In a time when young people face growing challenges to their physical and mental wellbeing, the Active Sister Schools project has shown that movement, joy, and international connection can make a meaningful and lasting difference. Throughout the past school year, students and teachers from Denmark, Spain, Poland, and Ukraine have taken part in a journey that blended physically active learning with cultural exchange, sparking curiosity, friendships, and new ways of seeing the world.

What began as a simple idea—to bring children from different countries closer through monthly physical challenges—quickly turned into a much-anticipated adventure in classrooms. Each month, participating schools received a themed activity designed to promote physical movement and cultural discovery, from playful games and quizzes to cross-border exchanges like holiday card swaps.

An example for a challenge 

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to speak with a few teachers from the four countries involved. Their reflections show that beyond the structured activities, it was the human connections that truly shaped the experience. The students did not just complete tasks, they looked forward to seeing what other schools were doing, comparing their results, and learning about their peers in different countries. A teacher, Mallory, from Spain shared, “They love seeing the other teams’ photos in the Team Diaries. It is motivating for them. Our students are very competitive, so they really enjoy comparing scores.” In contrast, the Danish, Polish and Ukrainian teachers noted that their students were more inspired by the cultural elements and the fun of the shared experience than by the scores themselves.

Ewelina, the Polish representative, shared that the monthly activities became highlights of the school calendar and that students eagerly anticipated each new challenge. A particular favourite was the "ladybug game," which had entire classes laughing on the floor. In Denmark, the energy of the games spilled out of the classroom into recess, where children began organising their own versions of the activities. According to Danish teacher Pernille, these moments helped students connect movement with fun, making it a natural part of their daily routines.

An Ukrainian teacher, Olena reflected on the significance of the project for her students, many of whom have studied online for the past three years. “This is our second time being part of the Active Sister Schools project. Both this year and last year, our kids absolutely loved the challenges, especially online meetings, exchanging Christmas cards, learning about the schools of teammates and their traditions, dancing national TikTok trends. This project has been a real breath of fresh air for our students.” She added that the project helped them better understand different cultures and led to continued collaboration with partner schools beyond the activities.

While every school had its own approach—some emphasising points and competition, others prioritising teamwork and discovery—all teachers agreed on one thing: the students saw beyond borders. As Pernille shared, “For our students, it was not the differences that stood out—it was the similarities.” In Poland, students proudly learned to recognise other countries’ flags and were inspired to ask deeper questions about life abroad. Spanish students, meanwhile, began to view themselves as part of a broader international community, with a sense of identity that extended well beyond national boundaries.

The project’s benefits were not limited to students. Teachers found the monthly structure and resources easy to implement, despite initial concerns about time commitment. One teacher explained, “It sounded like a big commitment, but it was actually really well-paced and easy to integrate. And the rewards—connection, joy, and growth—made it worth it.” The accompanying webinars offered further inspiration, providing practical ideas and fresh perspectives on how to incorporate physically active learning into everyday teaching. Many creative ideas for future collaboration emerged throughout the year. From letters and classroom exchanges to potential Erasmus+ partnerships, several schools expressed interest in continuing the relationships formed through the project. There was also interest in creating a shared platform or space where schools could stay connected, share stories, and celebrate achievements together—even beyond the lifespan of the project itself.

The spirit of celebration and inclusivity will return on the 13th of June 2025, when this year’s Active Sister Schools closing ceremony takes place. Students across participating countries are already looking forward to it with excitement, hoping to experience the same joy, connection, and playful energy they felt during the opening moments of the project. Olena, the Ukrainian representative, fondly recalled last year’s closing event as a successful and heartwarming finale: “There were no losers, and all participants received encouragement,” she shared. Her reflection perfectly captures the project’s essence—one of mutual support, shared celebration, and lasting positivity.

Ultimately, this initiative has done more than promote movement and cultural exchange—it has planted seeds of confidence, curiosity, and compassion in young learners across Europe. It has reminded us that learning does not have to sit still, and that classrooms can expand far beyond their walls when we invite students to explore the world with open minds and active bodies.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teachers, schools, students, and all the stakeholders who helped bring this project to life. Your energy, creativity, and commitment made these unforgettable memories possible—and we hope this is just the beginning of many more shared journeys to come.

Interview participants:
Denmark representative- Pernille Ripp
Spain representative- Mallory Edwards
Poland representative- Ewelina Matysiak
Ukraine representative- Olena Kulishova