Although Rijeka is not known for lakes, water is an important part of our identity. We live between the sea, rivers, and mountains, and we are surrounded by beautiful nature. Not far from Rijeka, there are also several small lakes and natural springs in the nearby region of Gorski kotar.

Rijeka is a city with a rich history, many cultures, and friendly people. We are proud of our port, old castles, and modern schools. Every year, Rijeka hosts many cultural events, and children are often part of them.

Lana Kustić

• Lokvarsko Lake – One of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the region. It is an artificial lake surrounded by forests and mountains, near the village of Lokve. People go there to swim, fish, kayak, or simply enjoy the fresh air and nature.

• Bajer Lake (in Fužine) – A charming artificial lake near the town of Fužine. It is popular for boat rides, family walks, and picnics. A walking path circles the entire lake, making it great for easy hikes.

• Lepenica Lake – Also near Fužine, this smaller lake is quiet and surrounded by pine trees. It's a peaceful place for relaxing, watching birds, and spending time in the calm mountain atmosphere.

• Tribalj Lake – Located in the Vinodol Valley, not far from the coastal town of Crikvenica, Tribaljsko Lake is another artificial lake created for water supply and irrigation. It’s known for its calm surroundings and is especially popular with fishermen. The lake lies between the sea and the mountains, offering beautiful views and a peaceful environment.

Lana Kustić

I place special emphasis on creating a supportive, safe, and joyful environment in which children feel accepted, motivated, and free to express themselves. I believe that early exposure to a foreign language opens the door to cultural diversity, enriches communication skills, and nurtures curiosity and self-confidence.

As an educator, I strive to support each child’s individual development while also building a strong connection between the family and the kindergarten. My professional goal is to inspire children to develop a lifelong love of learning and exploring the world around them.

Lana Kustić

Eger is located in the foothills of the Bükk Mountains, surrounded by vineyards that produce the world-famous “Egri Bikavér” (Bull’s Blood) red wine. Today, it is not only a popular tourist destination but also an educational and cultural center, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

In recent years, STEM has been at the heart of my projects, and I truly enjoy this approach because it gives children a way to engage with science from an early age.

I’m happy to be working again with educators from previous projects, and I’m also really looking forward to meeting our new partners!🍀

Lithuania is often called the land of lakes and rivers. Our country has more than 3,000 lakes and almost 30,000 rivers and streams. These waters are not only an important part of nature but also a source of beauty, peace, and inspiration. Lakes and rivers give children wonderful opportunities to explore nature, play, and learn about the environment.

One of the most important rivers in Lithuania is the Neris River. It flows through the capital Vilnius and the city of Kaunas, where it meets the Nemunas River. The Neris is special for us because near its banks stands our kindergarten “Vilnelė”. The river makes the surroundings more lively and green, while its flowing water reminds us of movement, discovery, and continuous growth – just like in children’s lives.

For us, the Neris River is not only a natural treasure but also a symbol of closeness to nature, childhood curiosity, and joyful learning every day.

For tradition lovers, the Maramureș Village Museum offers an authentic glimpse into rural architecture and daily life, while the Ethnographic Museum highlights folk costumes, glass icons, and winter holiday customs.

Other key attractions include the 14th-century Reformed Church—the oldest and tallest building in the city, the Museum of Jewish Culture and Civilization, the Holocaust Monument, the Jewish Synagogue, and the “Dr. Ioan Mihalyi de Apșa” Museum, completing the city’s rich cultural landscape.

We always try to be friends with each other and help each other. And yes, we are 'experienced' eTwinners.

I love my profession and I believe that every child has a unique potential that deserves to be supported and valued. I always try to create varied and engaging activities through which children can learn naturally, by playing, exploring and discovering.

For me, preschool education is the foundation on which every child’s future is built. I am happy to be part of this project, which gives children the chance to discover nature, to be curious and to learn how to live in harmony with the world around them.

Popovici Tatiana Adriana

I am an independent pedagogical consultant and a multi-awarded teacher.

Rastovnica Lake was created several decades ago by the construction of a dam on the Rastovnica River above the village of Rastovnica, only 3-4 km from the center of Prokuplje—like a peaceful, green scene with birdsong in the background.

The lake is slightly less than 2 km long and has an average depth of between 15 and 18 meters. According to the statements of local fishermen, there are carp, chub, babushka in it.

Designed as a source of technical water for the industrial zone in Garić, the lake never received a technical or use permit, nor was it used for its original purposes.

