The cities of Plymouth and Brest have been twinned successfully for over 50 years with a strong background of successful joint initiatives. This project aims to strengthen understanding of the importance of the maritime culture in the lives of our young people and what their responsibilities will be, growing up as Ocean Citizens of the Future. Activities will directly address targets set out in the Europe 2020 strategy to promote youth, employability of young people, lifelong learning, the countering of social exclusion and the promotion of active citizenship. The theme, “Ocean Citizens of the Future, has been selected because Plymouth and Brest are both experts in the maritime field and the project focuses on the integration of this environment into the social and economic well-being of both cities, while raising the awareness of their citizens to well qualified jobs and recruitment opportunities within the maritime sector. This fits in well with current major developments to reinvigorate the regions’ marine and advanced manufacturing sectors, significantly increasing job opportunities. The partnership will be coordinated by the two regional education authorities, working closely with eight schools, covering a range of demographic profiles from socially deprived to more economically-advantaged across the whole age range i.e. 3 – 18 years. Teachers in these schools have already been involved in extensive project planning, designed to make the fullest possible use of the outstanding coastal environments, as well as contacts with local businesses and industries accessible to the partner schools in both countries, including tourism, commerce, port industries and military bases. The schools and education authorities will work together with other key organisations with international reach, including Brest'Aim -Océanopolis in Brest and the UK’s National Maritime Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth. Both have major roles in research and educational provision and will play a strategic part in project support, multiplier events and dissemination of results. Other more local groups and small scale organisations with entrepreneurial approaches likely to appeal to young people will also be involved. Both cities have a vibrant range of major cultural activities and events which draw on the cities’ maritime histories and environments. These will be fully integrated into opportunities for all involved in the project i.e. 5000 +. Shared collaborative activities will bring an added value to the competences of the partners through meeting clearly identified needs of young people, who need support and encouragement to appreciate and develop the skills needed to succeed in the wider environment of today’s Europe. Ecological, economic and social challenges for the regions will be explored in ways designed to generate real impact and meaning for students, teachers and the wider communities. Ocean Citizens of the Future will encourage the young people involved to appreciate and interact with ecological and environmental issues within their shared European environment, through their joint international activities, communication and integrated mobilities. This will encourage them to become more proactive citizens with a heightened development of initiative and increased language skills. Project results will include: Young Reporters of Arts and Sciences . Activities and events with Océanopolis and the NMA. Exhibition: Compendium of Good Practices. Developed as a continuing resource and online facility throughout the project, to include pedagogical approaches and successful professional practice. Enhancing the Cities. Comparison of maritime worlds of Brest and Plymouth. Audio and video guides by students for students. [Some translation]. A pedestrian circuit / rally will be organized. Panel of Maritime Jobs. Exhibition of recorded work, promoted through key events [ STEMFEST etc. ] Full regional Media Coverage. This work will also provide significant opportunities for the professional development of teachers engaged in creating and delivering the programme. They will gain experience from different pedagogical approaches and create bonds with their pupils and other colleagues by working together in a different environment. All partners will gain a better knowledge of how to maximise the use of resources, working collaboratively, and building on the effective relationships formed. They will also develop more sophisticated, practical knowledge and expertise of IT skills appropriate for extending international collaborative partnerships. The longer term benefits of the project are that Plymouth and Brest will be able to collaborate more effectively as they will have increased awareness of each other’s backgrounds. By creating bonds between the pupils, teachers and other professionals we hope to raise European consciousness and favour the mixing of social classes and cultural origins as well as fighting prejudice.