Mobility to Greece – Memory Album
Second meeting from the project Erasmus + – Humanity has no borders (2nd Gymnasium of Kaisariani)
Athens – City of Eternity
In the city of Platon, Heradon, Aristotelys, Zeus, we had opportunity to meet new friends, learn about other countries and traditions, and visit many beautiful places.
Our first day was Monday. We had “breaking ice” activities. Every country was presenting its school and country. Then we went to Kessariani`s park and visited the National Resistance Museum. After that, we had lunch in Kaisariaani`s Square. On Tuesday we had Red cross workshop – “it could be me, it could be you”. We had lunch and we visited the Stayros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and a marina Flisbos. On Wednesday we walked trough the historical paths of Athens, from the theatre of Herodeion to the rock of Acropolis, then to the theatre of Dionysus, and than to the Acropolis Museum. At the end of the day we had lunch at Monastiraki and walk to Plaka and Kerameikos. Thursday was our cruise day. We had opportunity to sail to three islands. Our first stop was Hydra. Then we visited Poros and had lunch on broad. Aegina was the last island that we visited. We had walks trough these islands and we saw a lot of interesting things. Our last day was Friday. First we had a workshop “Monologues across the Aegean Sea”. After that we had brunch and Round Table – every student was invited to share his\her experience, feelings and impressions. Than we had our closing ceremony. At the end we visited the Temple of Poseidon and we had dinner at Lavrio, and we went back to Athens.
It was very interesting week, we met new friends, and visited very beautiful places. We won`t forget this experience for the rest of our lifes.
Our educational trip
Educational_trips
The impressions of Greek students on educational trips.
Visit to a refugee camp
Visit-to-Elaionas
The students’ impressions of visiting a refugee camp.
With courage let us unite
Α5-With-courage-let-us-unite
Essays about the observations of the students about refugee crisis and looking for simple solutions about the problem.
Different pasts, Shared futures
Drawing competition / the students reflect their ideas on paper with crayons.
Travel without borders
A little chat with Mohamed
Two weeks ago, the Erasmus team of our school visited the Paster Institute, where we had the opportunity to attend an educational program together with refugee children. There we first met Mohamed, a young man who translated the program for the refugee children to the Farsi language.
The previous Sunday, we met again the refugee children at Eleonas refugee camp at Athens, where a festival took place, about diversity and acceptance. When I saw Mohamed, I talked to him. He seemed so happy, friendly and willing to communicate! I thought that it would be nice to introduce myself, hoping that he would do the same. I was right! He was indeed very friendly and ready to answer all my questions.
Mohamed is 22 years old, with dark skin and hair, but with a bright smile on his face. He came to Greece from Iran, two years ago, after a long and dangerous journey, through mountains, battlefields and seas. When I told him about how much I admire the civilization and history of Iran, ancient Persia, he reminded me the Greco-Persian wars that had been held during the 5th century BC. “We were enemies then, but now we can be friends”. It is strange to realize how human history changes the situations of our lives. Persians in ancient times came as conquerors, but now they come as refugees, looking for a better life.
Mohamed told me that it was his own decision to live Iran. “It was unbearable for me to live in such a country, where no human rights were accepted, and no freedom in personal choices was recognized”. I asked him what the cause of that oppression is and he explained me what a theocratic state is. “In a theocratic state, like Iran, the administration and legislation are organized according the beliefs of the prevailing religion. The citizens have to obey, despite their objections. If someone doesn’t submit, the punishment will be very strict”.
In order to achieve his freedom, Mohamed left behind his old life, but also his family, his parents and his brother, who weren’t able to follow him to his difficult journey to the unknown. “I might not see them again. Even though, I wouldn’t change my decision to leave”. Now Mohamed works for the Amnesty International as a translator. He is very lucky, because his knowledge of the English language has helped him find a meaning in his life at the camp, and become useful for the other refugees. When I asked him what his plans are for the future, he told me that he would like to complete his studies and leave Greece for a county in Northern Europe. “I don’t know what is coming next. I try to go through the difficulties with courage and self-confidence. I enjoy my freedom every day, and I enjoy to meet people willing to communicate, as I am. I am looking forward to a better world, and I want to be a part of it”.
Good luck Mohamed! Perhaps one day we’ll meet again!
Eva
