LINK #156
August 31st 2020
CHILDHOOD
Content K.A.NE. p. 4 - 7
Volunteers & Collaborators
p. 22
QUOTE OF THE WEEK p. 8 Patrick Rothfuss GET TO KNOW US p. 9 What was your favourite cartoon from your childhood? p. 10 Your favourite thing to do as a child? p. 11 Who did you want to become when you were a child? HOW TO SAY? p. 12 “Children see magic because they look for it” MAIN ARTICLE I p. 13 - 14 Childhood fears QUOTE OF THE WEEK p. 15 Charlie Chaplin
p. 33
MAIN ARTICLE II p. 16 - 17 Happy mom, happy dad, happy baby COMPARING p. 18 - 19 Differences between Greece and Italy
ART REVIEW p. 26 - 27 Txema Salvans Documentary photography
MY PROJECT p. 20 Kassandra: Dream of A Safe Haven
PLACE TO TRAVEL p. 28 - 29 Kaliningrad
MY SENDING ORGANISATION p. 21 VIA e.V.
EVENTS p. 30 - 31
INTERVIEW WITH AN ESC VOLUNTEER p. 22 - 23 Interview with Hania Wolak
RECIPES p. 32 p. 33
INTERVIEW WITH A LOCAL VOLUNTEER p. 24 - 25 Interview with Katerina from DASH
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Previous & Planned Svíčková na smetaně Tvarohové knedlíčky s jahodovou polevou
Hania Editor
Magdalena Designer
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LINK 3
Volunteers Agata
Γεια σού, cześć, hello! I’m Agata and I’m a world curious person. I like new challenges, hiking and dancing. Every day I solve logical puzzles, read and jump. I like to smile at others. I decided to apply for ESC because I think it really is an opportunity: I didn’t want to miss the chance to visit a different country, make friends and learn a language that is kind of unheard of in Poland. I believe my two months in Greece will be amazing and I hope I’m gonna bring a lot of good for the dogs I’m gonna look after. I am Annalisa, I come from the wonderful city of Bologna Annalisa Hello! (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.
Baptiste
Hi everyone!!! My name is Baptiste and I come from France. I’m working at the office making videos for K.A.NE. I’ll stay here until the end of September and I’m pretty excited about this whole experience. It’s the first time that I’ve been away by myself for this long, it’s a huge new experience for me.
My name is Catarina and I’m a 21 year old girl from Catarina Hello! 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 the Therapeutic Horse Center Ιππόσχεση in Analipsi (Messsini). It’s the perfect combination between learning and being in contact with nature. There’s not much to say about me, I’m a calm person and probably my hobby is to listen to some rock music while reading a book or walking around the city.
Hania
Kalimera! My name is Hania and I come from Poland. I am a volunteer at K.A.NE.’s office and I will stay here in Kalamata until the end of August. 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.
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Volunteers Kamil
Hi! I’m Kamil from Poland. I’m 22. I decided to try out EVS to experience something new in life and search for my own way, as I’m not really sure, what my future entails. I’m a big fan of sports, especially football. In my free time I like to ride my bike, stay active in general, listen to music or watch some intricate movies.
Kassandra
Hello! I am Kassandra and I come from Germany. I am eighteen years old and I’ve just finished school, so now I have time to experience something new and to travel. This is why I take part in the ESC in Kalamata for one year and I am pretty excited about it. I work in the Dog Rescue Center, because I love dogs and I want to support them.
Katerina
Ahoj, I’m a red hair, open-minded designer from Czech Republic. I lost my job in the film industry for a while because of the virus, so I decided to come back to lovely Greece for two months as a volunteer to meet inspiring people from all over Europe and also Kalamata. Because all of us are different outside but the same inside. Art is an important part of my life and the best moment for me is when life becomes an art piece. It seems possible here in Kalamata!
Magdalena
Hi, my name is Magda, I come from Poland and will stay here in Kalamata until the end of January. I have a degree in Civil Engineering, but I didn’t like working in my profession, so now I’m switching to graphic design. And that’s what I will do here as a volunteer - help with all the design issues and create a consistent visual identification of K.A.NE. My idea of a time well spent is hiking, road tripping and checking out every cafetería in town.
