Pupils in rural schools often have fewer opportunities and lower future expectations than their peers in urban schools. eTwinning can help open rural schools up to new international experiences and collaborative work with partners and schools across Europe. Despite differing backgrounds, they share a common objective: developing a European dimension in teaching to broaden the horizons of and possibilities for their pupils.

From rural roots to global achievements

An inspiring story comes through the eTwinning project ‘TwinEdu Company’,  in which students at Şalpazarı Anatolian Imam Hatip High School in Trabzon, Türkiye, established a virtual company and developed a Multidigital bookmark (a collection of books, music, English games and other resources), showcasing their creativity and forward thinking.

Their efforts earned them first place in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation category at the national eTwinning Special Awards in Türkiye. This project is a great example of how eTwinning encourages both innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in students.

The eTwinning journey of Kdz. Ereğli Science and Art Centre, a primary and secondary school in Zonguldak, Türkiye, is another example of how eTwinning can help rural schools build a foundation for global success.

These schools used a unique blend of engaging language and scientific and artistic activities across their eTwinning projects, helping to provide a well-rounded education for their students. Each new eTwinning project introduced fresh challenges and ideas to the school, including:

• collaborative storytelling and using web 2.0 tools;
• conducting interdisciplinary experiments;
• exploring history, exchanging cultures;
• developing communication skills through webinars;
• applying safety rules.

By working together, students improved their academic skills while also learning empathy, tolerance and a sense of global citizenship.

‘These achievements reflect our students' hard work and creativity, inspiring us to aim higher and push the boundaries of what's possible in a rural setting.’

Nilüfer Dinç Demirok, 
primary and secondary school teacher at 
Kdz. Ereğli Bilim ve Sanat Merkezi, Türkiye

Connecting entrepreneurship and the environment

Another standout eTwinning project was ‘Digital generation Z on the stage in 2030’, with participants from Türkiye, Spain, Poland, France, Ukraine, and Portugal. It focused on environmental literacy and entrepreneurship.

It aimed to raise awareness of pressing environmental issues such as pollution, recycling, energy saving, global warming and climate change by examining them through the lenses of the 1990s, the 2020s and a vision of the 2030s.

Participants in the project:

• interviewed family members about past environmental challenges;
• researched and presented current solutions;
• explored future careers in environmental science;
• created an e-book.

The teachers involved shared that this was more than just an academic exercise—it was an invitation for students to become global citizens, responsible for both their immediate environment and the world at large.

This innovative project earned the eTwinning European Quality label for its approach and outstanding results.

‘As educators, we have the unique privilege—and responsibility—of shaping the minds of the next generation. By incorporating eTwinning projects into our teaching, we open doors to a world of opportunity for our students, helping them to become not just learners, but leaders’

Nasiye Yamaç Şahin, 
secondary school teacher at 
Antalya Science and Art Center, Türkiye

Bridging geographical gaps and linking classrooms across the 46 participating countries, eTwinning projects transform rural and small schools into vibrant, inclusive and globally aware learning communities. They promote personal and academic growth, helping students to develop the skills and outlook needed to thrive.