However, in recent years it has become a favorite picnic spot, swimming spot and fishing spot for residents of Prokuplje and the surrounding villages.

There are 19 curious and joyful four-year-olds in our group, always ready to play, laugh, and learn.

What makes us special is that we are a bilingual group – we learn and communicate in both Serbian and Hungarian, building bridges of understanding and friendship from an early age.

I am Valentina. I am a teacher at the "Duga" kindergarten in Zagreb, Croatia. I have been working for 40 years and I am still curious and eager to learn new methods of working with children and apply them in my work. I am a long-time eTwinner and a winner of national and European quality labels for projects. I have designed some of them myself. This year I am working in a group with 22 children aged 3.5 years to school age. I love being in nature, directing children's attention to the preservation of flora and fauna. I look forward to cooperation and new challenges.

My name is Nataša Stojić, and I'm from Serbia. I'm a kindergarten teacher in a group of 4-year olds in a Preschool institution "Naša radost", kindergarten "Šumica", Subotica, Serbia.

Both the children and myself are interested in Steam activities and exploring our enviroment.

I'm excited to collaborate with all of you.

There is 21 shining stars in our group.

We are curious, inquisitive, nature loving group. We love to sing and dance and play outside.

Our group is in the biggest kindergarten "Šumica" in Subotica.

Fotini Simopoulou

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhs5wDMgcGs

My group is called “The Little Bees”, and it is made up of 27 curious and lively children, aged between 4 and 6 years old.

Our group is more than just a classroom, it’s a special place where we rediscover the joy of childhood every day.

Here, in the Little Bees group, we grow together, we learn, we explore, and each day is a new chance to play, discover and learn something new.

We love nature, we enjoy challenges, and we are always excited to learn through creative and innovative activities.

My group is called “The Little Bees”, and it is made up of 27 curious and lively children, aged between 4 and 6 years old.

Our group is more than just a classroom, it’s a special place where we rediscover the joy of childhood every day.

Here, in the Little Bees group, we grow together, we learn, we explore, and each day is a new chance to play, discover and learn something new.

We love nature, we enjoy challenges, and we are always excited to learn through creative and innovative activities.

🛶 Jarun
The most famous lake in Zagreb, often called the “Zagreb Sea.”

You can run, cycle, swim, row, and sail there.

In summer it is a great place for swimming, and in winter for walks.

Jarun also hosts INmusic Festival, the biggest music festival in Croatia.

🌸 Bundek
Located in the southern part of the city.

It has walking paths, a beach, and parks.

Famous for Floraart – a large flower exhibition.

Concerts and fairs are often held here.

🐦 Savica
This is an area of lakes and old riverbeds along the Sava River.

It is very important for wetland birds and fish.

Popular among anglers and nature lovers.

🎣 Other lakes around Zagreb
Rakitje, Orešje, Ježdovec, and other lakes were created by gravel excavation.

Today they are popular places for fishing, walks, and weekend trips.

✅ Why are lakes important for the city?

• They provide recreation and sports opportunities.

• They host cultural events.

• They preserve nature and biodiversity.

In the very center of Zagreb is Ban Jelačić Square, a place where people often arrange to meet by saying: “See you at the Ban.” From there, it’s easy to reach the Funicular, the shortest cable car in the world, only 66 meters long, which connects the Upper and Lower Town.

Zagreb is known for its museums, and one of the most interesting is the Museum of Broken Relationships, unique in the world. The city is also full of greenery – the largest park is Maksimir, which also has a zoo with animals from all over the world. Not far from the city center rises Mount Medvednica, a favorite place for excursions and, in winter, for skiing.

Zagreb becomes especially magical in December, during Advent. The streets and squares shine with thousands of lights, the smell of sweets and mulled wine fills the air, and people enjoy music and gatherings. In summer, life moves to the lakes Jarun and Bundek, where you can swim, cycle, and listen to concerts.

Zagreb is a city where history, nature, and fun come together – a city where you can always discover something new.

1. Măltăreț Lake (Pond) – Located on the edge of the city, in Ceala Forest, it is an ideal place for relaxation, birdwatching, and observing fish. Its biodiversity makes it a beautiful and valuable part of Arad’s nature.

2. Pădurice Lake – With a history of almost two centuries, Pădurice Lake remains a relaxing spot in the heart of Arad, always ready to tell its story.

