Events
Kifissia, Greece
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
International CONFERENCE
Kifissia Town Hall | 31/05/2022 Lüneburg | 31/05/ – 01/06/2022
The Municipality of Kifissia and the educational organisation educommart, in the framework of the European programme EUROPE FOR CITIZENS entitled "Europe | UNITY, human dignity and solidarity - just a dream?", presented the work of the project and the European partners from 31/05 - 01/06/22 at the Kifissia Town Hall.
Representatives from European countries participated in this European meeting. Within this framework, an open debate and statements on European Unity took place on Tuesday 31/5, with the participation of selected speakers, representatives of the Municipality of Kifissia and educommart, as well as citizens of Kifissia.
The Director of educommart, Mrs. Kalliopi Angeli, opened the event by stressing that "the aim of the 'UNITY' project is to bring together different generations and citizens from different backgrounds and social origins and to put up for discussion the current challenges that Europe is facing."
The Mayor of Kifissia, Mr Giorgos Thomakos, welcomed the participants of the project and the representatives of the Parliament in Kifissia. He also emphasised, among other things:
"It is a great honour for us to participate in the European project 'UNITY'. We value its objectives as we share the same fundamental values of diversity, human dignity and solidarity.
We are committed to the European idea and to unity, not only of markets, but also of multi-faceted and equal political unity with all that this may mean and imply. Let this inspire and convince all citizens to fight for a better future in Europe."
The Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Kifissia, Mr Stavros Zapantis, said: "With the UNITY programme, the citizens of Europe are sending their messages to the European Union. It is a fact that many positive things have happened in the Union. It is clear that many positive things have been accomplished in Europe in the past. The unity and prosperity of the European Union are directly linked to culture, education and solidarity."
The President of the Municipal Council Mrs. Lila Papadimitriou pointed out:
"It is a fact that we need a strong, united and value-oriented Europe. It is the best answer to the expansionist ambitions and insatiable appetite of the authoritarian hegemons of our planet. We want a Europe that is strong and determined to serve and enforce its traditional canon of values."
The Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Mrs Niki Kerameos stressed:
"Europe essentially means unity, dignity and respect for others.
At the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, we have made it one of our priorities to ensure that our students acquire the right skills for their present and future. Among other things, we have added a new module to the compulsory curriculum for students aged 4 to 15, the Skills Workshops. The focus is on teaching soft skills and life skills such as critical thinking, cooperation, solidarity and respect - skills that are necessary for the citizens of tomorrow.
We also promote international synergies in our education system at all levels. Through programmes such as Erasmus+, schools and universities in Greece work together with schools and universities across Europe, and we have established and expanded cooperation between our universities and universities in other countries such as the UK, the US and China."
Nea Demokratia Party MP Mr Georgios Koumoutsakos, former Deputy Minister for Citizen Protection and responsible for migration policy, said:
"Such programmes/projects are very important as they consolidate European unity and solidarity. Nowhere is there such unity as in the European Union, which serves human rights and democracy. However, this does not mean that everything is perfect and that we should not continue to strive. United, we continue to put our values of human dignity, freedom, democracy and solidarity at the heart of our efforts. Together we overcome difficulties regardless of our differences and find common solutions."
Opposition Syriza party MP Ms Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou - former Minister for Administrative Reconstruction stressed:
"Such programmes help us to get to know people and countries that are different but also have common values and needs. We need a more social and democratic Europe. A Europe that is closer to its citizens, more open in the areas of work, health and the environment, which offers our children a better future. We should not forget that the European idea began as an idea of peace, born out of the ruins of the Second World War. No more wars, a common future for all citizens and all countries."
The last to speak was Greek-Lebanese social entrepreneur, founder and editor-in-chief of HOMEMAGAZINE Mrs Patricia Bitar Cherfan:
"Culture has influenced the countries of Europe. It provides an exchange of knowledge and opportunities for cooperation and encounters. It strengthens the democratic values of Greece, provides political stability, military cooperation and security. It stands for the democratic values of equality, freedom and respect. I am among the 75% of people who are in favour of the EU"
Exchange of views between the participants.
Message of EUROPEAN UNITY from Kifissia
SPEECHES FROM THE HISTORIC ARESH HILL
INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION
On the second day of the European meeting, Wednesday 1 June 2022, an internal exchange took place between the European partners on the elaboration of the project and evaluation of collected content on the project site.
Activity Kifissia sings
The conclusion of the international event was the joint singing of the European Anthem in German with all the European guests, musically accompanied by Mr. Konstantinos Stefanou, and the choir of the Municipality of Kifissia under the conductor and composer Konstantinos Stefanou with melodies and sounds of Kifissia. He interpreted the song "That morning in Kifissia", saying goodbye to Dakis, the artist who loved our city and sang for it.
DISCUSSIONS WORKSHOP
EUROPE – UNITY, HUMAN DIGNITY AND SOLIDARITY – JUST A DREAM?
3rd Upper School Kifissia | 8th June 2021
On 08.06.2021, a discussion workshop on the topic "EUROPE in Diversity" was held with 23 pupils from the 10th grade of the 3rd upper secondary school Kifissias.
The pupils were informed about the European values which are highly valued: Human Dignity, Freedom and Solidarity, as well as about the new challenges Europe is facing through populism, nationalism and racism.
In recent years, in all EU countries, we have seen, on the one hand, a wave of questioning of the European ideal and, on the other hand, a rise in populism, racism and nationalism. The economic crisis that has hit the southern countries, the rise of nationalism in many EU member states and the Brexit have severely damaged the European framework, with the result that citizens feel alienated from the values that led to the foundation of the European Union and frustrated by Brussels' stance on many issues in their daily lives.
After the information session, students were asked to write down their thoughts, visions and fears about the future of Europe.
The results will be presented at the 1st international event of the project in September 2021 in Lüneburg, Germany.
EUROPE IN DIVERSITY – against populism and nationalism
3rd Upper School Kifissia | 12th April 2022
On 12.04.2022 a discussion workshop on the topic "EUROPE IN DIVERSITY - against populism and nationalism" took place in the framework of the Citizens' Consultation activity in Kifissia with 22 pupils of the 10th grade of the 3rd High School Kifissia.
On the occasion of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the still raging war, as well as the rapidly increasing migration flows, we discussed with the students the humanitarian crisis in general, but especially the crisis of European values that emerged after the war, with the aim of creating a better and in any case peaceful future.
Reference was made to the fundamental values of humanism, such as dignity, freedom and solidarity, whether these values are respected or rather undermined today, and how democracy is being tested in modern Europe in the face of serious challenges such as populism, nationalism and racism.
Challenges that are unfortunately coming to the fore with increasing frequency. (The rise of Marine Le Pen's far-right party in the French presidential elections is typical and worthy of note).
After this discussion, we asked the students to record their thoughts and concerns about the future of Europe in a questionnaire as part of the anonymous citizens' survey.
The results were presented at the 2nd international event of the project in May 2022 in Timisoara, Romania.
STREETS-/ONLINE SURVEY
EVALUATION OF THE CITIZENS’ SURVEY
Contemporary Witnesses-Workshop
Historical witness reports
Vice Admiral Mr. Symeon Konstantinidis spoke to the audience about the period from 1967 to 1974. He vividly described the historical events of the dictatorship based on his childhood experiences. He concluded his speech with Turkey's invasion of Northern Cyprus.
