic caps. Next, they created unique hats using recyclable materials.
This was followed by a lecture on climate change and biodiversity in the Mediterranean by "The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute"
At the end of the day, the team from Germany visited the Technical and Agricultural School of Avgorou to learn about the detailed programs and the way the Technical and Agricultural School operates.
On Friday, October 4, 2024, the students initially prepared for their presentations and rehearsed the musical part. Second High School students and teachers attended this presentation.
Afterwards, the students went to the Hatzigiorki Mills Museum, where they were guided and prepared traditional honey pies. Afterwards, they visited a local beekeeper, were informed about the profession, the importance of bees and the process of honey extraction, and became beekeepers themselves, as they wore the the beekeeper's uniform and closely observed the honeybees.
In the early afternoon, students and teachers of the program took part in a Barbeque organized by our school at the excursion area of Landas beach in Ayia Napa. There they tasted traditional charcoal-grilled dishes such as: souvlaki, sheftalies, halloumi and sausages. Games and dances followed where the children enjoyed themselves to the core.
Indeed, this week was a challenge for both the Cypriot students and the Germans. The activities were aimed at cultivating skills, values, knowledge, critical and creative thinking and understanding their role as active, ecologically conscious citizens. Students worked together, enhancing their social skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team. The whole process encouraged the students to use their imagination and creativity, it also strengthened their self-confidence, cooperation and respect, appreciation for local history and tradition, promoting understanding and respect for the cultural wealth of Cyprus , through direct contact with the cultural heritage of the place.
At the same time, it made students aware of important environmental issues, such as climate change and its effects on marine biodiversity, strengthening their environmental awareness and understanding how human activities can affect the environment, disturb natural balances and cause negative consequences in ecosystem and human health. Undoubtedly, this experience was unforgettable for all participants.
