Romania Activities completed (7 - 12 April 2025)
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Educational activity in Chitila dates back to the early 20th century. Community-led efforts paved the way to construct the first school buildings in the area. Over the decades, the instituion expanded its facilities and educational offer, developing into an established I-VIII gymnasium serving the local community. Due to changes in our educational system, we are now home to the „Zero grade/class” as well. What does this mean? Children that should have been in their last year of kindergarten are getting a „headstart” in their school life, as primary school students. The school celebrates annual events such as „School Days” and emphasizes traditions that connect past and present learners.
„Ion Vişoiu” operates as a main educational unit with several associated branches under the same administration, namely Rudeni Primary School, „Eleonora Iliescu” Primary School and „Ion Olteanu” primary school. These branches ensure access to quality education for children from different neighbourhoods of Chitila, strengthening the school’s inclusive and community-oriented character.
Originally known as „Şcoala Gimnazială Nr. 1 Chitila”, the school was later renamed to „Şcoala Gimnazială „Prof. Ion Vişoiu”” to honor Professor Ion Vişoiu – a respected educator and local figure who contributed significantly to the community’s educational life. The renaming recognized his dedication to teaching, leadership within the local school network and his ambition in shaping future children into respectable adults in today’s society. This change also symbolized a new chapter for the institution: a commitment to modernisation, higher pedagogical standards, and active participation in national and European educational programmes, such as Erasmus+ projects.
The school has engage in several modernization initiatives, including ICT upgrades and learning-space improvements. It participates in national programmes, such as „Şcoala Încrederii” and „Incubatorul civic digital”, and international projects focused on reducing bullying, emphasizing inclusion, environmental and healthy-living themes. These activities reinforce the school’s role as an active local and European partner.
Students have achieved notable academic results in county and national evaluations, some of them going for the gold in the national olympics of Romanian and Mathematics, as well as getting remarkable results in Sports, Biology, Geography and even Arts.
The school runs anti-bullying and inclusion initiatives, often in partnership with local authorities and NGOs. On top of that, it fosters community engagement through events, parent collaboration and cultural activities.
Şcoala Gimnazială „Prof. Ion Vişoiu” proudly continues its long-standing mission to educate, to inspire and to empower the young generations of Chitila. Through dedication, teamwork and openness to European collaboration, the school has become not only a center of learning, but also a hub of community, spirit and innovation. Participation in Erasmus+ projects, such as „H2Our Life” reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue.
The school looks confidently toward the future, nurturing responsible, creative and empathetic citizenz of tomorrow’s Europe.
„All for school – school for all!”
PROJECT COORDINATOR COMMENT
Maria Andree Tilibasa
Scoala Gimnaziala Prof.Ion Visoiu, Romania
Hello, my name is Maria Andree Tilibasa, and I am a partner from Romania in the Erasmus+ project H2Our Life. Taking part in this project has been a meaningful and transformative experience for me.
I strongly believe that water is the foundation of life and one of the greatest treasures we must protect for future generations. Through H2Our Life, I have witnessed how education, collaboration, and cultural exchange can inspire young people to take action and develop a sense of responsibility towards our environment.
This project has given me the opportunity to work with amazing partners from different countries, to share ideas, and to learn new ways of teaching and raising awareness. It has also shown me that international cooperation is a powerful way to address global challenges like water scarcity and climate change.
For me, H2Our Life is not just a project – it is a commitment to sustainability, solidarity, and hope for a better future.
SECOND MOBILITY: ROMANIA
7th April- 12th April
Erasmus+ "H2Our Life"
Day 1 – Welcoming Our Guests
Monday marked an unforgettable start to our Erasmus journey!
The delegations from Italy, Turkey, and Poland were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm at Ion Visoiu Secondary School, Chitila.
After a school tour, the guests visited “Eleonora Iliescu” School, where everyone took part in creative activities encouraging cultural exchange and teamwork.
Teachers enjoyed an Origami Easter Card Workshop led by Ms. Ecaterina Stancu, followed by a short presentation on the history of desserts such as biscuit salami, éclairs, and Tiramisu — whose name, we learned, means “pick me up.”
The day concluded with a project meeting among teachers to discuss future cooperation and shared initiatives.
Day 2 – Learning and Sport in Action
The second day was full of discovery and fun!
Our guests explored student projects developed during “Different School Week,” focusing on creativity and innovation.
A Storytelling Workshop led by Andra Cărbunaru from #afostodata brought the magic of sensory stories to life, emphasizing the importance of forests and water for a healthy planet.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Chitila Swimming Pool, where they learned about the benefits of aquatic sports and took part in swimming lessons. It was a joyful moment of connection and cross-cultural friendship.
Later, the visit to School No. 2 Chitila offered a platform for sharing ideas and good educational practices.
Day 3 – Colors, Creativity & Local Traditions
Morning workshops invited students to express their creativity through painting.
Each international team depicted a water landscape from their home country — the sea, a lake, or a river — showing the beauty of nature they wish to protect for future generations.
The Romanian team painted Lake Chitila, a local treasure offering peace and beauty.
All four artworks will be displayed in the school’s Erasmus Corner.
