Water Unites Us in Italy – A Week of Learning, Culture, and Shared Emotions
From 24 to 28 November 2025, students and teachers from Poland, Turkey, and the Canary Islands took part in the third Erasmus+ mobility of the project “Water Unites Us”, hosted by our Italian partner school in Cusano Mutri. It was a week filled with learning, creativity, cultural discovery, and unforgettable emotions.
Day 1 – A Warm Welcome and the First Drops of Friendship
Our Italian adventure began at Kennedy Primary School in Cusano Mutri, where we were welcomed with incredible warmth. Students greeted us in the schoolyard waving flags of all partner countries, immediately creating a feeling of unity and belonging.
Music, songs, and smiles opened the week, setting a joyful tone for what was to come.
Throughout the day, students explored the importance of water through creative workshops, collaborative games, and artistic recycling activities. Water-drop posters, music and dance performances, problem-solving challenges, and transforming plastic bottles into marine artworks showed how learning can be meaningful, hands-on, and international.
A special highlight was the Turkish Ebru art workshop, which allowed everyone to experience traditional marbling art and deepen cultural exchange.
It was a powerful first day—full of energy, cooperation, and the feeling that something special had just begun.
Day 2 – Benevento: Where History and Water Meet
The second day took us to Benevento, a city shaped by history and water, known as “the city between two rivers.” Walking through its streets felt like stepping back in time.
We admired the majestic Arch of Trajan, the unique Santa Sofia Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the mysterious stories of the Witches of Benevento, and the impressive Roman Theatre, once filled with thousands of spectators.
From ancient aqueducts to legendary tales, water appeared again and again as a silent witness of history.
The day ended with a shared lunch and a joyful bus ride back, filled with songs and laughter that reminded us how quickly strangers can become friends.
Day 3 – Learning, Creativity, and Celebration
Back at the Kennedy Institute, we explored the school environment and educational culture, feeling inspired by the openness and hospitality of our hosts.
A colourful Carnival performance followed, featuring handmade costumes created entirely from recycled materials—a beautiful blend of tradition, creativity, and environmental awareness.
The day continued with a powerful presentation on microplastics and water pollution, encouraging students to reflect on their daily habits and responsibilities. Writing environmental wishes on paper fish and placing them on a shared “ocean floor” became a moving symbol of collective care for our planet.
We later completed our recycled bottle artworks and proudly presented them to the group.
A delicious lunch prepared by parents, a surprise Erasmus cake, and a cheerful photo session made this day unforgettable—full of smiles, gratitude, and togetherness.
Day 4 – Sustainability Through Art and Imagination
The fourth day was a true celebration of creativity and sustainability. Nursery and primary school students amazed us with theatre performances, dances, and music created using recycled instruments. Their joy and enthusiasm brought the underwater world to life.
Erasmus+ students then presented an original play with a clear environmental message—showing how small choices can make a big difference.
Workshops on sustainable clothing and natural painting allowed participants to design T-shirts using plant-based colours, combining art with ecological responsibility.
The day ended with an animated explanation of the water cycle and a playful music workshop using water-filled containers—proving once again that learning can be joyful, meaningful, and creative.
Day 5 – Water Heritage and a Heartfelt Farewell
On the final day, we visited extraordinary examples of Italian water heritage. The monumental Piscina Mirabilis impressed everyone with its scale and ancient engineering genius, while the elegant Casina Vanvitelliana and the breathtaking Vanvitelli Aqueduct showed how water has connected people and communities for centuries.
In the afternoon, during the farewell ceremony, three symbolic suitcases representing Turkey, Poland, and the Canary Islands were opened. The last suitcase, however, contained no objects—only the values we shared: friendship, respect, empathy, cooperation, and joy.
With certificates in our hands, hugs, smiles, and even a few tears, we said goodbye.
The mobility ended, but the memories, lessons, and friendships will stay with us forever—just like water, connecting us beyond borders.
Water truly united us. 💙
