EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, visits ACS Athens’ Youth-to-Youth program for refugee minors

Having the experience of transforming lives through the Youth-to-Youth Programs, ACS Athens invites other educational institutions to follow its example.

Mr. Stylianides: “I wanted to come here to see this extraordinary project.”

November 3, 2018 - Halandri, Athens Greece: On Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, Christos Stylianides, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, visited the ACS Athens campus to observe the classrooms of the Youth-to-Youth (Y2Y) Programs and met with the unaccompanied refugee minors.

Taking an active stand during the beginning of the refugee crisis in 2016, ACS Athens initiated the Youth-to-Youth Educational and Social Integration Programs which now, entail: the Part-Time and Full-Time Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Programs and the Part-Time Business-to-Youth (B2Y) program designed in collaboration with the HOME Project Organization for the children residing in their shelters. The specially designed curriculum, the student-to-student partnership model, the differentiated instructional strategies, the athletic and social activities have provided thus far, meaningful educational and social integration experiences to approximately 96 students. The framework ensures social integration through youth-to-youth teaching, public events and inclusion in the social life of the school. The Part-time programs run by volunteers for the first two years while this academic year the programs are funded by sponsors via the HOME Project Organization.

The November 3rd, 2018, marks the beginning of the 3rd academic year of the Part-time Youth to Youth and Business to Youth Programs. ACS Athens is pleased to announce that this year both programs will be funded by the HOME Project Organization.

Commissioner Stylianides had the opportunity to visit the classrooms with the newcomers and experience first-hand how their orientation day was carried out. The Commissioner was briefed on the details of this initiative and its impact to the lives of the young refugees by the ACS Athens President, Dr. Stefanos Gialamas, the Counselor for Political Affairs of the Embassy of the United States of America in Athens, Ms. Amy C. Carlon, the Executive Director of THE HOME Project Organization, Ms. Sofia Kouvelaki, and by the Director of the Youth-to-Youth Educational and Social Integration Programs, Ms. Julia Tokatlidou. Furthermore, Mr. Stylianides had a conversation with the ACS Athens faculty, student volunteers and Y2Y students from the HOME Project Organization.

Mr. Stylianides explained the reason for his visit: “I wanted to come here to see this extraordinary project.” In relation to the importance of education the Commissioner explained: “We have a new policy because of these education emergencies. Our top priority is to prevent children from staying out of school more than 3 months.”

Regarding the next steps needed he highlighted: “The other big challenge is to find ways to connect this project to the national curriculum. Above all is to give hope and prospect. But you have to materialize this process in order to give hope and prospect. “

The President of ACS Athens, Dr. Stefanos Gialamas highlighted the importance of synergies for the realization of such initiatives: “This is the ideal situation for a four-way partnership with our school: It’s THE HOME Project which provides family. Then, the Shapiro foundation has provided the funds for full time scholarships, and another key element is the support of the U.S. Embassy. Also, from today, the IKEA foundation is providing the funds for the part time scholarships.”

The executive director of THE HOME Project explained the significance of the Y2Y program: “We are extremely grateful to ACS Athens because it has opened its arms to us at the very beginning of our operations. We are a newly born, nonprofit organization that provides support, protection, and social integration to unaccompanied minors. Dr. Gialamas and Ms. Tokatlidou, with their innovative and humanistic approach to education, opened their arms to the children we care for; making a huge difference in Greek society; breaking all social and economic barriers and really providing an example to the world of how academic institutions can really play a difference and transform lives. So, we’re very grateful. “

As a representative from the American Embassy, Amy C. Carlon addressing the unaccompanied minor refugees students congratulated them on their efforts to adjust in a new place and culture and stated: “As you know, thereare a lot of American embassy children here in the school. This is really an important experience for them as well. One of the basic tenets of the school is Ethos, and this indeed shows how the school does that: it tries to build humanitarian citizens. And I’m so glad that all of you could be a part of that. Congratulations and do your best!”

