LINK#149 by NGO K.A.NE.

LINK #149

Apr i l 15th 2020

GENDER EQUALITY 1

Content K.A.NE P. 4 - 7

KNOW US P. 8

Volunteers & Collaborators

P. 10

“Which one is one of the most important achievements regarding gender equity in your opinions?” “Where do you see the biggest inequity between he genders?” “How long will it take to reach gender equity?”

ARTICLES P. 12 P. 14 P. 16

Why we are still living in a world without gender equity? Gender equality- what we have achieved already? Gender Roles

P. 9

COMPARING Differences between Greece and Slovenia P. 18 INTERVIEW Interview with a local volunteer P. 20 Interview with a Erasmus+ volunteer P. 22 PLACE TO TRAVEL Magianiako P. 24 PLACE OF THE WEEK Morenvacia P. 25

P. 22

ART REVIEW “Ancient Messina” P. 26 QUOTE OF THE WEEK ''Mi ultimo tango en Athena'' P. 27 PERSON OF INTEREST ''Malala'' P.28 RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Cafe sante P. 29 RECIPES P. 30 P. 31

Treccia Salata Dolce salame

Hania Wolak

Editor

Alix Dievart

Designer

@kane.kalamata +30 272 108 188 2

Editorial

www.kentroneon.worpress.com www.ngokane.org info@ngokane.org Salaminos 8 24100 Kalamata Greece

LINK 3

Volunteers Alix

Hi ! I’m Alix and I come from France, I‘m eighteen and I’m taking a break from my studies because I didn’t like what I was doing so i decided to go on ESC. I’ll stay here for 6 months and I’m so grateful and happy to do this experience in Greece with foreign volunteers. I work in the Therapeutic Equestrian Centre. I love horses, to share moments with people and to discover new places.

Hello! I am Furkan and I am from Turkey. I recently graduated from university and before starting my Furkan professional career I decided to be in an international group. This way I can improve

myself and learn new things in life, what I didn’t do before. And now I am here in Kalamata for a month. I am happy to be here because I learn new cultures and share my own culture with my entire volunteer family.

Catarina

Hello! My name is Catarina and I’m a 21 year old girl from Portugal. After finishing my studies, I decided to stop for a year to clarify my ideas and decide what I will do next. Right now, I will be a volunteer here in Kalamata for the next six months, I’m working at KEFIAP and also at the Youth Centre. There’s not much to say about me, I’m a calm person and probably my favourite hobby is to listen some rock music while reading a book or walking around the city.

name is Diego and I am from Spain. I am graduated in Psychology. Diego My I came to Kalamata to be a volunteer in Kefiap, to learn how the people

work in other countries around Europe while helping others. Moreover I think this is a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn about other cultures. I am curious person who likes practising sports, laughing at almost everything and listening Rap music.

Hania

Kalimera! My name is Hania and I come from Poland. I am a volunteer in K.A.NE’s office and I will stay here in Kalamata for 8 months. I really like to travel, because I think life gets boring if you stay in one place for too long! One of my biggest dreams is to live for at least couple of months in several different countries, so I can truly experience other cultures – not just as a tourist.

I’m Joana from Portugal, I’m going to be in this beautiful town for the Joana Hei! next two months as a volunteer at KEFIAP. I also want to know how others

projects works, because one of the reasons that brought me here is searching for new answers and therapeutic methods that may be useful in my work as psychomotor therapist. I love to walk around, travel to the sea side and hiking in the mountains, discover new things, cultures, ways of thinking and being and to talk a lot!

Katarina

Hi! My name is Katarina and I come from a little country called Slovenia. I would describe myself as a positive, relaxed and openminded person who loves to laugh, explore new places, meet new people, try new things and capture amazing views that the world offers. I love spending my free time in nature watching sunsets, chasing waterfalls and doing different sports like hiking, snowboarding, surfing.

My name is katharina and I am from Portugal . Katharina Olá!!! I am 18 years old and I finished high school last sum-

mer. This year I am taking a Gap Year to figure out what I want to do in the future and to discover more about myself. Now I am here in kalamata volunteering at the dog shelter. I love to do things outside, hangout with friends and to be in contact with animals.

Lea

Hallo! :) My name is Lea and I am from Griesheim, a small town near Frankfurt. I am eighteen years old, just finished school and now I am going to spend an entire year here in Kalamata. I am volunteering in the Youth Centre and hopefully will hear many different stories from totally different people. I am fascinated by the art of literature, stars and other people and really enjoy sitting on the balcony with friends and enjoying unwinding music.

Volunteers I’m the short guy with dreadlocks who is coming from Roque Viva! northern Portugal. For the next 10 months I’ll spend my time

in Kalamata as a volunteer in K.A.NE.. I came into this adventure so I could meet new people, a different and new culture and to learn Greek. I’d to share with others all my knowledge, interests and beliefs. If you like sunsets, swimming, nature, hiking and listening to music, what are waiting for?! Join me!