In the afternoon, teams carried out water sampling along the Mangu River, turning theory into hands-on ecological action.
The day continued with a cultural visit to Mogoșoaia Palace, where Romanian history and architecture amazed our guests.
The evening ended with a vibrant artistic performance — traditional dances, music, and plenty of smiles. Friendships were forged, and memories made to last a lifetime.
Day 4 – Discovering Bucharest, the Capital
Thursday was dedicated to exploring Bucharest, a city of contrasts filled with history and life.
The first stop was the Palace of the Parliament, where the group toured its monumental halls and learned fascinating details about Romania’s modern history.
A stroll down Calea Victoriei followed, surrounded by historic architecture and the pulse of city life.
The day concluded in the Old Town, with a memorable visit to Cărturești Carusel, the story-like bookstore that enchanted everyone with its architecture and atmosphere.
Day 5 – The Magic of Water in the Science Lab
The final day celebrated science and discovery.
Students analyzed water samples collected from the Mangu River, testing their clarity, density, and pH levels. The collaborative spirit in the lab was inspiring!
The program ended with a festive diploma ceremony, filled with applause, smiles, and heartfelt words.
It was the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable week of friendship, learning, and shared purpose.
INSTITUTIONAL VISIT
PRO Chitila Foundation
Purpose: Explore local freshwater stewardship and community initiatives.
Activities:
Guided visit to the community swimming pool to understand water treatment, filtration, and responsible consumption.
Fieldwork at the Mangu River: collected surface water samples at two points (upstream/downstream) and recorded temperature, weather, and flow notes.
On-site tests for pH and turbidity/clarity using simple test kits and Secchi tube (or equivalent).
Learning outcomes:
Recognize links between daily water use, infrastructure, and ecosystem health.
Interpret pH and clarity as indicators of water quality and discuss possible pollution sources (runoff, litter, detergents).
Practice basic scientific methods: sampling protocols, controlling variables, and logging data.
Follow-up:
Compare results with regional guidelines; create a simple dashboard/poster of findings.
Draft student recommendations (e.g., reduce detergent use, proper waste disposal) for the school newsletter.
Afostodata Association
Purpose: Raise awareness about water pollution through storytelling and sensory learning.
Activities:
Story-based workshops where students personified a river’s “voice” to map threats (plastics, chemicals, thermal pollution).
Sensorial stations (sound, touch, smell, sight) to experience clean vs. polluted water contexts and discuss emotions/values.
Creative outputs: short fables, comics, or audio stories with calls to action.
Learning outcomes:
Connect environmental facts to empathy and civic responsibility.
Strengthen communication skills—turning data into narratives that motivate change.
Understand behavior change strategies (nudges, peer influence) for anti-litter campaigns.
Follow-up:
Launch a “My River, My Story” exhibition or podcast series.
Student-led anti-pollution pledge and monthly litter-audit around school.
Chitila Town Hall
Purpose: Align school projects with local sustainability policies and community goals.
Activities:
Briefing from municipal staff on waste management, green spaces, and water conservation measures.
Q&A on how youth can participate (volunteering, public consultations, data sharing).
Joint planning session to synchronize the school eco-calendar with local clean-up days.
Learning outcomes:
Understand how local government plans, funds, and monitors environmental initiatives.
Practice civic literacy: reading a simple policy document, identifying stakeholders, proposing feasible actions.
Follow-up:
Memorandum of collaboration for shared events (riverbank clean-ups, tree planting).
Student “Green Ambassadors” to report quarterly on school metrics (water use, recycling rates).
Representatives of the Palace of Parliament
Purpose: Promote local culture and develop students’ interest in cultural diversity and tolerance.
Activities:
Dialogue on Romania’s cultural diversity, minority languages, and heritage protection.
Mini-seminar on democratic values, respectful debate, and the role of institutions in safeguarding rights.
Cultural exchange circle: students shared traditions from their home countries (music, food, customs).
Learning outcomes:
Strengthen intercultural competence and respectful communication.
See how national policies intersect with local cultural initiatives and school life.
Follow-up:
Plan a “Culture & Sustainability Day” linking heritage practices (e.g., reuse/repair, seasonal foods) to modern sustainability goals.
Pen-pal or virtual exchange with a school in another region to continue dialogue on diversity.
Cross-cutting impact (all visits)
Skills developed: Scientific inquiry, data literacy, communication, teamwork, civic engagement, intercultural competence.
Curricular links: STEM (chemistry/biology), Geography, Civics, Language & Literature, Art/Media.
UN SDGs addressed: SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).
Evidence & dissemination: Field logs, lab sheets (pH/turbidity), photos (with consent), student stories, posters, short videos, and a summary report shared with families and local partners.
SCHOOL BACKGROUND
Scoala Gimnaziala Prof.Ion Visoiu, Romania
Şcoala Gimnazială „Prof. Ion Vişoiu” is a dynamic, inclusive public school commited to academic excellence, innovation and community engagement. The school blends a proud local tradition with modern educational practices and international cooperation, making it an active partner in projects such as Erasmus+. It is a public, state-funded school that has around 806 students under its wing, from ages 6 to 14.