The Director of Youth to Youth Educational and Social Integration Programs and Academy Vice Principal, Director, Ms. Julia Tokatlidou commented on the progress of the students: “You can see the growth of the students who have been with us through the part-time Y2Y program. It’s tremendous. They came to the full time program and adjusted fully with no problem at all. Because the model is so inclusive and holistic, they developed skills right away and so fast. And we are very confident that we are going to have tremendous results for them.”

Ms. Julia Tokatlidou also invited other educational institutions to follow this example: “This is a program developed from the heart of ACS Athens students and caring professionals of high caliber from ACS Athens and THE HOME Project organization. It reflects our goal to serve humanity and to educate students holistically. It has benefited not only the lives of the recipients, the refugee minors, but more so the lives of the givers, our ACS Athens students. We wish that all private international institutions around the world can follow this paradigm of developing, caring and integrating refugee minors. Together, we can offer equal educational opportunities for all children”.

The Youth-to-Youth Programs, designed and implemented by ACS Athens faculty and students in collaboration with the HOME Project organization, provide a valuable educational and social integration framework focused on unaccompanied refugee minors in Greece living at THE HOME Project shelters. With the help of the HOME Project four of our part-time Business to Youth students (18+) found full-time positions in the Greek Tourism industry in the summer of 2018.

The Part-Time Y2Y and the B2Y Career programs deliver a need-based curriculum designed, by ACS Athens faculty, around the academic skill level and goals of each individual student. The curriculum includes academic learning (English and Greek languages, art, computer), skill development (professional etiquette, oral presentation), wellness (athletics, sports, drama, dance), and social integration (student-to-student teaching, public events, celebrations, social media). The development of relevant skills for work as well as social learning goals of collaboration, discipline, focus, resiliency, trust, a renewed hope for relationships, and tolerance for diversity of perspectives are the essential learning aims of the curriculum and the teaching methodology. The Part-Time B2Y program expands to 10- Saturdays in order to include a career day, designed in collaboration with local businesses aiming to familiarize students with the job requirements of different organizations.

The benefits of the program also extent to ACS Athens student volunteers, who are developed as learners, caring individuals, and responsible global citizens via the teaching assistant role they undertake through the program. Further, the positive feedback from student volunteers and parents has made this program a sustainable community program and a lifelong educational experience for all involved.

The HOME Project Organization and the professionals involved in the care of the unaccompanied minors is an important factor in the development of the program. In addition to their continuous presence every Saturday, there exists full alignment of the programs’ educational and social goals with the processes and practices as well with the socio-emotional support mechanisms in place in each of the homes run by the HOME Project. The continuous communication between ACS Athens and HOME Project professionals regarding the wellbeing and growth of the

students is vital in ensuring the success of the intended outcomes of the programs.

The City of Athens in cooperation with C40 cities initiative and the Walking and Cycling Network are planning to expand the city's bicycle lanes to include the areas of Ambelokipi, Exarchia, Kolonaki, Kypseli, and Petralona. The project aims to reduce traffic and pollution, while making Athens a more cyclist-friendly city. The new bicycle lanes will be added to the existing route that connects Gazi, a downtown neighborhood, to Faliro on the southern coast of Athens. In the meantime, plans to connect Gazi to Kifissia, are already in progress.

 

According to the municipality, the main goal of the project is to create a functional and user-friendly network of cycling routes that will eventually expand to include even more areas in the city Athens.

Source: ekathimerini

Dolmades, or stuffed vine leaves, is one of the most famous traditional Greek dishes; it is light, meat-free, and really tasty! Dolmades make an excellent starter for a family dinner, but they are so delicious they can also be served alone as a main dish.

