How a European Project and Icelandic Partnerships Are Inspiring Environmental Awareness and Collaboration.

Nestled in the quiet beauty of North Iceland, the University of Akureyri plays a key role in reimagining education through its partnership in the European project Green Tales. Led by educators Anna Karen Úlfarsdóttir and Sigrún Rósa Kjartansdóttir, this collaboration brings international creativity and environmental awareness into Valsárskóli, a small rural primary school in Svalbarðsströnd. Known for its personalized learning and strong community ties, Valsárskóli shows how rural schools can become dynamic spaces for innovation. Through storytelling, animation, and interdisciplinary teaching, Green Tales fosters digital fluency, ecological consciousness, and a stronger sense of European identity, opening new paths for cultural exchange and collaboration.

_{Valsárskóli, in the rural village of Svalbarðsströnd, North Iceland.}

In what ways has Green Tales is contributing/contributed to fostering creativity among students and teachers?

By participating in this international collaboration, students are immersed in storytelling, animation, and multimedia production, activities that spark imagination and encourage them to explore new forms of expression. Engaging with scripts from different cultures and crafting their own narratives supports the development of creative writing and artistic skills, while adding voiceovers and sound effects enhances their technical fluency.

For teachers, the opportunity to collaborate with educators and artists from across Europe has brought fresh inspiration into their practice. The interdisciplinary structure of the project, merging environmental education, the arts, and digital tools, encourages teachers to design more engaging and inventive lessons. This cross-border teamwork has helped cultivate a vibrant educational atmosphere where creativity is not only nurtured but celebrated, to the benefit of both students and teachers alike.

_{Drawing narrative sequences as part of a comic strip storyboard.}

How do you see Green Tales influencing the future of education in your region and beyond?

Green Tales inspires more creative, collaborative, and global learning by combining arts, technology, and environmental awareness. It encourages schools to use interdisciplinary projects that engage students deeply and prepare them for a connected world.

What do you think is the most significant European benefit or contribution of the Green Tales project?

The most significant European benefit of Green Tales is bringing students and teachers from different countries together to share ideas, culture, and creativity. It also shows both teachers and students that their own local place and experiences are valuable and positive, helping to build pride and confidence while encouraging teamwork and new ways of learning across Europe.

_{A focused classroom moment during a Green Tales storytelling session}

How has Green Tales is changing/changed the way students perceive and engage with ecological issues?

Green Tales has helped Valsárskóli students see ecological issues as connected to their daily lives and the wider world. By creating stories and animations about elements like water, earth, air, and fire, students engage creatively and thoughtfully, deepening their understanding and sense of responsibility for the environment. They also gain valuable perspectives by experiencing ecological views through the stories of students from other countries.

Could you share any notable moments or achievements with Green Tales in your classroom?

One notable moment was when the students started working on the music part of the project. At first, they were very shy and hesitant, but Emil (the musician) really connected with them. Once they stepped out of their comfort zones, everything changed, they began to enjoy the process and had a lot of fun. Another highlight was the video call with the students from Turkey. Our students found it very interesting and, when reflecting on the project later, they said they wished there had been more meetings like that.

_{Students cutting shapes for collaborative paper collage scenes.}

How do students and teachers collaborate differently thanks to Green Tales?

At this stage, the collaboration between students and teachers remains largely consistent with our usual practices. While Green Tales has offered valuable opportunities, we have not yet observed significant changes in how students and teachers collaborate day-to-day.

What impact do you see Green Tales having on students' sense of European identity and cultural awareness?

Green Tales positively impacts students' sense of European identity and cultural awareness by connecting them with peers from different countries through shared creative projects. This collaboration helps students appreciate cultural diversity, recognize common values, and feel part of a broader European community.

Valsárskóli already has a strong creative spirit, but participating in Green Tales expanded our connections beyond Iceland. - Anna Karen Úlfarsdóttir and Sigrún Rósa Kjartansdóttir -

_{Students film their handmade characters for a stop-motion animation.}

To explore more articles on this project, head over to the Creative Room Green Tales.

Curious to learn more about this European project? Check out the official Green Tales website.