In the heart of Vantaa, at the Vaskivuori school, educators took a step towards a more sustainable future by participating in the eLab Prototyping Program for Teachers.

This program focused on innovative teaching methodologies with an emphasis on sustainable education, greenhouses, and urban gardens. 

The teachers also engaged in job shadowing and an immersive art class, gaining valuable insights into creative teaching approaches. 

Students had a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with peers from India, France, Finland, and Portugal, presenting materials from their respective countries.

They actively participated in Art, Dance, Music and hands-on learning sessions, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and culture. To complement their learning experience, an outdoor hiking trip by Kuusijärvi Lake provided a refreshing connection with nature. 

In Ivalo, Lapland, participants embarked on a unique educational adventure.

The CampFire Social Arts Work initiative provided deep insights into the intersection of arts and community engagement. A visit to a wildlife rescue centre allowed participants to understand conservation efforts up close.

A highlight of the trip was a mesmerizing performance by an indigenous Saami artist and songwriter, Ms. Heli Aikio, composer of Livde, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The journey continued with an exhilarating crossing of a frozen river to visit a school that champions sustainable ergonomics—a testament to innovative educational design.

The adventure concluded with a visit to the prestigious Sami Siida Museum, which was recently honored as the European Museum of the Year 2024.  This museum serves as a vital hub for preserving and sharing Saami culture and history.

This extraordinary experience was facilitated by Ms. Andreea Gatman from ActonLearning, providing educators and students with an incredible opportunity for learning, cultural sharing, and exploration of new teaching methodologies.

Such initiatives not only enhance educational practices but also foster global collaboration, sustainability awareness, and intercultural understanding, paving the way for a more informed and connected world.

From March 19 to 27, 2025, four teachers and four students from Escola Básica e Secundária de Albufeira in Portugal took part in a mobility program in Finland under the Erasmus+ Oddience 2030 project. During this enriching experience, the group visited Helsinki, Vantaa, and Ivalo, in Lapland, exploring innovative teaching practices and sustainability initiatives.

At Vaskivuori School in Vantaa, the teachers participated in the eLab Prototyping Program for Teachers, organized by ActonLearning, which focused on education for sustainability, with a special emphasis on urban gardens. Additionally, they engaged in job shadowing, observing Finnish teachers in their classrooms, and attended Arts lessons, gaining insights into creative teaching methodologies.

The students, alongside peers from France, Finland, and India, presented materials brought from their home countries, promoting cultural exchange. They also participated in various classes, including Arts, Dance, Music, English, and Mathematics. The program included outdoor activities, such as a walk by Lake Kuusijärvi, offering direct contact with nature.

The journey continued to Ivalo, in Lapland, where the group took part in the CampFire Social Arts Work, a project combining art and socialization in natural environments. The visit included a trip to a wild animal rescue center and a presentation by a Saami indigenous artist and composer, providing an authentic perspective on the local culture.

A particularly memorable moment was crossing a frozen river to visit a sustainable ergonomics school, highlighting the importance of environmental adaptation in education and watch an fantastic aurora borealis at night.

The trip culminated with a visit to the Sámi Museum Siida, recognized as European Museum of the Year 2024, where participants deepened their knowledge of Sámi history and culture.

This mobility program provided a unique learning and cultural exchange experience, promoting values of sustainability, creativity, and international cooperation.