 

Traditionally, dolmades are prepared with rice, herbs, and onions but some regional variations  call for toasted pine nuts, red currants, and raisins. Stuffing the vine leaves my look a bit tricky at first, but after your first few rolls you'll realize how easy it really is!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 cups sweet white onions, chopped very fine

• 4 cups long-grain riced, uncooked

• 6 cups fresh herbs – measured before chopping, chopped fine ( I use equal parts dill/mint/parsley)

• 3 tsp salt

• 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• Grape leaves – 1 large 16 ounce jar (approx 60-80 leaves,rinsed well) or hand picked and boiled

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1/3 c olive oil

• Juice from one lemon
  
  

To view the full recipe, please visit: The Greek Vegan

The Danish Institute at Athens is pleased to invite you the opening of an art exhibition on 3 November 12 noon at The Bath House of the Winds.

The exhibition is the end result of the Danish sculptor Misja Kristoffer Rasmussen’s collaboration with The Danish Institute at Athens. Here the artist had the opportunity to intensify his research: "Step by step, layer by layer, I learned to scratch under the contemporary concrete skin of Athens: the city gradually taught me how, and when to discover and rediscover my inspiration."

“At first sight Misja Kristoffer Rasmussen might be taken for a nostalgic imitator of classical art, an interpreter of the image, intent on reproducing the stylistic features of Greek statuary with painstaking precision; but only an absent-minded observer could fail to miss the modernity at the soul of his inspiration.” (Prof. Cosimo Strazzeri, art critic, historian)

Misja Kristoffer Rasmussen has chosen to invite the young Greek artist Raschmie Soukoulis to participate. For this exhibition she has created a set of visual voices that unfold in the historical space of the Bath House of the Winds narrating a single story through three sections.

Lunch or dinner, local or ethnic, traditional or creative, Athens offers a wide choice of restaurants where you can enjoy an excellent meal without breaking the bank! As you wander around the city center you'll discover many cheap and cheerful restaurants that serve delicious food. Here is list of three great, reasonably priced, restaurants in Athens.

 

Zampano takes traditional Greek cuisine to a whole new level with modern, creative elements based on seasonal ingredients from all over the country. The restaurant’s wine list includes some of the finest wine varieties in Greece that will satisfy even the most demanding wine connoisseur. And if you are feeling groovy, Zampano has you covered with a great selection of cocktails!

 

Address: 18 Sarri, Psyri, Athens
Telephone: 213 0233244

Price Point: $
Dress Code: Casual

 

The Holy Goat

Run by a collective of twelve people, The Holy Goat (Το Θείο Τραγί) identifies itself as a punk bistro, where music and food are a ritual. It combines a bucolic yet elegant atmosphere with a touch of Brooklyn punk and serves creative Mediterranean cuisine, prepared by imaginative cooks. The space is designed for demanding foodies, and people who enjoy unique tastes, eclectic music, and good wine!

Address: 36 Kidantidon, Ano Petralona, Athens
Telephone: 210 3410296

Price Point: $
Dress Code: Casual

Taqueria Maya

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, Cuban sandwiches, juices, and margaritas, that’s what Taqueria Maya is all about. Authentic ingredients, non-GMO maize flour, and high-quality vegetables and legumes are used for the preparation of the dishes, which are all made on the spot. A tiny place packed with flavor and Latin vibes!

 

Address: 10 Petraki, Syntagma, Athens
Telephone: 211 2167081

Price Point: $
Dress Code: Casual

Photo Credit: Zampanó

To read the article in full, please visit: 10 Best

Take advantage of the mid-season sale, that will run from Thursday, November 1st to Saturday November 10th, and start selecting holiday gifts for you and your loved ones at a fraction of their original price! Keep in mind that it is mandatory for shops to display both the full and the sale price of items and the percentage of the discount offered. In older to make shopping more convenient for consumers, many centrally located stores will be open on Sunday,  November 4th from 11:00 to 20:00.

Perched on a rocky hill above Athens, the Acropolis is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the classical world. A remarkable archaeological site and the birthplace of Democracy, the Acropolis is one of the most visited sights in the world and Athens’ crown jewel. Despite earthquakes, extensive looting, air pollution, and centuries of war, much of this incredible monument still survives. We’ve put together a list of interesting facts that will enable you to fully comprehend the grandeur and significance of one of the greatest ancient citadels ever to be built!