Patrycja

Cześć! Jak się masz? I come from Poland. I love travelling and one day I want to be a professional traveler. I like to take photos, to film, meet new people from all over the world and to learn more about foreign cultures and history! My other passion is everything concerning Latin America: speaking Spanish, the latin dances... I also study English and Portuguese. Now I’m in Greece for 6 months to do an EVS project and hopefully discover this country in the best way possible!

Annalisa

Hello! I am Annalisa, I come from the wonderful city of Bologna (Northern Italy). I have an academic background in International Relations (European Affairs) and look forward to become a project developer in international cooperation, tackling social issues through the participation of civil society. I am spending a year in Kalamata, volunteering at the K.A.NE’s office, helping out with the design and management of youth mobility and social projects.

Patricjia

Hello everyone! My name is Patricija and I am from Slovenia. I work at the dog shelter as a volunteer from March until May. I am a passionate traveller who has visited more than 35 countries and still counting! In my free time I love to read a good book or watch a good movie. I am also very interested in foreign food and would love to try it all. That’s enough about me. If you want to know more, find me in person. :-)

Tania

Yuhu! My name is Tania. I’m from Spain and I studied psychology. My hobbies are travel, photography, cinema and the nature. I love to know new places and live new adventures. My life plan is to live in as many different countries where I can. Now, I live in Kalamata and I’m volunteer in The Dog Shelter. I’m very happy with my project and living in Greece.

Collaborators I am Filaretos Vourkos. For the last 15 years I am working Filaretos Hello, in the field of Non-formal education as a volunteer, youth worker

and youth trainer. 10 years ago,I decided to create the Youth Centre of Kalamata, in order to initiate youth work in Kalamata and promote active citizenship as factor for change.

Jelena

Hi, I’m Jelena Scepanovic,an EVS coordinator in K.A.NE. and a volunteer of the Youth center. I came from Montenegro in 2012 as an EVS volunteer. I really liked the idea of the youth center and the work that K.A.NE. does, so I decided to stay and be part of it.

Nantiana

My name is Nantiana Koutiva and i am working in K.A.NE. as a project manager and EVS coordinator. I have studied greek philology and I am teacher of greek language as well. I love travelling and organizing festivals.

Nancy

Hello World! I’m Nancy and I’m working in K.A.NE. since 2017 as a Project Manager and EVS/ESC coordinator. I’m passionate about meeting new people and exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas. I love the fact that many young people visit every year my hometown Kalamata and contribute to our society.

my name is Georgia Griva. For the past few years I am a youGeorgia Hello, th worker and project manager. This journey in youth field started

in 2014 with my first youth exchange and my EVS in Istanbul. I am proud to be member of K.A.NE. which represents my vision and my values as human and as an active citizen.

Which one is one of

st Q U E S T I O N

Joana Paternity leave for the fathers when a baby is born and appreciation of the important role of the father and mother in the child’s life from the first day. It’s a family moment, doesn’t depend on the gender. Katarina

the most important achievements

Education for all. That we all have the opportunity to go to school nowadays.

regarding gender

Katharina

equity in your opinion?

I am not sure. In my opinion, the right to vote for women was a very important achievement in history. However, I think that education for everyone can be even more important.

Alix

To mind, the most important achievement for gender equality is at the professional level: nowadays women should have the same wages as men and acquire the same responsibilities.

Lea I was thinking about giving women the right to vote, but actually I agree to Katarina even more with the education for everyone.

Furkan I believe the most important issue for gender equality is education. Everything is can be better with true and effective education.

Patrycja It seems to me that the biggest breakthrough in this area was the granting of electoral rights to women, which initiated many social changes.

Catarina For me the most important achievement was the right to vote for everyone and the education for everyone as well, though in some parts of the world this is not possible to everyone, just check Malala’s fight :) Diego I think one of the most important achievements was the regulation of the universal job conditions for both sex. It is not being respected nowadays but at least everyone agrees that it is the correct thing to do.

Roque The equal access to education for everyone.

Hania

Annalisa I think that education is a keyword to talk about achievements in gender equality in a deeper and wider sense, both in terms of girls and women accessing all degrees of education and in terms of educating people about gender roles.

The raising awareness which results in mutual respect and appreciation of our differences. Tania Although it still cannot be considered an achievement, because there is a long way to go, for me the recent social change that women are making is really important: fighting against the oppression, submission and stereotypes to which society has subjected them to over the years, taking control of their lives and their own decisions, among others.

Patricja The raising awareness which results in mutual respect and appreciation of our differences. 8

nd Q U E S T I O

Where do you see the biggest inequity between the genders?

Joana Social gender roles, mostly between people that are older than 50 years old. Katarina I think that the biggest difference is how much we are paid for doing the same job. Statistically women are paid less for working on the same position as men. Katharina I can't focus on just one inequity. In my opinion, society is full of discrimination and stereotypes that are buried so deeply that they are not even called into question. Lea

Alix

Most of them, in the professional life. But also in the daily life, for instance the society imposes a lot of stereotypes about how to behave according to the gender.

