Inclusion, Tolerance and Outdoor Learning in Lithuania — TPM4 of “Learn Outside, Smile and Shine”

From 12 to 15 October 2026, our Erasmus+ project “Learn Outside, Smile and Shine” brought together partners from Romania, North Macedonia, Greece, Italy and Lithuania for our fourth transnational project meeting. Hosted by Lazdijai Motiejus Gustaitis Gymnasium, the meeting focused on “Inclusion, Tolerance and Outdoor Activities”, exploring how schools and their communities can create meaningful opportunities for participation and learning beyond the classroom.

Erasmus+ KA210-SCH — Project number: 2025-1-RO01-KA210-SCH-000354299

Day 1 — A warm welcome and an introduction to Lithuanian traditions

Our Lithuanian hosts welcomed us with a performance of traditional songs and dances, offering an introduction to the country’s cultural heritage. A tour of the gymnasium allowed us to explore its learning spaces and meet members of the school community.

During a traditional candle-making workshop, we experienced hands-on learning that combined creativity, practical skills and local traditions. Working together also provided an informal opportunity to reconnect with our partners and exchange experiences.

The day concluded with a traditional welcome dinner, setting a friendly atmosphere for the activities ahead.

Day 2 — Inclusive teaching and learning through experience

The second day began with workshops led by partners from Romania, North Macedonia, Greece and Italy. Lithuanian students participated in activities designed to encourage cooperation, active involvement and learner-centred learning. These sessions gave partners an opportunity to share teaching approaches and observe how students responded to different tasks.

The seminar “Inclusion, Tolerance and Outdoor Activities” provided space to exchange experiences and discuss strategies for meaningful participation. During the project management session, we reviewed progress and agreed on the next steps in our collaboration.

Later, we travelled to Druskininkai, where a workshop on baking Šakotis, the traditional Lithuanian tree cake, connected practical learning with cultural discovery.

Our exploration continued with a guided tour and a walk along the shores of Lake Druskonis. A ride on the Lynų kelias cable car above the Nemunas River offered a different perspective on the surrounding landscape. We also visited Snow Arena and its indoor ski slope.

Together, these experiences prompted reflection on how local culture, natural surroundings and recreation can provide resources for learning. Observation and shared discussion helped us consider how similar activities could be adapted for our own students.

Day 3 — Connecting school and community

On 14 October, laboratory activities at the gymnasium encouraged curiosity, cooperation and problem-solving.

The programme “Discover, Explore and Learn” then took us into the wider community, with visits to the Cultural Centre, Sports Centre, Art School and Lazdijai Town Hall. These visits illustrated how educational opportunities can extend beyond school through cooperation with local institutions.

At the Sports Centre, we reflected on how sport can support teamwork, confidence and a sense of belonging. Our meeting with the Mayor of Lazdijai provided an opportunity to discuss education and European cooperation.

A visit to the Museum of the Struggle for Freedom encouraged reflection on history, empathy and human rights, adding another dimension to our discussions about tolerance and inclusion.

The day also included an Erasmus Days celebration at the Art School, where students presented a musical performance. Their contribution showed how the arts can create opportunities for expression, participation and intercultural connection.

Day 4 — Cultural heritage and the exchange of educational practices

The final day included a visit to Trakai Castle, where we explored the relationship between cultural heritage and outdoor learning. The castle and its surroundings provided a setting for discussing how historical places can support observation, discovery and learning across subjects.

In Vilnius, we visited “Eruditas” Private School to discover a different educational approach and exchange experiences with colleagues. Our discussions considered how teaching practices can respond to students’ diverse needs while encouraging creativity, inclusion and active participation.

We also visited Vilnius Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, then explored the streets of the Old Town. These visits offered further opportunities to consider how history, architecture and cultural heritage can become resources for learning beyond the classroom.

The meeting concluded with a certificate ceremony, recognising participants’ involvement and bringing our four days of shared learning to a close.

Bringing the experience back to our schools

Throughout TPM4, we explored inclusion through classroom workshops, practical activities, cultural experiences and encounters with the local community. The meeting gave us opportunities to discuss how outdoor learning can encourage cooperation and how activities can be adapted to support different learners.

We return to our schools with ideas to test, experiences to share and stronger connections with our European colleagues.

We warmly thank Lazdijai Motiejus Gustaitis Gymnasium, the participating students and the local community for their hospitality and preparation. Thank you also to all our partners for their contributions and continued cooperation.

Together, we continue to learn outside, smile and shine!

Press Coverage and Partner News

Read more about our meeting in Lithuania:

• 🇷🇴 Alba pe Bune — Erasmus+ Exchange in Lithuania on Outdoor Learning and Inclusion (in Romanian)
• 🇷🇴 Ziarul Unirea — Education Without Borders: “Vasile Goldiș” School at the Fourth Erasmus+ Transnational Meeting in Lithuania (in Romanian). Ziarul Unirea % %
• 🇷🇴 AB News — Education Without Borders: “Vasile Goldiș” School at the Fourth Erasmus+ Transnational Meeting in Lithuania (in Romanian)
• 🇬🇷 Cretalive — The 45th Primary School of Heraklion in Lithuania (in Greek)
• 🇬🇷 Neakriti — From Heraklion to Lithuania (in Greek)
• 🇬🇷 Alfavita — European Educational Activities of the 45th Primary School of Heraklion (in Greek)
• 🇱🇹 Lazdijai Motiejus Gustaitis Gymnasium — Learning, Collaborating and Building Bridges Between Cultures (in Lithuanian)