ProBleu Scholarships

ProBleu aims to boost Ocean and Water Literacy beyond the classroom by supporting the Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS) and connecting schools with key scientific disciplines for sustainable and equitable exploitation of ocean and water resources.

ProBleu’s heart lies within the European Union’s “Restore our Oceans and Waters” Mission, which focuses on revitalising aquatic ecosystems, including seas, oceans, and freshwater bodies, through research, innovation, and active citizen involvement. In particular, ProBleu aligns with the Mission’s goals to preserve marine and freshwater ecosystems, combat pollution, and protect biodiversity.

ProBleu sets itself apart by advocating for Open Schooling approaches, encouraging schools to engage more extensively with their communities. Environmental education must be reshaped to foster a broader societal commitment to oceans and waters and drive behavioural changes. ProBleu seeks to strengthen the connection between individuals and their local marine or freshwater environments to achieve this.

Objectives

To mobilise and engage students and school communities in relation to the EU mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” across the EU and the associated countries.

To improve the understanding of ocean and freshwater ecosystems and enhance the sense of stewardship towards the value and challenges of oceans and waters among children, youth and teachers.

To grow the Network of European Blue Schools, bringing ocean and water literacy into the classroom across the EU and in the Associated countries.

To mobilise and engage the wider community with the Network of European Blue Schools activities, and communicate the results of project actions towards the Mission objectives, sustaining the Network’s growth.

ProBleu will facilitate school activities focused on ocean and water literacy. This facilitation will primarily involve:

1. Initiating four funding calls to sustain and enhance current school activities, kick-start and support new initiatives, particularly in schools not currently involved in NEBS.
2. Adapting and using existing tools previously developed through EU and other projects and activities.
3. Encouraging collaborative idea generation within schools and the broader network.
4. Providing a repository of innovative, practical marine and freshwater resources, incorporating Open Schooling and other contemporary learning methodologies, such as blended learning. In particular, two resources will receive special attention in ProBleu:
   1. Resources related to ‘citizen science,’ involving collaboration between educators and scientists.
   2. Facilitating interaction with scientists in the field, such as direct engagement or following research activities on ocean research cruises