The meeting in Buncrana

The meeting in Buncrana comprised a plethora of well-organised activities linked to the GREEN-project itself but also to the overarching goal of fostering intercultural competence and knowledge among the young Europeans inherent in all ERASMUS activities – referred to by the hosts as “the spirit of ERASMUS”.

Regarding its content, the activity touched upon a variety of subjects – due to the multidisciplinary nature of the GREEN project. In more detail, specific topics such as the local flora and fauna represented in wildlife habitats and their preservation (e.g. in national parks and sanctuaries), cultural and historical aspects of human involvement with nature (e.g. peat cutting and invasive plants, creation of parks) as well as the geological formation and human-led deformation of landscapes (e.g. coastal erosion, fishing) represented the basic thematic building blocks for the students. Apart from these specific topics linked to the project, of course, local culture, traditions, and history also played a large role in the student’s involvement with the host country. Particularly the North Ireland conflict whose deep ramifications and brutal repercussions could still be felt in many ways did not leave the students and the visiting teachers untouched. 

 

Methodologically, internet-based research, interviews, varying group activities, presentations, guided tours, written tasks and manual work were interwoven in a multi-methodological and multi-sensorial experience for the students. The methodology changed and depended on the particular activity carried out on each day (see below in the description).

The various findings and results were documented in multiple physical and non-physical forms, ranging from handmade-products (e.g. recycled shirts, local food), written pieces (the blog, essays, flyers, comments) and various presentations and group talks.

The activity both evolved around and exceeded the “normal activities” of the hosting college, depending on the day and focus. While some activities, as described above, followed the local school timetable and also included participation in regular classes and a lunch in the school canteen, others – for the obvious reason of being extra-curricular trips and activities - went beyond the regular school activities. This was all due to the special character of an ERASMUS-meeting which naturally includes more extra-school activities than a regular school day.

On March 10^th the activity kicked off with a variety of tasks and games aimed at breaking the ice between students and getting to know Irish culture a little better. The host had prepared a large variety of group activities and games of skill in which the five different groups had to actively engage with the partners from the different countries in order to find solutions for various riddles and games. This was greatly enjoyed and served its ice-breaking-purpose very effectively, as well as the fantastic Irish Culture showcase of traditional dancing and music which left a deep impression on students and teachers alike. After a tour around school focussing on environmental and ecological aspects a treasure hunt around Buncrana was carried out in which students had to work on tasks related to the GREEN-Project and upload their findings to a cloud for sharing. For example they had to identify certain plants or ecological habitats and along the way they got to know the town of  Buncarana. 

On the next day a trip to Malin Head enabled the students to learn about the very special coastal landscape and its ecological importance. The tour guide spoke about the historical importance of turf for the region and its now acknowledged ecological meaning as a natural storage for carbon dioxide, as well as the wildlife and the threat of coastal erosion for the region. A guided tour with lamas showed  the students how  ecological and sustainable tourism could be carried out. The day was finished off with a trip to Derry focusing on historical aspects such as the troubles and the conflict between Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Monday 13^th March brought us to Glenveagh National Park where the students had to solve different tasks with the help of the rangers who led them through the park and explained about its peculiarities and ecological importance. On Tuesday 14^th  a carousel of activites was carried out in Buncrana College focussing on GREEN aspects. These reached from baking activities using local and sustainable ingredients to woodwork and recycling activities. All activities were carried out in mixed groups and included presentations and group talks. After a packed day in school, a tour to a wildlife sanctuary (Wild Ireland) was carried out where the students learned about the importance of the local fauna and the attempts to resettle certain species in this region of Ireland.