3. Ghioroc Lake – Known as the “Seaside at the foot of the Zarand Mountains,” Ghioroc Lake covers more than 10 hectares and reaches a depth of about 10 meters. With its arranged beach, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. Its waters host rich biodiversity, with fish species such as carp, catfish, crucian carp, and roach, as well as aquatic vegetation that helps maintain the lake’s natural balance.

4. Tauț Lake – Located 55 km from Arad, Tauț Lake is a reservoir that offers a natural setting rich in biodiversity. Its waters are home to fish species such as perch and chub, while its surroundings are ideal for relaxation and exploration.

The Kotychi lagoon or Lake Kotychi is located in northwestern Peloponnese, in the Elis Prefecture, northeast of the town of Lechaina, while the coastal forest, the Strofylia wetland, is further north, in the Achaia Prefecture. It is part of the Kotychi-Strofylia Wetlands National Park, which is a network of lagoons, lakes, swamps, and forests along the northwestern coasts of the Peloponnese. It forms a mosaic of important habitats with rare species of flora and fauna, great natural beauty, and a multitude of human activities.

The lagoon's fish fauna consists of seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), mullets (Mugil cephalus), gilthead seabreams (Sparus auratus), and eels (Anguilla anguilla). Kotychi is a significant resting place for many migratory birds, such as herons, glossy ibises, swallows, hoopoes, hawks, turtle doves, terns, and others.

Described as a "natural paradise," the area of the Kotychi Lagoon and Strofylia Forest is a captivating coastal mosaic of habitats. More than 5,000 acres of sandy beaches and dunes with sea lilies are followed by ponds with reeds, shrublands, and forests, where stunning formations of umbrella pines are reflected in the swamp waters.

Lake Tsivlou:A small, mountainous lake at the foot of Mount Chelmos, it was formed a century ago under unusual circumstances and now provides an ideal habitat for many species of fauna. Lake Tsivlou is located in the eastern part of the Achaia regional unit on the northern slopes of Mount Chelmos, a few dozen meters west of the small gorge created by the Krathis River, which descends from the mountaintops and flows into the Gulf of Corinth. The lake's surface elevation reaches 780 meters. The Stolos peak (1,524 m) rises to the south of the lake, the Dio Elata peak (1,028 m) to the north, and the Gerakari peak (1,228 m) to the east. The lake's area is approximately 80 acres, its perimeter reaches 1,900 meters, and it is a relatively deep lake for its size, with a maximum depth of 30 meters.

Μετάφρ

My name is Emilia, and I'm thrilled to be here with you today. I've had the incredible privilege of being a primary school teacher for 25 wonderful years. For me, teaching isn't just a job; it's a passion, a journey of discovery that I embark on every day with my students.

I believe in hands-on learning, especially when it comes to STEM subjects. My classroom is a vibrant workshop where curiosity is the compass, and experimentation is the path to understanding. We build, we design, we question, and we discover the amazing world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics together.

This class is full of life! They are incredibly vivacious and possess an insatiable curiosity about how things work. Their enthusiasm for discovery is contagious, and they absolutely thrive on hands-on experiences. Nothing gets them more excited than diving into a new experiment, whether it's understanding chemical reactions or building a simple machine. They love the thrill of testing hypotheses and witnessing scientific principles come to life.

Beyond the classroom, these explorers are keen to discover new environments. Give them a new place to investigate – a park, a forest, or even just a corner of the schoolyard – and they transform into budding naturalists and geographers. They ask insightful questions, observe with keen eyes, and are always ready for the next adventure that promises new sights, sounds, and knowledge. This is a class that truly embraces learning as an exciting journey!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSUyFASCTKY

I am creative, ambitious, calm and a patience person and I love children for their innonce and playfull mind and I try to teach my students the reality of the world with good and evil things.To show them games and learn throw games, to have fun and learn new things.

Taraboura area of Patras.

Our classroom is spacious and bright, and it is attended by 22 students aged

4 to 6 years old.

The wetlands of Vravrona are home to many bird species, fish, and plants, making it a perfect place for children and students to learn about nature, conservation, and the importance of protecting our environment. Our class is excited to share and discover the beauty of lakes and wetlands, connecting with other students across Europe through this project.

This wetland ecosystem supports a wide variety of life. Birds are the most visible residents, with herons, egrets, kingfishers and even flamingos appearing at different times of the year. They feed on the fish, insects and amphibians that live in the shallow waters. Turtles sun themselves on warm stones while frogs leap between water lilies. The reeds that grow thickly along the riverbanks provide shelter for countless small creatures, while also acting as natural filters that clean the water. Despite being close to modern towns and roads, the wetlands remain surprisingly quiet, broken only by birdsong and the rustling of reeds in the wind.

