1. Day (Monday)

After two successful mobilities in Poland and Latvia, it was our turn to host. On Sunday, we welcomed 7 students and 2 accompanying persons from Latvia, and on Monday, we welcomed 5 students and 2 accompanying persons from Poland. The sound of the accordion and singing filled the pergola as we greeted our guests with bread and salt. This was followed by the official program, where the principal and the mayor gave a few opening remarks, and the students introduced Slovakia, our village, our school, our achievements, and especially showcased their talents – majorettes, gymnasts, and the school band. The students then moved on to icebreaker activities while the teachers familiarized themselves with the school facilities. After a lunch break, we took a short walk to the kindergarten, where we viewed the kindergarten facilities and attended a workshop presented by Master Vagan's Falconers. The workshop was in English, conducted in an experiential learning format with practical demonstrations, where students learned about falconry and birds of prey, which they could pet and take photos with. The students then returned to the school for another workshop on the topic "How to Make Bio Plastic." This workshop took place in the chemistry lab, where students learned step by step about the modern ecological trend – the production of bio plastic without chemicals. After the educational activities, the host families came to pick up the students, who would be staying with them for the entire week.

2. Day (Tuesday)

A new day brought new activities. We started with an English lesson in the 9th grade, where the theme was "The Environment." The teachers had prepared various activities related to this topic. Afterward, we moved to the cultural center, where activities involving our national food awaited us – we cooked halušky and decorated gingerbread cookies. What we cooked, we ate, and thus fortified, we moved to our workshop. First, we familiarized ourselves with the trees that grow in our area, learned to identify them through examples, and completed a worksheet. After a short theoretical part, we moved on to the practical part in the workshop – designing and making a wooden gift, where our guests could test their skills and craftsmanship. During the day, we also had a trip to Slanica Island of Art and visited the dam wall, where we learned many interesting facts about the Orava Dam. We ended the day in Námestovo, where we had some free time.

3. Day (Wednesday)

Even though it was a public holiday, we wanted to not only show our guests the beauty of Slovakia but also teach them something. We visited the modern, interactive Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology in Liptovský Mikuláš, which was divided into two parts: Karst and Caves of Slovakia and Nature Protection in Slovakia. Besides gaining a lot of information about Slovak nature and the need to protect it, we also intensively used the English language, although sometimes it was not that easy. Speleology particularly interested the guests from Latvia since they do not have natural caves. So, when we arrived at the Demänovská Cave of Liberty, everyone was captivated by its mysterious beauty. The cave was presented in English, and the lighting added incredible charm to it.

We also visited the Museum of Optical Illusions, where we tried out fun and educational tricks that altered our perception of reality. Satisfied and tired, we returned to our host families.

Day 4 (Thursday)

On this day, we introduced our partners to our successes in the international First Lego League competition in America. Our students from the Legoborci team prepared a presentation and demonstrations from this competition, and then taught us how to program our own robots through a workshop. Concurrently with the robotics workshop, there was also a sports workshop where we tested our physical fitness – many times we were out of breath. Peter Gemeľa prepared 40 questions for us in the Kahoot program, which were compiled from activities from the previous days.

In the afternoon, we visited the pride of Orava – Orava Castle. Even though the tour lasted quite a long time, the guests were incredibly impressed with the castle and confirmed that we have something to be proud of. Tired from the demanding day, we went home satisfied.

Day 5 (Friday)

The final day of our joint activities had arrived. We finished our wooden products – while sanding and polishing the wood, we also hammered nails into heart shapes and wrapped string around them. This resulted in beautiful gifts that our guests took home as a memory of us. The posters we created using Canva on the theme "The Best of the Week" now decorate the pergola as a reminder of our shared activities. The closing ceremony was filled with gratitude for the time spent together, the new friendships formed, the improvement in English, the new knowledge and skills acquired throughout the week, and, most importantly, the unforgettable memories made. The day concluded with a "Student School Dance," which was the perfect ending to our successful week. We would like to thank all the teaching and non-teaching staff who contributed to the preparation of this incredible week, as well as the families who allowed foreign students to experience typical life here. Special thanks also go to all the students who voluntarily participated in the preparation and execution of this mobility in their free time. We are already looking forward to more mobilities and new experiences thanks to the Erasmus+ program!

Feedback

SLOVAKIA

Erasmus+ at the Lokca Elementary School was amazing! We enjoyed visiting Orava Castle and the Demänovská Cave of Liberty, where we explored the history and beauty of Slovakia. This week brought us new friendships, fun, and unforgettable experiences that enriched our education. (Michaela Bačová 9.B)

Erasmus+ in Lokca gave me unforgettable experiences that brought unique memories and strong friendships. Throughout this week, we explored the beauties of Slovakia, which our guests will not easily forget. These experiences leave a mark in my heart for a lifetime. (Nela Jadroňová 9.B)

POLAND

I enjoyed Erasmus+ in Slovakia. The people in Slovakia were very kind. I made new friends. The family I stayed with prepared interesting activities. I enjoyed the food a lot, especially the burger on Wednesday. From the activities at school, I liked programming robots and the trip to Slanica Island of Art. (Izabela Krystek)

The mobility was great. Besides meeting new people/friends from Latvia and meeting friends from Slovakia, the landmarks we visited during the week were also memorable. The program prepared by the family I stayed with was very appealing. I was most impressed by the activity of programming robots and making wooden products. I am happy to have been part of this mobility. (Jan Dubas)

LATVIA

I'm glad I participated in this mobility. I made many friends there and learned new words in a foreign language. The activities I enjoyed the most were, for example, the trip to the cave and the castle. I also enjoyed hanging out with Peter and his friends. (Arturs Paramonovs)

I really liked the mobility in Slovakia; I made many friends here. I liked the mountains and Slovak nature, as well as walks with Sofia around the village. Also, the trip to the cave was amazing. The family I stayed with was great. I liked everything about the mobility. (Marta Kuprovska)