1. It’s Not The Only Acropolis In Greece

The term ‘Acropolis’ derives from the Greek words ‘akron’, which means highest point or edge, and ‘polis’, which means city. Therefore, the word acropolis literally means ‘Highest City’. Even though the term mostly refers to the Acropolis of Athens, there are in fact, quite a few acropolises in Greece such as Acrocorinth in Corinth, Cadmea in Thebes, and the Acropolis of Lindos in the island of Rhodes.

2. The Acropolis And The Parthenon Are Not The Same Thing

Many visitors to Greece come to Athens thinking that the Acropolis and the Parthenon are the same thing. However, the Acropolis is actually the hill where the Parthenon and other structures such as the Erechteion, the Propylaia, and the Temple of Athena Nike are built upon!

3. The Parthenon Is Perfect Due To Its Imperfections

Even though the Parthenon is often referred to as the ‘word’s most perfect building’ its perfection is actually achieved through a series intentional flaws. Ictinos and Kallikrates, used a couple of architectural tricks, such as the slight angling of the temple’s pedestal, and the unnoticeable barrel-like curves on its columns, to create an optical illusion of perfection and impeccable alignment.

4. The Parthenon Was Blown Up in 1687

In 1687 the Parthenon suffered the greatest damage in its long history! During the Morean War, a Venetian cannonball blew up the Ottoman gunpowder magazine that was located inside the Parthenon, causing great damage to the temple. Before leaving Athens, the Venetians considered blowing up the rest of the Parthenon to avoid its further use as a Turkish stronghold, but thankfully the idea was abandoned!

5. The Acropolis Used To Be A Kaleidoscope Of Color

Recent tests have revealed that the Parthenon, and other buildings on the Acropolis Hill, were once covered in color. Even though the colors have been bleached over the years, the traces of blue, red, and green pigments that were discovered on various archaic sculptures show that these sites were once painted in a kaleidoscope of colors.

When visiting the Acropolis Museum, keep an eye out for the Archaic sculptures that have retained traces of their original colors. Furthermore, the museum offers a fun interactive online application, which allows users to color, save, and print the statue of Peplos Kore.

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This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

 

This holiday season the KAZ bazaar is back in a bigger and more convenient venue! The whole KAZ team, the volunteers, and their four-legged family members invite you to join them at their Christmas Bazaar at the Athens War Museum.

 

Come and join us on Saturday, November 30, from 10:00 to 20:00 and on Sunday, December 1, from 10:00 to 18:00 to enjoy our super raffle, a book bazaar, delicious homemade treats, and many surprises.

The KAZ bazaar is a great place to enjoy your holiday shopping!

 

Save the date and let's support the Shelter For Stray Animals!

Athens is among the six European cities shortlisted for the 2018 European Capital of Innovation Award, organized under the auspices of the European Commission. Athens, Aarhus, Hamburg, Leuven, Toulouse, and Umeå will be judged for the implementation of innovative solutions to social challenges throughout the past year.

 

Despite the ongoing Greek financial crisis, the city of Athens has managed to design and implement new social innovation initiatives. Namely, with the ‘Curing the Limbo’ project, Athens is giving underprivileged Athenians and refugees a chance to afford housing, develop work skills, and find employment. Furthermore, alongside private partners the City of Athens’ Digital Lab is fostering digital literacy and applying civic technology such as smart recycling bins that provide real-time data about the capacity of the bins and their recycling performance.

 

Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation who will be announcing the winner in Lisbon on November 6^th, said: ‘Many European cities are world leaders in urban innovation. They find new ways of involving citizens in community life, support business growth or adapt to global challenges and sustain the local social fabric. All of the contestants for the European Capital of Innovation title are testament to such efforts. I look forward to announcing the winner at next month’s awarding ceremony.’

Applications will be judged by independent experts from across Europe. A monetary prize of 1 million euro will be awarded to the winning city while 100 thousand euro will be awarded to each of the five runner-up cities.