448 million. That is the number of people living in the European Union. 10 000 – that is the number of people who work in the European Parliament. And 24 is the number of students from Prva gimnazija Varaždin, Croatia who visited Strasbourg and participated in the Euroscola project, after having won a prize for a video entitled “The Baltic Way”. Oh la la! A trip to Strasbourg, two nights in France and a day in the European Parliament – an excellent opportunity for young adults to see democracy at work.
The “Baltic Way” – Way To Go
“The Baltic Way” video was a brainchild of the fourth grade students attending an optional civic education subject, Politics and Economy at Prva gimnazija Varaždin, Croatia. The motivation for the video originally came from teacher Ivana Žnidarić Kajić who encouraged the students to learn more about the member states of the EU and participate in the Euroscola programme, founded and promoted by the European Parliament Youth Hub. https://youth.europarl.europa.eu/more-information/euroscola/about-euroscola.html)
Journey From Varaždin To Strasbourg
Our journey began on 13th of February at 22:00 o’clock in Varaždin – 24 students, all packed and wrapped in warm clothes, accompanied by two teachers from our school, Ivana Žnidarić Kajić and Krunoslav Rukelj. We drove through Slovenia and Austria meeting our first obstacle in Germany. One of the students got sick and unfortunately, could not continue the trip with us. His closest friends missed him so much so they decided to buy a plushie that would resemble our missing member and join us in every activity. That is how the plushie frog got its place in our story. When we finally arrived at our hotel in Strasbourg, we were all very happy with our rooms. Even more interesting was our first French dinner. For that special occasion, we chose a diner called The Small Tiger. French cuisine was introduced to us by the tarte flambee, which most of the students loved.
Euroscola – A Day In The European Parliament
Next morning, we were woken up really early by our alarm clocks. We ironed our shirts, combed our hair and shined our shoes. Everything for the European Parliament! When we arrived at the Louise Weiss building, we were first taken to breakfast. Right after that, we were taken to the Hemicycle, where European politicians work and vote. Firstly, we watched a video message by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. In the video, it was perfectly explained what people do in the Hemicycle and how it works.
Afterwards, we were given a chance to ask questions to people who play very important roles in the European Parliament. First, we had our questions ready for Vivienne Halleux. Our topic was Zero pollution politics. After Mrs Halleux, we also had an opportunity to speak with the Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberts Zile. After our questions were thoroughly answered, we had a lunch break, which was followed by the Simulation of the work of Members of the European Parliament, an interactive workshop and a debate. Topics that were discussed are very popular at the moment: zero pollution policy, using our voice to vote and gender inequality. We discussed all topics, naming their importance in our everyday lives and giving propositions on how to help and make the current situation better. It was fascinating to see so many cultures working together so nicely. We were all able to conclude so much about the above given topics. The Louis Weiss building was a place that we left with many smiles and memories.
Only One Who Wanders Finds New Paths
It was an amazing chance to meet people of our age from different places and cultures that are ready to unite for one goal: making the world a better place. Our day of politics ended as triumphantly as it began. We tasted the French quiche and we all loved it – a perfect amount of salt, cheese, bacon and dough. A memorable finish to a memorable day! The same evening, we went to say our goodbyes to the imposing Notre Dame and many picturesque alleys, bridges and the beautiful river Ill. On our way home we also stopped at a beautiful city in Germany: Ulm. We went to see the world’s highest cathedral, and afterwards we headed home. The ride home was full of talking about our experiences and how Euroscola activities changed some of our views on life. Some decided to live greener, and some to use their votes in future elections. All in all, we had a truly wonderful trip! Until next time, au revoir Strasbourg!
Written by Ivona Suhić, Prva gimnazija Varaždin, Croatia
News for YOUth 
I find it interessting how a student turned into a frog 🐸
Princess and the frog reference?
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I really liked your article. You told us your story and I really liked how you told us everything we needed to know without putting to much unnecessary information. Your trip was very interesting and I found it sweet how you replaced your sick friend with a plushie because you missed him. Lara Banfić 3.h
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I really like that the article is described in detail and that you also included a TikTok.
Lana Pintarić, 3.h
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