Educational Two-Day Awareness Event
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), Mandoulides Schools organized a two-day educational awareness event entitled “Inclusion in Action. Every Child Has a Voice”, aiming to inform and sensitize students on issues of inclusion, disability, and accessibility.
The event took place on November 25–26 and was addressed to students of Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High School.
Activities by Level
- Kindergarten: Visit by the Panhellenic Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of People with Vision Problems and Additional Disabilities “SYZOI”. Through interactive activities, children understood the daily challenges faced by people with limited vision and learned how we should support and respect them.
- Grades 1–3 (Primary):
- Meeting with a representative of Wheel company (wheelchairs).
- Workshop with psychologist Ms. Gousmpasanioti, who introduced the “mirror method”.
- Dialogue with author Elena Artzanidou, based on her books “I’m Not Ashamed Anymore” and “Hands Up”, opening discussions on emotions, fears, and acceptance.
- Grade 3 (Primary) & Special School for the Blind: Participation in a program designed by the Athens International Children’s & Youth Film Festival.
- Grades 4–6 (Primary): Online program “See Life Through Different Eyes”, where students experienced vision, hearing, and mobility challenges faced by people with disabilities.
- Grade 7 (Junior High – A’ Gymnasium): Interactive theater performance “I Exist in History”, connecting adolescence with historical figures such as Saint Demetrios and Constantine the Great.
- Grade 8 (Junior High – B’ Gymnasium): Theater performance “I Exist in My Choices”, focusing on self-awareness and personal responsibility.
- Grades 7–8 (Junior High): Screening of the documentary “Blood, Sweat and Cheer” by George Hoggi Morris, highlighting the power of togetherness, resilience of outsiders, and the magic of inclusion. A live discussion followed with Ms. Katia Papaspiliopoulou, Head of Educational Programs at the Athens Concert Hall.
Significance
This two-day event emphasized:
- The importance of empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
- The need for accessibility and equal opportunities.
- The transformative power of collaboration and inclusion through art, experiential learning, and dialogue.