I think the biggest inequities are the ones we are all facing in our daily life because of social expectations and gender roles. It’s affecting emotionally women as well as men every day to hear all those stereotypes. “Don’t cry, you are a man.” or “Be a lady they said”.

Furkan For me biggest inequality happens in our professional life. Both sexes have many disadvantages just because they are a man or a woman.

Patrycja In my opinion, one of the biggest inequalities is the double standards for men and women. This problem affects both the cultural and social zones as well as in professional life. One cannot forget the harmful stereotypes of being a “real” woman or a “real” man.

Catarina I think we can see it in both professional and personal life. The opportunities are not always equal to men and women when we talk about jobs and salary, but also in our personal life we can see it in small details ( "you have to dress this", "you can’t do that", "you should be a man not a baby"…)

Roque The created ideas of how a specific gender has to behave. Women don't burp; men don't cry. Annalisa Honestly, what affects me the most is seeing how difficult it is to raise children free of gender stereotypes in societies that still need gender roles to function. I know many people who fought for gender equality their whole life, but still show incredibly discriminatory patterns in their everyday behaviour, in the way they think, the way they look at things, which has a huge impact even on those who are supposed to be the “easiest target” of a more gender-equal worldview: children.

Diego It is difficult for me to see it because I am not the part which suffers from the discrimination, so I can not choose a "biggest inequity". Hania What bothers me a lot personally is that a woman who decides not to marry is considered as somehow worse and not useful enough for the society, while a bachelor is “living the dream”.

Patricja Tania

I see the biggest inequity between the genders in jobs and in stereotypes, where women are less important than men or both men and women are wrongly judged for something that is not true.

I think the biggest inequity is in the professional life because even if a woman is as prepared for a job, she cannot have the same opportunities. 9

rd Q U E S T I O N

Joana

How long will it take to reach gender equity?

In a perfect world in 100 years maybe, but there isn't such thing as perfection. So I would say it's becoming better but and it will keep going becoming better, but a totally gender equity is kind of utopic. Katarina It would be really nice if we ever reached gender equality but, in my opinion, we will never reach it, because there will always be some people who will think that they are not valued enough, they get paid less and so on. Katharina

Alix

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever get to that point. It is likely that we will improve, but total gender equity does not seem possible to achieve, at least not with the mentality of society.

I think that things are changing since many years and continue yet. It’s a good things to see that the people want to be equal.

Lea

Furkan I can't say just in time, but I don't think I can see gender equality with my own eyes all over the world. May be at least 2-3 generations later.

I think that total gender equity is utopic as discrimination sadly never really disappears. But I think that actually in the past years, as the awareness has raised, a lot of beginning steps have been made in order to step by step make the inequity smaller and smaller and I think we will continue going this path.

Catarina I think is really difficult to say when will it happen. The gender equity fight began a long time ago and we have seen some progress of course, actually some really important progress and in the recent years it has gained a lot of attention around the world, but still is just difficult to predict.

Patrycja In my opinion, the most important thing is to change people's mentality on this topic and unfortunately it takes some time. However, you can see that a lot has been changing lately, especially in the youngest generation (but not only).

Diego I hope the future is not going to be about gender equity, I would prefer the genders to disappear and start to work on the equity only for the sex differences which are smaller.

Patricja I think we will never reach gender equality, because women and men are so different from each other.

Hania

Annalisa I don’t really see the use of putting a clock on gender equality, because it’s a cultural concept and - as such - it’s permanently being re-defined. Having just spent a year working on social issues in Peru, I have reconsidered even the idea that the whole world is going in the same direction to reach gender equality. I think what’s important is that it’s an issue on development agendas of more and more places all over the world and that steps are being taken to tackle it.

It’s impossible to say, but it makes me happy that we’re aware of it and put so much effort to achieve it. Tania It is impossible to predict this and more taking into account the cultural differences that exist in the world but without a doubt I believe that the way to advise it is to educate the new generations in equity. Roque I believe that it will never be reached because it's still too present on our lives. 10

How to say? “Today is a great day!”

Heute ist ein großartiger Tag.

Aujourd'hui est un grand jour.

Dzisiaj jest wspaniały dzień.

Hoy es un gran dia.

Oggi è un grande giorno.

Bugün harika bir gün.

Danes je dober dan.

Hoje é um ótimo dia.

Author: Tania

Why are we still living in a world without gender equity? Gender equity is an important topic that is discussed frequently nowadays. Equity is a concept that had to be implemented, because equality was no longer considered the most correct term. This happened because everyone is different and also there are differences between genders that must be considered. So, talking about equity is accepting and valuing differences by giving the same opportunities instead of trying to equalize both sexes. How are we supposed to achieve better gender equity if children - the future society - are bombarded with discriminatory information and they are full of stereotypes from an early age? Why do we continue to show children films and stories in which a woman’s task is to wait to be saved by the prince? Why must the female figure be sweet, sensitive and kind? And why must the male figure be strong, courageous and fearless? Why can’t a girl play football and a boy can’t dance ballet?

