On Friday, November 14, the educational program “Des ti Zoi Me Alla Matia” was implemented in schools across Heraklion, Crete.
Vangelis Avgoulas, lawyer and President of the NPO, shared his daily life experiences as a visually impaired person and the challenges he faces. Students were then invited to discuss these everyday conditions and explore how, collectively, we can make a difference. Through interactive discussions and videos from the #SpeakUp awareness campaign, children engaged experientially with the realities of disability, accessibility, inclusion, and the uniqueness of every individual.
Educational programs were conducted at the 8th Experimental Primary School of Heraklion, the 1st Primary School of Gazi, and the High School of Gazi, reaching a total of 499 students and 50 teachers, alongside parents.
The social enterprise delegation was warmly welcomed by the Parent Associations of the 1st Primary School and the Gazi High School. Special thanks go to Municipal Councilor Michalis Drakakis for his invaluable assistance in organizing the visit.
1st Primary School of Gazi
High School of Gazi
✏️ The program “Des ti Zoi Me Alla Matia” is delivered throughout the Greek islands with the generous support of the Athena I. Martinos Foundation.
To date, the NPO has implemented over 850 educational programs on disability in schools, engaging 75,000 students and 6,000 teachers, entirely free of charge.
This educational program addresses the contemporary need to foster an inclusive society starting at school. Interaction and mutual understanding are essential for changing attitudes and breaking down social exclusion. As a fully child-centered program, participants are encouraged to shape the discussion, share thoughts, express feelings and experiences, and become co-facilitators, highlighting both the uniqueness and value of each individual.
Selected feedback from participating teachers:
“Mr. Avgoulas’ presence, calmness, humor, clarity, and simplicity in answering questions fully achieved the program’s objectives. From conversations with parents, I learned that the children reflected deeply and shared their thoughts and feelings at home. We owe you a big thank you!”
“The children participated with great interest, even those who rarely speak in class. The discussion sparked further conversations within classrooms that day and the following day. Students expressed a desire to approach other contemporary topics in a similar manner. They appreciated that the speakers shared personal experiences rather than theoretical knowledge. They were impressed by the immediacy and sincerity of the program and left the hall smiling and optimistic.”
“Mr. Avgoulas was truly captivating. The children were enthusiastic and, most importantly, learned about disability without any taboos.”
GR
