From April 23rd to 29th, we had the honour of representing our school as part of an Erasmus+ mobility in Kicevo, North Macedonia. This training opportunity, under the theme Positive Discipline, gathered educators from Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, France, and the host country, North Macedonia, for a week of intensive workshops, collaborative discussions, and cultural immersion.
Due to an unforeseen delay in our connecting flight, we arrived one day later than expected. Nevertheless, the reception we received was warm and considerate, allowing us to integrate smoothly into the planned activities. Our accommodation, a serene hotel nestled in the mountains, provided an ideal environment for both reflection and professional growth.
The training sessions were thoughtfully designed and covered a wide range of relevant topics, including emotional literacy in schools, inclusive practices, and democratic participation in the school environment. Workshops such as Democratic Participation in School and Building Emotionally Safe Classrooms prompted valuable reflection on our roles as educators in fostering a respectful, supportive, and engaging learning atmosphere.
The afternoon peer meetings allowed for deeper dialogue between colleagues from different educational systems. These sessions proved to be particularly fruitful, as we exchanged methodologies, experiences, and strategies for promoting discipline that is both respectful and constructive.
Beyond the pedagogical work, the program included cultural visits to Skopje and Ohrid. In Skopje, we had the opportunity to visit the house where Mother Teresa of Calcutta was born, and to explore the city’s historical centre. In Ohrid, we experienced the cultural richness and natural beauty of the region, including a guided tour of the old town and a boat trip on the lake.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the North Macedonian team, whose excellent organization, attention to detail, and warm hospitality contributed significantly to the success of this mobility. We also extend our thanks to the trainers, whose expertise, clarity, and dedication created an engaging and reflective learning environment. Their contribution was instrumental in helping us reframe our perspectives on discipline, inclusion, and the emotional dimensions of teaching.
This Erasmus+ experience was not only professionally enriching but also personally meaningful. It reaffirmed the importance of intercultural dialogue in education and reminded us of the central role that empathy, communication, and positive relationships play in any learning context. We return to our school community with renewed motivation, valuable knowledge, and a broader European outlook.
Our sincere thanks to the North Macedonia team and all those who made this journey possible.
Cátia, Liliana and José