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Volunteers Marlena
Cześć! I’m Marlena and I come from Poland. I’m 23 years old and I study in Kraków. I like new adventures and challenges and that’s the reason why in July I’m going to start my EVS in Kalamata. In my free time I like riding my bike, spending time in the forest and painting. Also, I love travelling and getting to know new places. My favourite painters are Picasso, Dali, Miro and Matisse.
Paula
Hola!!! My name is Paula. I come from Buenos Aires in Argentina, but I’ve been living in Madrid, Spain since last year. I studied audiovisual production and web development. I decided to volunteer and travel as much as I can because I think it’s the best way to discover myself and learn about cultures, history and life. I will only stay in Kalamata for 2 months making digital content, teaching Spanish and writing in this wonderful magazine.
My name is Tania. I come from a town in the northeast of Tania Yuhu! Spain. I studied psychology, although now I don’t have in mind to
dedicate myself to it. Honestly, now what I want is to know new places and live new adventures. My life plan is to live in as many different countries where I can. I will stay in Kalamata for a year and I’m volunteer in The Dog Shelter. I love the nature, sea, music, photography and enjoying the life.
Viktor
Čau, I am Viktor, a 20 years old dude from Czech Republic. I’ll stay here until August 2021 so I will be here for a one whole year. Actually I have just moved from my parents house and this is for the first time when I am living on my own. Most of my time I watch some TV shows or read good books. Looking forward to writing many amazing articles for you.
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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.
everyone! I am Nadiana, ESC & VET coordinator in Nantiana Hello K.A.NE over the last few years as well as Greek teacher. I am
passionate in travelling around, meeting new people and organising festivals.
Spiros
Hello, my name is Spiros Koutsogiannis and since the beginning of 2020 I am a project manager and responsible for the Research and Development department of KANE. I hold a degree in Civil Engineering and I have been working in the EU funded projects field since 2010, having implemented almost 65 projects.
Anna
Hi, I'm Anna Charalampous. I'm here to help with K.A.NE. social media, website and administration. I'm happy to be part of the team promoting youth work, education and volunteerism, both locally and globally.
Nancy
Hello World! I’m Nancy and I have been working in K.A.NE. since 2017 as a Project Manager and EVS/ESC coordinator. I’m passionate about meeting new people and exchanging knowledge, experiences and ideas. I love the fact that many young people visit every year my hometown Kalamata and contribute to our society.
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Quote of the week “When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.� Patrick Rothfuss
Author: Alix
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Kassandra Honestly, I have never watched any cartoons, because I do not like them. I have always preferred to read books.
Question 1:
What was your favourite cartoon from your childhood?
Katerina I really liked Czech classic Krteček (little Mole) and one cartoon about flower pots, because they had a great language called “kititi mititi”. Since that time I have a nickname “Kitimiti”.
Agata My favorite cartoon was Johnny Bravo. I still love it. Silly people often become our favorites. Annalisa I remember several. I think I was very fond of Pingu (a penguin) and Pimpa (a dog, but to me it looked more like a rabbit), who lived their everyday lives as adventures.
Magdalena Donald Duck! It’s because I loved the comic book, but the cartoon was sometimes getting really creepy!
Baptiste
Marlena
“Martin Mystery”. It was about a teenager who fought monsters with his sister and a caveman. It was so cool!
Two words: Scooby-Doo. I was in love with this cartoon, and had everything related to Scooby, like a blanket, T-shirts, pencils, backpacks, puzzles, games… everything!
Catarina My favourite cartoon was Tom & Sheena, it was not very famous, but it was amazing.
Paula Rocket Power!!! It was about a group of kids who lived in the south of California and did sports like surf, hockey, etc.
Hania I really liked watching Cartoon Network back in the 90s and one of my favourites was definitely Tom and Jerry. They could be really mean, but in the end they supported each other in difficult moments - just like me and my younger brother.
Tania My regional TV channel broadcasted many anime cartoons. I liked lots of them, but I remember special enthusiasm for Detective Conan. I was fascinated by the way he solved every mystery. Kamil
Viktor
My favourite by far was Spongebob Squarepants. To this day I still consider it one of the funniest and most creative cartoons ever made.
My favourite cartoon was Bob the Builder and my favourite character was Lofty, because he was scared of everything and I loved when he was suffering. 9
Question 2:
Your favourite thing to do as a child? Agata My siblings tell me I loved to come up with stupid ideas. And, of course, to implement them.
Katerina Doing handstands on the couch!
