ProBleu workshops: supporting schools to build institutional roadmaps

In October 2025, educators and school community members from various countries came together
for the ProBleu co-creation online workshop, which marked a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between ProBleu participating schools. From the outset, the workshop created a collaborative and inclusive environment. The session actively engaged teachers, school leaders, and other stakeholders.

Design Thinking in action

One of the workshop’s strengths was its use of a design thinking methodology. Participants were guided through a structured yet flexible process that encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This hands-on approach enabled schools to reflect on their current school projects and reimagine how these initiatives could evolve into long-term ones.

A key highlight of the workshop was the focus on developing actionable strategies. Participants
received practical guidance on:

• Creating effective action plans to maximise the impact of their Blue Schools projects;
• Translating project goals into long-term impact pathways;
• Aligning their initiatives with broader environmental objectives, particularly SDGs No.6 and No.14 and the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, which emphasise the protection and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

This emphasis on real-world application ensured that the workshop was not just theoretical, but
directly beneficial to participating schools.

From Ideas to Actions

Building on the co-creation workshop, participating schools took the next step: developing their own Institutional Roadmaps. These roadmaps translated ideas into structured strategies, outlining how each school could maximise the long-term impact of their Blue School projects.

To support this process, a second online workshop was held in January 2026, bringing participants back together to reflect, refine, and strengthen their plans. The session centred on:

– Reflecting on the development of Institutional Roadmaps
– Exchanging peer feedback and constructive questions
– Strengthening connections within the Network of European Blue Schools

This reflective approach ensured that roadmaps were shaped through shared learning and collaboration. In smaller groups, participants shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in developing their roadmaps. These exchanges proved highly valuable, as schools gained fresh perspectives and practical ideas, and participants identified common challenges and potential solutions.

Contributing to a Broader Legacy

Overall, the ProBleu co-creation workshops empowered participants to move forward with clearer, more actionable plans. Insights, methodologies, and lessons learned from the session will be compiled into a handbook designed to support other schools. This handbook will showcase:

– Proven methodologies;
– Practical examples of Blue School impacts;
– Lessons learned from real experiences.

In this way, the impact extends far beyond the workshops, supporting a wider community of
schools working toward environmental sustainability. With clearer roadmaps and stronger
connections, participating schools are now better equipped to move forward with confidence.