Active Sister Schools - Pilot Edition
2023-2024
Initially launched as a pilot, the project connects primary schools from Poland, Denmark, and Ukraine, with a specific focus on helping children impacted by the war in Ukraine. By participating in collaborative activities and friendly challenges, students from each country learn about one another’s cultures, form new friendships, and experience a sense of international community.
Project goals
Fostering Cross-Cultural Friendships
Build meaningful connections between students from different countries, promoting mutual understanding.
Empowering Ukrainian children
Provide Ukrainian children with a safe and engaging platform to connect with peers globally, offering a break from their daily challenges.
Enhancing physical and mental well-being
Use physical activity as a tool for healthy development and stress relief.
Building teacher collaboration
Enable teachers from the three countries to share insights and foster a supportive network.
Who is the project intended for?
The project is designed for students in the second and third grades of primary school, typically aged 8-9.
Ready-to-use tools
All participants receive ready-to-use innovative materials as part of their participation in the project. The content combines three pillars: education, movement, and entertainment.
Timeline and activities
1. Preparation and planning
(June - August 2023)
2. School celection and team formation
(August - September 2023)
3. Monthly challenges
(October 2023 - February 2024)
Each month, teams received a new set of challenges designed to encourage physical activity, creativity, and cultural learning.
Monthly themes include
October
Warm-up Challenge
The initial optional challenge introduced teams and allowed for fun, casual interactions.
November
The Class
Race
Based on the Danish “Class Race” concept, this activity focused on teamwork and wellness.
December
National Day Celebrations
Students created presentations showcasing unique cultural traditions from their home countries.
January
Pen-Pal Exchange
Students connected through written messages to enhance language skills and cultural understanding.
February
Physical Activity Showcase
The final challenge involved teams participating in a group workout or sports activity, fostering international camaraderie.
Each challenge included detailed activity cards and videos, guiding teachers and students in completing tasks both online and offline. These resources were created by Krokiet and Lama Academy and tailored for interactive, fun-based learning.
4. Move Congress attendance
(September 2023)
During the Move Congress in Madrid, project representatives highlighted the Active Sister Schools initiative, presenting it as a model for fostering youth collaboration through physical activity and cultural exchange
5. Interactive learning and webinars
(September 2023 - April 2024)
Throughout the year, teachers and students joined online webinars, creating spaces to share stories and cultural insights. External experts often led these sessions, adding a new perspective and helping students gain practical and fun knowledge.
6. Closing events and recognition
(March - April 2024)
Online Closing Ceremony
In March, all schools gathered for an online event to celebrate their journey, with winners recognized for their creativity and teamwork.
Official Closing Ceremony in Warsaw
The top teams were invited to an in-person award ceremony in Warsaw, where they were congratulated for their accomplishments and contributions to the program.
Results and impact
The pilot edition of Active Sister Schools left a lasting impact on both children and teachers. It created an engaging, structured approach for children to learn, move, and connect across borders, making a meaningful impact on each participant’s life.
For children
The program inspired friendships, cultural awareness, and the joy of learning through movement and creativity. Children gained confidence in connecting with peers internationally, learned about diverse cultures, and improved teamwork skills.
For teachers
By collaborating internationally, teachers gained new methods and approaches to engage students and improve well-being in schools.
For the community
The program fostered international bonds, with schools eager to continue these friendships beyond the project, potentially leading to future educational collaborations.