Celebrating Unity in Diversity: A Genuine Day of Europe at Escola Pia
Article
Every year on May 9th, people across the continent come together to celebrate the Day of Europe, a moment to reflect on peace, unity, and shared values across European nations. This year, at Escola Pia, the celebration took on a creative and emotional dimension thanks to the collaborative spirit of the Euro4VET project and the thoughtful preparation by SABA, partners from North Macedonia.
The journey began well before the actual day, with a meaningful and symbolic setup. SABA designed a printed map of Europe adorned with the national flags of the Euro4vet countries: North Macedonia, Spain, Portugal, Türkiye, Belgium, and Finland. This simple yet striking visual became the centrepiece of a participatory activity that would connect students across cultures, values, and perspectives.
At Escola Pia, the students of three VET classes (two groups from the field of IT and one from Sports), were invited to reflect on what Europe meant to them. They each wrote their personal thoughts on colourful post-its and placed them carefully on the map, creating a vibrant mosaic of ideas, feelings, and aspirations. From messages of unity, peace, and cultural respect, to dreams of travel, learning, and working together across borders, the map transformed into a living artwork of European spirit.
The culmination of the activity was as symbolic as it was joyful: arranging the post-its in a way that they formed the phrase “Day of Europe.” It was a visual reminder that each voice, no matter how small, contributes to the larger narrative of what it means to be European today.
The event itself, held on May 9th, was both moving and festive. As students walked past the map, reading and adding their own contributions, the atmosphere was filled with music and pride. One of the Escola Pia students played the European anthem “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven on the piano. This musical performance added an emotional depth to the moment, capturing the solemnity and hope that the European Union represents for so many.
Teachers were present throughout the day to supervise and support the activity, creating a safe and reflective environment for students to engage with the values behind the celebration. Their guidance helped turn the activity into a learning moment that went beyond textbooks, highlighting the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and intercultural respect in our increasingly connected world.
What made this Day of Europe truly special was the sense of collaboration across borders. The shared effort between partners from six different countries and the enthusiastic participation of students and educators showed how common values can unite us, despite our different languages, cultures, and traditions. It was not just a day of celebration, but a testament to European identity in action.
In a time when unity and understanding are more important than ever, events like this remind us of the power of education and community. The Euro4vet project continues to foster this spirit, building bridges between young people and educators from across the continent.
As we look ahead, the Day of Europe at Escola Pia stands as a bright example of what we can achieve when we work together, share openly, and celebrate our rich diversity.