The meeting in Galatsi, Athens, Greece, aimed to trigger the participants to look for safe ways to express their anger and solve problems peacefully.
Monday 30th September 2024
We had the welcome ceremony at the Greek school in the morning, the 3rd Geniko Lykeio Galatsi. The local municipality's Greek principal, coordinator and vice-mayor welcomed the participants. Greek students made a comprehensive presentation of the particular meeting programme.
Then, we implemented the project activity "Connections" in two parts. The first part included participants presenting themselves in plenary to get to know each other. The second part included participants sharing their name story in small international teams to realise commonalities.
At noon, the Greek families offered traditional Greek lunch with home-made delicacies giving everyone a chance to experience Greek cuisine.
In the afternoon, all the participants (teachers and students) participated in a workshop held in the computer lab. This workshop included using the ESEP platform and the twinspace, getting acquainted with and updating social media and the project website.
We concluded the first day with a teacher meeting addressing project management issues.
Tuesday 1st October 2024
This was an educational excursion day. We went to the historical centre of Athens. We started at the Acropolis Museum, where the Greek team had organised a scavenger hunt for the participants to explore the museum.
Then, we had the unique experience of visiting Acropolis Hill, where we admired the Partnenon, the cradle of Hellenistic ancient art and the symbol of democracy.
Afterwards, we had lunch and free time to go souvenir shopping in the Monastiraki area. There, we tasted souvlaki, the coessential Greek junk food.
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
In the morning, teachers and students in small international teams attended lessons at the Greek school. The lessons included several subjects such as Maths, Social science, Physics and Greek literature.
Afterwards, we organised the project activity "Meant for you". The participants first wrote inspirational quotes about diversity and then exchanged them. In plenary, each one reflected on and discussed the inspirational quotes they received. The activity concluded with posting the quotes on a wall in the Greek school to create an inspirational wall.
At noon we departed for a half-day excursion to Lavrio port and Cape Sounion. There, we had the chance to see the ruins of an ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the ancient god of the sea, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Aegean Sea.
At the beach underneath the temple, we organised the project activity "Find somebody who”, triggering the students to acknowledge the diversity among them.
On our way back to Galatsi, we enjoyed the panoramic views along the peninsula.
Thursday 3rd October 2024
Early in the morning, we went to Piraeus Port, and we embarked on a ship called "Antigone". We crossed the Saronic Gulf and arrived at Aegina Island. We had a tour around the island, including a visit to the archaeological site of Aphaia. We enjoyed the sea views and the mainland, which was full of pistachio trees!
While on board back to Piraeus port, the participants (students and teachers) did the “I’ve got your back” activity to reflect on their time together and strengthen their bonds, reinforcing each other positively.
Friday 4th October 2024
On the last day, in the morning, students participated in several athletic activities as this was the official "Athletic Day" incorporated into the Greek curriculum.
We had another teacher meeting, and the students realised the project activity “Up on the balcony”.
The meeting concluded with a Farewell ceremony and party. Each partner "taught" traditional dances of their country, and we enjoyed ourselves dancing together!
The Greek hosting team