E–Twinning projects give the opportunity to students of Junior High Schools to cooperate with their peers all over Europe, using up-to-date digital tools. The projects created enhance life skills, such as languages, digital safety, critical thinking and are optimally combined with the subjects taught in school.
Our project had at its core the mental health and well-being of adolescents and for this reason we named it “MY HAPPY ME”. The Project was implemented under the supervision and guidance of Mrs. Maria Rentzi, teacher of English, for A3 Class and Mrs. Anastasia Potou, teacher of Ancient and Modern Greek Language and Literature, for A1 Class.
With various collaborative activities throughout the school year we aimed at boosting the self-esteem of adolescents, combatting bullying, managing anxiety and using Internet in a safe way. The students through joint actions and creative activities developed social and communicative skills, enhanced their self-confidence and felt that their voice and ideas have value. At the same time, active participation in a safe and supportive learning environment contributed to reducing stress, isolation and negative feelings.
Our action was completed with the use of the eTwinning platform, which constitutes the community of schools in Europe. Students and teachers of schools from Italy, Spain, Turkey, North Macedonia and Romania also participated in the Project, as one of its main objectives was the cooperation with peers from different countries, the development of a feeling of belonging, the fostering of empathy and the respect of diversity.
For the teachers, “MY HAPPY ME” eTwinning project offered opportunities for professional growth, collaboration and exchange of good practices with colleagues from all over Europe, and for our school the accomplishment of common goals through collaborative and experiential activities contributed to the creation of a positive school climate, based on mutual support, trust and respect, turning thus the school into a community of practice which enhances mental resilience, well-being and real connection among all its members.
All in all, “MY HAPPY ME” eTwinning project was not only a tool for educational collaboration but also an important factor for boosting mental health, contributing to the creation of a more human, inclusive and optimistic school environment.
