We grew as global citizens at the sustainable development camp in Seili

 

Teachers and students from Helsinki, Vantaa, Tuusula, Oulu, Orivesi, and Vaasa took part in Seili camp and Platons academy as part of the Unesco's ASPNET Baltic Sea Project. The event took place in the Turku archipelago and it was a part of the Yhteinen Itämeri-project. One of the central themes was to encourage the students to take global responsibility for the world. 

The participants arrived first in Turku by train after which they headed off to the historical Turku castle. A guide told the participants about the history of Turku castle as an eastern part of Sweden. They got even a chance to ask questions about the castle and its surroundings. After the visit, the journey continued to Hanka and Seili. 

During the three-day camp, the students discussed Agenda 2030-goals and what kinds of actions are to be taken to reach them. Additionally, they were challenged to question their own consumption habits and they participated in workshops organized by the teacher students of Turun yliopisto. 

In the workshops the university students taught about different types of plastic, oil spill control, and their importance together with yoga- and meditation skills. The workshops gave the students excellent opportunities to strengthen their awareness of the state of the environment and civics in ecological questions.  

To crown of it all a ”Platon academy”-event was organized with ”Freedom and responsibility”-theme. In the event the students implemented for example their creative ideas by writing, photographing, and discussing. 

During the past years, the thought of being a global citizen has got an enormous value. After the 1800s and its prime in nationalism, the borders between states have started to crumble. Also, cooperation has gradually begun to imply a well-being interaction between different parts. The cooperation between different schools in the camp proves that it’s possible to find shared solutions to collective problems. 

To become a global citizen doesn't happen in one camp since it’s a result of raising, discussions, and a multitude of learning experiences. The Seili camp however proved the power of cooperation: the workshop discussions and bat twitching are concrete examples of how borders between different parts can be crossed and cooperation conducted. It describes also certainly what being a cosmopolitan is about. 

Text: Jesse Kurinsaari, student from Vaasan lyseon lukio upper secondary school 

Photos: Mika Jokiaho, Our Baltic Sea - Project Coordinator 

Check the vibes and feelings on video: