Our project, The Way of Saint James and European Values

Our e-Twinning project is inspired by the Way of Saint James because it represents one of Europe's greatest examples of cultural exchange. For more than a thousand years, people from different regions have travelled along its routes, sharing languages, traditions, knowledge, and experiences. Today, students from different European countries continue this tradition in a new way by collaborating, learning from one another, and discovering their common heritage.

The Way was the first route to receive recognition as a European Cultural Route, highlighting its importance as a symbol of a shared European identity. Just like the Way connects cities, regions, and countries, our project connects schools and students, creating opportunities to work together beyond national borders.

Throughout the project, participants develop many of the values that form the foundation of the European Union. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, solidarity, inclusion, and respect for diversity are not only political principles but also values that can be experienced in everyday life. When students cooperate with international partners, listen to different perspectives, and solve challenges together, they are putting these values into practice.

The Way itself offers countless examples of these ideals. Pilgrims help one another regardless of nationality or background, share accommodation and meals, overcome challenges together, and discover that kindness and mutual respect often transcend language barriers. Every stage of the journey becomes an opportunity to learn from others while reflecting on one's own culture and identity.

Why Interculturality Matters

One of the greatest strengths of Europe is its cultural diversity. Different languages, customs, traditions, and ways of thinking enrich our societies and allow us to learn from one another. Interculturality goes beyond simply living alongside people from different backgrounds; it means engaging in dialogue, showing curiosity, respecting differences, and finding common ground.

Projects like ours help students develop these skills through real collaboration with peers from other countries. By exchanging ideas, completing shared activities, and exploring a common European heritage, participants gain a deeper understanding of both their own culture and those of others.

The Way of Saint James reminds us that although each traveller follows their own path, everyone shares the same journey. In the same way, our e-Twinning project encourages us to build bridges between cultures, strengthen friendships across Europe, and contribute to a more inclusive, respectful, and united future.

Guild 7 – Values: Exploring the Way of Saint James and the values that unite Europe

Welcome to the next stage of our journey! Here is the task prepared by Guild 7 – Values.

The Way of Saint James is much more than a famous pilgrimage route. For centuries, it has connected people from different countries, cultures, languages, and traditions, becoming a place of encounter, learning, and cooperation. These same ideas are at the heart of our eTwinning project, where students from across Europe work together to discover the shared heritage that unites us while celebrating the diversity that makes each country unique.

This activity invites students to explore how the Camino de Santiago reflects the values of the European Union and why these values continue to be relevant in today's society.

Here you can find the instructions the students were provided with:

Your Mission

Objective

We are going to explore an important historical and cultural route that connects Europe from the north to the south-west. As your first station on our virtual Way of Saint James, you are going to find out more about the history and meaning of this route.

Timeline

• Step 1: Complete by 13th March
• Step 2: Complete by 20th March
• Step 3: Complete by 2nd April

Step 1 – Individual Research

Work independently to investigate the certification of European Cultural Routes.

Research the following questions:

• What criteria apply to a certified European Cultural Route?
• How was the certification developed historically?
• Who decides on the certification?
• When and why did the Way of Saint James become a European Cultural Route?

Create an infographic that summarises your findings. Remember to use reliable sources and cite them correctly.

Step 2 – Sharing and Feedback

Share your infographic with the other senior students in the discussion thread "European Cultural Routes: Infographics", which will open on 13th March.

Compare your work with that of your classmates and provide constructive feedback, highlighting both the strengths of each infographic and possible improvements. As always, remember to follow our communication guidelines and be respectful in your comments.

At the end of this phase, after 20th March, we will vote for the infographic that best explains the concept of European Cultural Routes.

Step 3 – Working Together

Now it is time to join the junior students in the discussion forum "Values: Discussion".

As senior students, you will act as guides and mentors. Encourage the younger participants by sharing examples, offering helpful suggestions, asking guiding questions, and contributing your own ideas.

Reflect on the following questions:

• Why are these values important for the European Union?
• What other values do you think are essential for an international community?
• How can we recognise these values in everyday life and in politics?
• How might a pilgrim travelling along the Way of Saint James experience these values during their journey?

Your ideas will then be shared with Guild 2, helping them identify how these values appear in the stories and legends associated with the Camino de Santiago.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

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Here we have some of the students’ contributions: