Diversifying the STEM Ecosystem

Our School Was the Starting Point for the Erasmus+ STEM Project!

Project coordinators and teachers from Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Greece spent an unforgettable week at our school from November 3rd to 8th, 2024, as part of the Erasmus+ project “Diversifying the STEM Ecosystem” (Project No. 2024-1-LV01-KA220-SCH-000250755). Participants from Finland, Poland, and Latvia included teachers from both primary and secondary schools, while representatives from STEM centres in Lithuania and Latvia also joined.

The goal of this first meeting was to get to know the project partners, make plans for the future, and learn more about the Finnish education system. Our school provided a great setting for this, and we were also able to involve teacher education representatives in the program. During the week, our guests got to explore the school, attend lessons, and take part in presentations. We also visited the local STEM centre, where Saana gave an excellent overview of the national work of the LUMA centres. In addition, we tried out orienteering and tested grip strength.

We were happy to show our guests the beautiful Koli National Park, even though the weather was cloudy. Still, the campfire coffee, traditional vatruska pastries, and the short but stunning view of Finland’s national landscape surely made a lasting impression.

The project will continue in spring 2025 with a teacher training week in Latvia. During the 2025–2026 school year, our school will host a variety of STEM activities for students, parents, and teachers. One of the most valuable aspects of this project is the international cooperation it promotes—collaboration that we hope will lead to long-term benefits.