Visibility of eTwinning Projects Group July 2025 Newsletter discussions and taking action, from producing media content to evaluating outcomes, students were not passive learners but co-creators of their own learning journey.
In working on authentic challenges, they developed a wide array of key competences, including: communication in foreign languages( English as a working language); digital literacy, through platforms like Canva, Padlet, Google Docs, YouTube, TwinSpace, Mentimeter, Wordwall and others; social and civic competence, by addressing real-world problems and organizing local actions; critical thinking and reflection, through research, debates, interviews, storytelling, and evaluation surveys; cultural awareness and expression, especially while working in international teams.
The integration of project content into the national foreign language curriculum was natural and effective. Topics such as active citizenship, global challenges, human rights, and ethical dilemmas aligned closely with B2 and C1 level objectives, offering rich opportunities for authentic communication, argumentation, and interdisciplinary learning. Through interactive activities, students also learned to listen, empathize, and engage respectfully with peers from different backgrounds. They built friendships, gained confidence, and came to see citizenship as both a personal journey and a shared responsibility. Besides this, it was noted increased motivation, autonomy, and depth of understanding among students, as well as a stronger culture of collaboration across
schools. The impact extended beyond the classroom. Students showcased their work in school exhibitions, shared awareness videos on social media, and involved their mates, friends and families in interactive activities and constructive discussions. In many cases, they became multipliers, inspiring others to reflect, act, and engage.
Conclusion: Active citizenship starts with us Roots and Rights: My Citizenship Journey proved that citizenship education is most effective when it is lived, not just taught. Through this project, students did not simply memorize rights and responsibilities, they practiced them. They did not just talk about change, they became part of it. By combining creative tasks, intercultural dialogue, local action, and digital collaboration, the project empowered young people to develop the mindset, values, and skills of engaged citizens. It reminded us that education must prepare students not only for exams, but also for life as active members of society.
The success of the project also reaffirmed the power of eTwinning as a platform that supports meaningful, student-centred, cross-border learning experiences. It allowed teachers to innovate, students to connect, and schools to become places where democratic values are cultivated through real action. In a world facing complex challenges, from misinformation to polarization, climate anxiety to democratic fatigue, Roots and Rights provided a vital space for young voices to be heard, respected, and empowered.
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