What We’ve Achieved Together: WSM Project Highlights from January to July 2025

During the second reporting period, the WSM project transitioned from methodology development to active testing and refinement. The partners made significant progress in validating the educational content and assessing its effectiveness across linguistic and regional contexts in Estonia and Latvia. Below are the key highlights:

1. Pilot Testing and Focus Group Engagement

• Four focus groups were established: three in Tallinn (Estonia) via Mustjõe Gymnasium and one in Latvia via Jaunsardzes centrs.
• Over 80 young people (aged 14–18) participated in pilot training sessions combining theoretical and practical learning.
• A final Estonian-language test is scheduled for 8 July 2025 at Merelaager to ensure clarity and inclusiveness under Estonia’s national education language reform.

2. Measurable Impact

• Knowledge of water safety topics increased significantly among Estonian participants — from 47% to 84% (based on pre- and post-training self-assessments).
• Participant feedback helped fine-tune the methodology’s structure, timing, and language use.

3. Methodology Refinement

• Based on feedback from youth, trainers, and non-formal education experts (e.g. NGO IZUM), the training approach was adapted to better serve both Estonian- and Russian-speaking learners.
• The methodology’s structure, flow, and terminology were adjusted to ensure pedagogical clarity and age-appropriateness.

4. Stakeholder Involvement

• Key institutions (e.g. Estonian Rescue Department, Ministry of Education, TAI, MRCC Riga, Jaunsardze, LSGCO) continued active participation in the Steering Committee, providing guidance and feedback.
• Staff turnover in several institutions posed communication delays but was addressed through renewed onboarding and continued dialogue.

5. International Presentation and Future Transferability

• The project was presented at the IMRF (International Maritime Rescue Federation) conference.
• Preparation of an English-language version of the methodology is underway to support international dissemination and future upscaling.

6. Communication and Visibility

• Project activities were consistently shared via social media, institutional websites, and the official project webspace.
• Interest from schools and youth organisations is growing, laying the groundwork for broader uptake after finalisation.

7. Next Steps

• Methodology finalisation and digitalisation are planned for August 2025.
• Multiplier events in both partner countries will follow to support rollout and adoption.

The WSM project remains on track to deliver a practical, inclusive, and adaptable water safety education programme for young people — one that reflects the combined strengths and expertise of partners in both Estonia and Latvia.