“

Why must the female figure be sweet, sensitive and kind?

”

We say that nowadays we have a more open mind, that we do not discriminate and that the generalization is in the past. Bullshit! We can’t say that we accept the equity, if we continue to look aside when we see a woman working in a car repair shop or a man working as a cleaner. We keep telling a boy not to cry because he ˝looks like a girl˝ and we tell a girl to ˝behave like a lady˝.

In this way we can consider equity as a concept that seeks to satisfy justice. However, just the fact that we need to talk about this topic is already discrimination, so it means that equity does not yet exist. Equity is not something that is implemented in a society overnight, it is something that has to develop and improve over time. However, certain stereotypes and discrimination are so deeply integrated into our society that it is difficult to go beyond this level of thinking.

The worst thing is that all this inequity is not taken seriously. We say that nowadays there is equity, that we value this important issue, but is it really like this? Don’t we just say that to make

us feel better about ourselves? Are there no other types of discrimination that should also be taken seriously? We just don’t want to have to worry more about gender equity, we don’t want to have to think about these problems because we don’t want to realize that after all the society has not evolved as much as we say and that after so many years we continue with a presence of inequity and discrimination. And all this inequity is analyzed as if it was normal. It is so present in our lives that we don’t even question it, we accept it without doubting. We are interested in some kind of equity and debate it, but what about the rest? Reaching a point of equity is not just focusing on what suits us or what is easier. What’s the point of doing just the same as everyone else does? Could that be a reason why gender equity takes so long to develop?

“

we continue with a presence of inequity and discrimination.

”

Author: Katharina

Gender Equality - what have we achieved already? Not so long ago the role of a woman in society was not significant. In fact, it was limited to only three things - to be a good - or rather obedient - wife, take care of the home and give birth to children - preferably sons. In most cases, a woman had nothing to say, she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decide about her life, inherit assets or study and women's rights practically did not exist. Women stood up for their courage, knowledge and intelligence were often accused of black magic and the devil's alliance. Despite unfavorable times, some women have made history and their lives have inspired writers, poets and film directors for years or even centuries. places where being a woman is associated with many difficulties, problems and inconveniences. Women's circumcision, arranged marriages, acid reflux or very long prison sentences for miscarriage or abortion are still practiced in many parts of the world.

Such women were Cleopatra, Joanna d'Arc, Maria SkĹ&#x201A;odowska-Curie, Coco Chanel or Frida Kahlo, come on. We should not forget about women who actively fight for a better life and fundamental rights of women today in the countries where the situation is very difficult, such as the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai. This girl was rewarded for her fight for the right to education in Pakistan. The situation of women, in fact, has only begun to improve in the last century. It was after 1900 that women began to be granted rights that were previously reserved only for men, such as the right to vote, education, divorce, etc... World wars and the sexual revolution had a major impact on that change.

However, even in those countries where gender equality seems to have been established, there are still many inequalities and problems. Double standards for women and men, whether in the cultural, social or sexual area, cannot be forgotten. The main argument in the discussion of why a man can do something and a woman canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t is an old and disgusting argument that "a man is a man, that's just his nature"; or "Because they have such needs"; and a woman is not always right, because a woman has to be pure, innocent and gentle.

But, do we still need feminists and people who fight for equality? The answer is one and it's simple: yes. Although in many countries gender equality is no longer a taboo and the situation is constantly improving. There are still many

Such an approach is also harmful to men, because it presupposes that a man is a wild animal like an animal that cannot control his instincts. This conviction and double standards are also

reflected in areas such as professional life where a woman usually earns less money, is placed in lower positions or is not taken seriously. This approach can also have much more serious consequences, such as domestic or sexual violence against women, because "the soup was too salty" or "she had a skirt too short". And although the younger generations are usually more aware and willing to change the world, many of our grandmothers or grandfathers still believe in the theory of a submissive woman and the dominant man. Often the older generations try to install such views in their grandchildren and unfortunately they often succeed in doing so. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time to change the mentality of society. Today, however, it seems easier than ever before - we have schools where you can pass on contemporary knowledge to young people, we also have the Internet or television and other mass media, where, although you can find a lot of stupidity and harmful propaganda, you can also very easily come across valuable articles. Although there is still much to be changed and improved in terms of equality on many layers, one must also enjoy these great advances that are taking place in the modern world. Today, regardless of gender, everyone can study, work in their dream job, travel, take part in many interesting projects, live alone (without being called a prostitute, because yes, people sometimes say such things) and above all decide about themselves and their lives. There are many harmful stereotypes about true femininity or true masculinity, but we must not forget that it is us and our actions that change the world.

