International Collaboration and Sustainability in Action: Nordplus Junior Project “Our Baltic Sea” Final Mobility in Balvi

From 14 to 16 April 2026, Balvi State Gymnasium hosted the final mobility of the Nordplus Junior project “Our Baltic Sea”, bringing together students and teachers from Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia, alongside participants from Latvia. The central theme of the meeting was global citizenship, and the event served as an important platform for international cooperation, exchange of experience, and a shared understanding of sustainability and responsible citizenship.

The programme combined academic and practical activities. On the first day, participants were introduced to Balvi State Gymnasium, took part in ice-breaking activities, and observed lessons. Visiting teachers highly appreciated the lessons as professional, engaging, and modern. The school methodologist, Eva Zučika-Kuzņecova, presented the Latvian education system and the school. Guests also highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of the school, emphasizing the strong sense of community and positive relationships between students and teachers.

Students of Balvi State Gymnasium played an active role throughout the programme – they led ice-breaking activities, introduced the school, and organized a workshop on Latvian culture and traditions. Participants also engaged in thematic workshops focusing on social impact and sustainable action under the idea “Small actions – big impact”. Special thanks go to the Eco-School club leader Gunta Salmane and the students for organizing and leading these activities.

The mobility also included several valuable activities outside the school. Participants visited Rančo “Ozolmājas”, where they experienced rural Latvian life in an informal setting, strengthening teamwork and intercultural communication. An educational excursion to Cēsis provided insight into one of the oldest towns in Latvia, known for its rich cultural heritage and impressive medieval castle. At the Nature and Technology Park “URDA”, students explored environmental education topics, circular economy principles, and sustainable solutions in practice. Meanwhile, teachers had the opportunity to visit the Sietiņiezis rock, one of the most notable natural landmarks in Latvia.

On the final day, an international forum titled “Understanding of Global Responsibility” took place at Balvi State Gymnasium. Students presented their ideas and reflections on sustainability. The mobility concluded with a closing ceremony, evaluation activities, and a celebratory moment together. As part of the programme, participants also visited Rekova Mill and the farm “Kotiņi”, where they learned about local entrepreneurship and sustainable farming practices.

Throughout the mobility, participants deepened their understanding of the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals – a set of 17 global goals aimed at addressing key challenges such as environmental protection, quality education, and social well-being. These goals are essential for building a responsible and future-oriented society. The experience helped students develop collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills, while fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

Overall, the mobility demonstrated that international projects like this make a significant contribution to both students’ personal growth and teachers’ professional development, while strengthening long-term cooperation between partner schools.

Text and photo: the Nordplus project coordinator at Balvi State Gymnasium Irīna Krivošejeva