The Vravrona Wetlands are not just an ecological treasure but also a rare example of harmony between nature and history. Right beside them stand the ruins of the ancient Sanctuary of Artemis, reminding visitors that even thousands of years ago this place held spiritual significance. The people of antiquity worshipped Artemis as the protector of wildlife and young life, and in this setting it is easy to understand why. Today, walking paths and wooden walkways allow visitors to explore without disturbing the habitat. The wetlands serve both as a refuge for animals and as a living classroom, teaching the importance of conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Although modest in size, the Vravrona Wetlands possess a quiet beauty. They offer a glimpse into what Attica might have looked like before cities grew across the land — a reminder that even near the center of modern civilization, pockets of wildness still survive.

This fertile plain, drained by the “fresh” water of the Erasinos River, is one of the most important wetlands in Attica. It is part of the wider area that belongs to the Natura 2000 Network as a site of Community Interest under the name “Vravrona-Coastal Marine Zone”. (Wikipedia)

We named our class, the bee class, because we like to work, to play, to sing, to have fun with our 25 lovely students.

National Park and is protected under the Ramsar Convention and the Natura 2000

network.

It serves as a refuge for numerous water birds — herons, ducks, cormorants,

flamingos, swallows, and kingfishers are just a few of them.

It separates the forest from the sea and functions as a natural fish farm, home to sea

bass, mullets, and eels.

The Rokiškis region is renowned for its lakes, the largest of which are Sartai, Dviragis, and Rašai. With as many as 99 natural lakes, Rokiškis District is one of the most lake-rich regions in Lithuania.

Rokiškis takes pride in its historical heritage, musical traditions, strong sense of community, and warm hospitality. The town’s coat of arms symbolizes the history, culture, and noble family heritage of Rokiškis.

The Rokiškis region is renowned for its lakes, the largest of which are Sartai, Dviragis, and Rašai. With as many as 99 natural lakes, Rokiškis District is one of the most lake-rich regions in Lithuania.

Rokiškis takes pride in its historical heritage, musical traditions, strong sense of community, and warm hospitality. The town’s coat of arms symbolizes the history, culture, and noble family heritage of Rokiškis.

The Rokiškis region is one of the most lake-rich areas in Lithuania, with as many as 99 natural lakes. These lakes are an important part of the region’s landscape, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and tourism. The three largest lakes are Sartai (1,332 ha), Dviragis (317 ha), and Rašai (163 ha).

Lake Sartai is the largest and most famous lake in the region. It covers an area of 1,332 hectares and is known for its winding shoreline, numerous bays, and scenic beauty. The shores are covered with reeds, sedges, and wetlands, while the surrounding forests provide habitats for many bird species. The lake is rich in fish, including pike, perch, bream, roach, and pikeperch. Sartai is widely used for recreation, fishing, boating, nature tourism, and educational activities within the Sartai Regional Park. According to local legend, a church bell lies submerged in the depths of the lake, and on quiet days its sound can still be heard echoing through the water.

Lake Dviragis, also known as Salos Lake, is the second-largest lake in Rokiškis District. It is notable for the large island at its center, where the town of Salos is located. The lake is surrounded by reed beds, meadows, and wetlands, creating a rich habitat for fish and water birds. Popular fish species include pike, perch, tench, bream, and roach. Dviragis is a favorite destination for swimming, fishing, camping, and water recreation. The name “Dviragis” is believed to originate from the lake’s shape, which resembles two prominent “horns” or bays extending from its shoreline.

Lake Rašai, the third-largest lake in the district, covers approximately 163 hectares. It is valued for its peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved natural environment. Reeds, rushes, and shrubs grow along its shores, while its waters support various fish species and attract many water birds. The lake is mainly used for recreational fishing, relaxation, and nature observation. The name “Rašai” is thought to be connected with the Lithuanian word rasa (“dew”), possibly referring to the moist meadows and dewy landscapes surrounding the lake.

Together, the lakes of Rokiškis form a unique natural treasure that enriches the region’s beauty and identity. They provide habitats for diverse plants and animals, offer opportunities for recreation and tourism, and preserve stories, legends, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. For visitors and local residents alike, the lakes are an essential part of what makes Rokiškis a special and unforgettable place.