Author: Patrycja

Gender Roles What are the gender roles? How did this term come to exist? What is the place of gender roles today? In this article I will try to address those issues and answer those and other related questions. Gender includes the roles and responsibilities attributed to the female and male ; individuals according to social, cultural and geographical differences. It is not congenital, not physiological. Our personalities are created entirely through our own behavior and instincts, at least it should be this way. Biological gender is innate, and gender is later acquired. Feminine gender roles are often characterized by tenderness, understanding, emotionality and dependency; masculine gender roles are characterized by traits such as leadership, dominance and independence.

enough money. Therefore, the majority of male depression or attempted suicide is caused by financial problems. But also, women who are unemployed suffer from depression and suicide attempts too. It is not known how gender inequality has grown so much, but we did it with our own hands. How come? We filled the newborn babiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; minds with identities that they were not even aware of: if you are a girl and you must be beautiful and put makeup on, if you are a boy, you must know how to fight, shoot a ball like a man, not to walk like a girl... â&#x20AC;&#x153;No, my daughter, these pants are blue, you should wear pink!â&#x20AC;?.

The attitude differences between the genders in a way show what is expected of them from the society. For example, in advertisements, women are always in the kitchen, they take care of the child, they cook... Due to the gender roles we have created, there are disadvantageous situations not only for women, but also for men. For example, to increase customer appeal and to increase sales by taking advantage of the first impression, in roles such as reception, greeters, secretaries, women are more preferred as a result of gender inequality. In fact, these professions are found among women, and there are recruitments according to their appearance.

We said all this. However, many boys did not want to fight, and many girls wanted to wear blue. All these misconducts brought us to this point. Today, gender roles still appear. It is observed that the stereotypes still exist nowadays and the cleaning staff members are usually women, while the drivers are mostly men.

This is an indicator of the extent to which we grew up in gender inequality. Men, on the other hand, are obliged to take financial care of their home and there is a big social pressure on a man, who cannot bring

Unfortunately, there is a difference in the number of lawmakers in the parliaments, even those who are ministers in their countries

or even political party leaders are usually male. Along with the studies carried out in recent years and the emphasis on gender inequality in the education curriculum since the primary school, the awareness of individuals has increased in this regard and the gender distribution in occupational groups has started to change.

Author: Furkan

What’s different? Equality between genders

Slovenia Slovenia and Greece are both Balkan countries, so similar but at the same time so different. One lies on the north and other on the south of the region. Despite the fact that they are a part of the same region, one can notice a lot of differences. Let me begin with people. In my opinion people in Greece are more cheerful, they take their time with everything and they are not in a rush all the time. Meanwhile, people in Slovenia are quieter and all the time in a hurry. This can be also related to weather differences: in Slovenia we have colder winters between -10°C to +5°C and warm summers, but the temperature can also sometimes go over 33°C.

“

people in Greece are more cheerful, they take their time with everything

”

The one difference I noticed right away is that the Greeks are late all the time. Really late. In Slovenia it’s kind of disrespectful if you are late like that. We have a five minutes tolerance, but if it’s more than that, we are not happy. I can also notice a difference in food. Of course, we can find some common or similar dishes, but I noticed that Greece has a lot of traditional sweets (really good ones), typical are also

In Greece, during the winter, temperature is much warmer: from 5°C to 16°C and the summer is really hot. Also, the landscape is totally different. Greece has a lot of coastline and a beautiful sea, while Slovenia has a lot of forests, hills and mountains, but just a little piece of coast.

“

Meanwhile Slovenia is more traditional in soups

”

yogurt and feta cheese. Meanwhile Slovenia is more traditional in soups and stews and dishes with potato, cabbage and other vegetable. In both countries, we really like wine. One of the biggest differences that I also noticed is garbage waste. Here in Greece people do not separate garbage as carefully as I do it at home. There is also a lot of rubbish outside on the streets and in the nature and sadly that is a big problem for us and our planet. I think this is one of the saddest differences between the countries. Sadly, there is still a gender inequality in both countries. On average women in Greece earn 1359€ per month, while a man is likely to earn 1647€.

“

There is only 18.4% of decision-makers in national parliament that are women. Women are working 6.8 years less than an average man in Greece and in 69.3 percentage points is more likely for woman to do housework or cook every day, compared to men.

Despite their differences both countries are really beautiful

”

In Slovenia women are likely to earn 1489€ every month, while a man is likely to earn 1643€. In national parliament, 25.8% of decision-makers are women and they work 2.1 years less than a man but still 53.5percentage points of women is more likely to do housework or cook every day, compared to men. Despite their differences both countries are really beautiful and I hope that we can learn best things from each other. Author: Katarina

Interview For this edition we are interviewing Mariana Bagiampou. She is a 40 years old volunteer at the Youth Centre. Mariana lives here in Kalamata since last September, but she is from Thessaloniki.

