Educational - Artistic Inclusion Programme

“Schedia stin poli” (meaning “raft it the city”) non-profit organisation uses the arts and play as a vehicle to design and organise artistic events and innovative educational inclusion programs for children and young people who experience particular difficulties and are at risk of social exclusion. The actions aim to promote volunteerism and social solidarity, to mobilise young people for active citizenship and to raise awareness of major social issues in the wider community.

In 2021, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the organisation implemented the programme “Young Educators in Action” in vulnerable areas of Thessaloniki with limited access to the urban centre, high rates of refugees, a degraded natural environment and other special characteristics. In the framework of the programme, creative workshops in robotics, mosaics and weaving were implemented in primary schools and Centres of Creative Activities of the Municipality of Delta, in cooperation with pedagogical and artistic groups of Thessaloniki and young educators-volunteers of the organisation. Through experiential learning and a teamwork-collaborative approach, students had the opportunity to get acquainted with materials and subjects new to them, and to develop their creativity and imagination, while teachers were empowered through the exchange of ideas and good practices on empathy, communication and trust, both in the school and family environment. At the same time, with the aim of fostering intergenerational bonds, craft kits were created for children to use at home with older family members.

• 552 children and 15 teachers participated in the activities implemented between October and December 2021.
• 135 teachers and parents took part in the open day organised to conclude the project.