Interviewer: For how long have you been a volunteer here?

Mariana: Since October, so 6 months. Interviewer: What is your work here?

Mariana: I am the Capoeira teacher, but I also try to help in everything I can in this project. Interviewer: Why are you a volunteer?

Mariana: Because I love this project, I think this type of work with people is very important in our society. I really enjoy sharing my experience and my love for Capoeira and the feeling of being a part of this amazing project. Interviewer: Do you consider your role here important? Why?

Mariana: Yes, Because I put a lot of energy in this centre. I like to be here. In addition, I think I have many things to contribute to this project. Interviewer: What is the most important aspect of being a vo-

lunteer for you? Mariana: Sharing with the others. I like to do it because I feel 20

Local volunteer

Name Mariana Bagiampou Organization Kentro Neon Kalamatas Type Youth Centre Volunteering capoeira lessons / IT teacher in the public school Place Kalamata | GREECE

good and I make other people feel good too. Interviewer: Do you think that the Youth Centre is

important for people from Kalamata? Mariana: Yes, very important for a lot of reasons. Because it is a good communication point where people can express themselves, a point of co-creativity, a sharing point and a socialization point too. Furthermore, there are many people here from other countries and cultures; so it is a very good opportunity to get to know new people and to become more open-minded. This is one of the most important social projects here in Kalamata. It contributes a lot of sources to the society and it is open for everyone, without worries about the money. Everyone can join.

“

between both genders are bigger. You always listen things about women being battered and even murdered, it is a big problem. But there are also problems that people don’t usually realize, like the lack of job opportunities. If you are pregnant they reject you in the job interviews and sometimes even if you

”

Interviewer: One last question about your volunteer

no matter the gender or sex.

Interviewer: This Link edition is about gender equi-

have your job already they can fire you. That is why I think we have a long way to go in the working world. Most Greek men think women should be at home taking care of the children and the men should be working. I read a survey the other day in which Greece appeared as one of the most sexist countries in the European Union. I noticed it when I was living in Barcelona - Spain is more progressive in that aspect.

Sharing with the others. I like to do it because I feel good and I make other people feel good too.

“ ”

project, how long do you consider being a volunteer here? Mariana: I want to participate here for a long time, I don’t even think of leaving the Youth Centre. If I could not contribute to Kentro Neon with Capoeira I would do it with other workshop or anything else. Because I really like this project. ty. I would like to ask you some questions about your volunteering experience as woman, so you can share your opinion. Have you noticed any difference in how people treat you? Mariana: No, here everything is equitable. Here everyone does everything, everyone contributes with whatever he/she can, no matter the gender or sex.

Interviewer: How do you see this topic in the future?

Do you think it is going to be different? Mariana: I am not sure. I am not very optimistic... I mean, there is a progress in comparison with the past, but it seems like the whole world is starting to go back again. When I watch the news about the gender violence in progressive countries like France, it makes me think that this is not going to be better in a short time. We have a long way to go.

Interviewer: Do you think that there is a really a gen-

der equality nowadays? Mariana: No, not at all. For example, here in Greece people are very conservative. In small cities such as Kalamata and in small towns also the differences

Interviewer: Diego

Interview Katharina, 18, Portugal, superpower: persistence, living in Purplepoulous aka Bouloukou

Erasmus+ Volunteer

Interviewer: Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

Katharina: I am doing a gap year right now and since I did an Erasmus project in school in the 10th grade, I knew that I will do it for sure again. Another goal for me this year was to do volunteering, so I decided to combine it. Interviewer: Which were the main reasons for you to choose

this project here in Greece? Katharina: To be honest, I didn't have a lot of time and therefore I was applying for a lot of still open projects. But when I saw the dog shelter description, I knew I need to go to that one. The funny thing about this, in the 9th grade I had this wish to open a dog shelter myself in the future. For now, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to do it for my whole life, but at least I have an opportunity to do it for two months now. Interviewer: What do you enjoy the most about your work

here? Katharina: I think the best thing to see after some time is that the dogs start to get to know you better and trust you more. For example, now they get excited and happy to see us volunteers in the mornings. Also, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really interesting to see how all of the dogs have different personalities, which is really amazing. You need to interact with and handle each dog in a different way, because they are unique. Interviewer: One thing about ESC that future volunteers

should now? Katharina: I think it is important not to worry too much about it and to just do it. This kind of experience is good to do. And, try to do the best out of it and enjoy it as much as possible, as you can only experience it once, so you should appreciate it! Interviewer: Please describe your experience here in Kalamata

until now with one colour and three words. Katharina: The colour is purple! As three words I would

Name Katharina Nationality Portuguese Hosting NGO K.A.NE. Volunteering Dog shelter Place Kalamata | GREECE

say: discovering, new and joy. Interviewer: Which one is your favourite Greek dish?

Katharina: And which one your favourite Greek word? Pita - I eat it a lot here! (laughs) And my favourite Greek word is tipota. Interviewer: Two truths and one lie about you:

Katharina: I love to speak with people about deep issues. To be happy, I need to be in places with lots of people and lots of things to do. I am afraid of playing bowling.

“

To be happy, I need to be in places with lots of people and lots of things to do.

” Interviewer: Do you have any other thought about

gender inequity that you want to share? Katharina: Gender inequity is discrimination. thought that Greece is more advanced regarding And it is freaking me out when elderly people say gender equity? that we have reached gender equity nowadays. Katharina: No. I think that all the mediterranean countries are more or less the same. But I think I am The stereotypes are so deeply rooted in our society not informed well enough about the situation here in that we do not even notice them a lot of times. Since the childhood we are learning that there are Greece to be able to speak about it. differences between girls and boys and are consInterviewer: Did you also notice some situations here tantly being reminded of that. “Oh, don’t cry boy, in Greece, in which you were shocked about certain you look like a girl!”. That’s a phrase we use a lot in Portugal and one day I realised how discrimigender roles? nating that phrase is. Why is there stuff that is for Katharina: Maybe this one. One day in the dog shelter, I was pushing a wheelbarrow while working. boys and stuff that is for girls? Why is a girl that likes football or a boy dancing ballet considered Then, one man visiting the dog shelter saw me and as “not normal”? We should think more about the said something like “Wow, you look though/strong phrases and expressions we are using so we can for a woman.” That was kind of not nice at all and avoid to discriminate others. way too generalizing. Interviewer: Did you notice a situation in which you

“ ”

a boy dancing ballet considered as “not normal”?

Interviewer: Lea

Place to Travel Μαγγανιακό Carnival at Maganiakó

Expect nothing but kindness. This is my motto for 99% of my trips in Greece and, so far, I haven’t been disappointed. My last adventure was anything but boring. I went to a small village called Maganiakó to spend a couple of days there during the carnival celebrations. Because of the worldwide situation about one virus, sadly, all of the Carnival celebrations around the country were cancelled. One could expect then that nothing would happen in this village. We were wrong, definitely. From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed by the whole community that was preparing a small celebration just for about 70 locals, since they could not celebrate it as expected. They invited us to join them to milk some goats, they offered us coffee, food and drinks, a place to stay and their kindness, above all. But the most amazing thing was that we could be a part of the tradition: they asked us if we would like to dress the traditional costumes that they were having and to dance around the big fireplace they had at the main square. We danced, we laughed and we met amazing people.

Author: Roque

Place of the week Μονεμβάσια

“Monemvasía”

Monemvasia is a town and a municipality in Laconia, Greece and is located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese. Surrounded by the teal waters of the Aegean Sea, imposing Monemvasia is an iceberg-like slab of rock, with sheer cliffs rising hundreds of metres from the sea, linked to the mainland by a single, highly defensible causeway. Its area consists mostly of a large plateau some 100 metres above sea level, up to 300 m wide and 1 km long, the site of a powerful medieval fortress. The town walls and many Byzantine churches remain from the medieval period. The town's name derives from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning : single entrance. The first inhabitants of Monemvasía arrived fleeing the invasions of Slavic people. The place was an excellent refuge for its characteristics of an artificially separated peninsula from the mainland, with a single bridge-shaped entrance. The Byzantines fortified it, but in 1248 it was taken by William II of Villehardouin, after three years of siege, although later it returned to Byzantine hands.1 Between 1460 and 1464 it belonged to Pope Pius II, later passing into the hands of the Venetians until 1540 and then again from 1690 to 1715. During this time he received the designation of Naples from Malvasía. In 1715 it was taken by the Turks, who kept it until 1823, losing it in the War of Independence of Greece. Monemvasia has remained inhabited to this day, though only around 20 people live in the kastro permanently – the rest go home to Gefyra after a day's work. In spite of Monemvasia's immense popularity, the extraordinary visual impact of the medieval village, and the delights of exploring it, override the effects of mass tourism.

Author: Tania

W’Art?! Mi Ultimo Tango en Atenas

or this edition I chose one song to talk about, one song that I found out recently, at an Eramus + training and I really liked it, so I decided to share it with all of you. The song is called Mi Ultimo Tango en Atenas by Apurimac, a Greek band, and Elii Paspala, a Greek singer. The song tries to show how the Greek language influences the rest of the languages around the world. As the title might suggest, Mi Ultimo Tango en Atenas mixes Greek with Spanish, for example: «cultura narcisista en una monarquia dogmatica» (narcissistic culture in a dogmatic monarchy), BUT it seems actually like it is in our mother tongue. What I want to say, and I think that’s the meaning of the song, is that the song’s lyrics use basically Greek words that are also present in other languages, making us realizing the importance of Greek language and culture in the construction of your mother tongues. When I heard this song for the first time, I was surrounded by people from different countries (other volunteers) and it was a really nice exercise, because we were all trying to find sounds that we know, that are similar in our mother tongues. It really makes you think a lot about our languages and the way that they are connected, even if we don’t realize it. I leave you now my favourite part of the song: «Patriota heroico, tragico, sistematico; Hiprocrecia paranoica sin dialogo esoterico; Teatro ironico, sindicato plastico; Y epicentro de la epidemia, una quimera, una utopia.» (A heroic patriot, tragic, systematic; Paranoiac hyprocisy without esoteric dialogue; Ironic theater, a plastic syndicate; And epicenter of the epidemic, a dream, a utopia).

Author: Catarina

Quote of te week

There will never be gender equity as long as men and women canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t both look at each other in the same way. Author: Roque

Person of interest Malala

Her advocacy has grown into an international movement, and according to former Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, she has become "the most prominent citizen" of the country. She was born in Mingora, Pakistan on July 12, 1997. Her father was a teacher and ran a girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school in her village. But everything changed when the Taliban took control of her town in Swat Valley. The extremists banned many things. And they said girls could no longer go to school. She spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and their right to learn. And this made her a target. One day, on her way home from school, a masked gunman boarded her school bus and shoot her in the left side of the head. She woke up 10 days later in a hospital in Birmingham, England. After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, she decided that she wants to continue the fight until every girl could go to school. With her father, she established Malala Fund, a charity dedicated to giving every girl an opportunity to achieve a future she chooses. In recognition of their work, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2014 and became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate.

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She is mostly known for fighting for the women rights, especially the education of women and children in her native Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school.

aAuthor: Patricjia

Restaurant of the week CAFE SANTE Average cost: $ Address: Plateia Othonos, 24100 Kalamata Contact: 2721 402911 Openning hours: Monday 08:00 – 00:00 Tuesday 08:00 – 00:00 Wednesday 08:00 – 00:00 Tuesday 08:00 – 00:00 Friday 08:00 – 00:00 Saturday 09:00 – 02:00 Sunday 10:00 – 00:00

“

(...)The good time we spend there.

hat can I say about Café Santé? It’s a cosy coffee house in the old part of the city that brings joy to your day. It was one of the first places that I visited when I arrived here in Kalamata two months ago, and since then I go there at least once a week. At Café Santé you can find any type of coffee that you wish, some amazing teas and some powerful smoothies, but... you can also find some nice alcoholic drinks, such as beer or wine. My personal favourite is Rakomelo, it warms my heart! Besides this, if you are hungry you can also order something to eat. The menu is various, you can order a sandwich, a toast or a salad, but also pizza, hot-dogs, hamburgers or meatballs. And in the end, if you craving for something sweet, you can always ask for a dessert! But for me, the most important part about Café Santé is the good time we spend there. Fotis (the owner) and the staff are all really amazing people and they all make your experience better. You always feel welcome and happy when you are there. It is all about the simple Greek life: you can have a nice coffee and at the same time have some nice conversations with them. So, if you haven’t visited Café Santé you are definitely missing something, it will make your time here in Kalamata much better!

”

Author: Catarina

Recipes of the week

Easy 01 h 30 mins 8 servings

Treccia salata (Salty Braid) Ingredients: Ingredients for 2 braids 1 Warm boiled potato (around 100 gr) ½ Cup of tepid milk (100 gr) 1 Water glass (100 gr) ¾ Glass of olive oil (80 gr) 2 tea spoons of sugar 1 tea spoon of salt 1 cube of yeast 500 gr of flour 00

Preparation:

Put everything but the flour into the mixer and mix for some seconds. Add the flour and knead. Roll out the pastry (thickness around 0.5 cm). Fill as preferred, braid and put into the tepid oven for about 30 minutes. Bake in the warm oven (180º C) for about 20-30 minutes. Suggested filling: Ham and cheese Ricotta, speck and spinach

Author: Annalisa

Dolce salame (Salami pastry)

Easy 20 mins 10 servings

Ingredients: 4 egg yolks 8 spoons of sugar 250 gr of butter 250 gr dry biscuits 150 gr of sweet cocoa powder 2 teaspoons of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mandorlamaraâ&#x20AC;? liquor and 1/3 of a teacup of coffee.

Preparation: Hand-work the butter, grind the biscuits. Mix the yolks with the sugar. Add the butter, the biscuits and the cocoa powder. Mold as preferred a salami-shape, put into the freezer for at least 3-4 hours. Cut into slices and serve.

Author: Annalisa

THE VOLUNTEERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PUBLICATION ARE HOSTED IN GREECE IN THE FRAMEWORK OF TH EUROPEAN ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME, KA1/YOUTH - EUROPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FUNDED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE EUROPEAN COMISSION. THIS PUBLICATION (COMMUNICATION) REFLECTS THE VIEWS ONLY OF THE AUTHOR, AND THE COMMISION CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SE WHICH MAY BE MADE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.