Annalisa
Magdalena
I loved being outdoors (me and my friends invented new games to play all the time, but maybe hide and seek was a favourite). If I had to stay inside, I adored playing with lego and reading (also, listening to someone reading while I played with lego, why not).
Playing in the sandpit and riding my bike. Marlena Mostly playing with my friends outside, annoying my brother and collecting the colorful cards that depicted e.g. cartoons. Paula I liked doing karaoke with my sister. We grabbed the broom and tape a microphone to it. Who knows you, Beyonce? Tania I loved playing or cycling in the woods or in the countryside.
Baptiste
Viktor
Playing with my cars and making up stories.
I really enjoyed cooking with my uncle. It was a really big adventure every time. We had to go to a forest because my uncle had a special kitchen there, we wore funny costumes and sometimes we played hide and seek even for hours!
Catarina Probably playing with my toys or going to the beach with my parents. Hania I preferred to spend time alone: I was reading, listening to music or going for long walks to the nearby forest and pretended that I am Anne of Green Gables. Kamil I loved to play with Lego blocks as a child, sometimes I would spend whole days building entire cities. Kassandra I enjoyed climbing trees and exploring my environment. 10
Hania I dreamed of becoming an actress, so I could live several different, interesting lives in one lifetime. I was also considering a teaching career - I practiced on my younger brother, but he hated it, so I concluded that maybe I should be doing something else.
Question 3:
Who did you want to become when you were a child?
Kamil I never had a certain career in mind. I just dreamed of being rich and famous.
Agata
Katerina
As a child, I wanted to be a stuntwoman. That would be an interesting job. I need to rethink this.
I wanted to be a princess, but then my mother showed me a real prince and I changed my mind. She wanted me to be a ballet dancer, so she put a painting of ballerinas by Edgar Degas in my room, so - logically - I became an artist. Magdalena I had no idea. My parents first said that I’d become a lawyer, but I didn’t like the idea of defending bad people. After that I got interested in psychology and I still like this field, but I haven’t decided on studying it.
Annalisa I changed my mind on a daily basis, but my mother says that the most frequently mentioned professions were hairdresser and fashion designer.
Marlena I wanted to be an archeologist, because I loved the history of ancient Egypt, but then I went on a trip to an old church and I saw a real skull in the dungeon, so I got scared and decided not to become an archeologist anymore.
Baptiste I wanted to be a director or an actor and starring in movies.
Paula
Catarina
I wanted to be a veterinarian or a chef. It’s crazy, because now I don't like to touch animals and all I cook burns...
I wanted to go to Africa and become a veterinarian, but I’m afraid of dogs, so it was just a child dream.
Tania I would say that I changed my opinion several times, but I remember that I dreamed of being a car racing driver.
Kassandra
Viktor
I wanted to become a researcher and I still want to work in a wild animal rescue center in a national park of Africa.
I wanted to be a garbage man. Every time when we were waiting near school, we saw a garbage truck and the guys there were so happy. I also wanted to be happy. 11
How to say? “Children see magic because they look for it.”
Kinder sehen Magie, weil sie danach suchen.
Les enfants voient de la magie parce qu'ils la recherchent.
Dzieci dostrzegają magię, ponieważ jej poszukują.
I bambini vedono la magia perché la cercano.
Los niños ven la magia porque la buscan.
Τα παιδιά βλέπουν τη μαγεία επειδή ψάχνουν για αυτή.
As crianças vêem magia porque procuram por ela.
Děti vidí magii, protože ji hledají.
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Childhood fears
F
ear plays an important role during childhood and the discovery of the world. This is the time when we are most confronted with an unknown environment that we do not master. In these situations, fear is a defense mechanism. However, fear can be a good thing and can be helpful for human development.
Learning to face fears is an important step in a child’s development. Little by little, as the child’s experiences unfold, he or she learns to distinguish between harmless situations and those that are really dangerous. This can greatly increase their confidence. One of my first fears as a child was fear of the dark. I couldn’t sleep in complete darkness for many years. Then one day when I was about 10 years old, almost overnight, I decided that from now on I would sleep
At all stages of our lives, fear takes different forms Here are some examples of childhood fears that change with age: • 8 months: separation anxiety. A child is afraid of strangers, afraid of being separated from its mother; • 12 months: fear of noises (vacuum cleaners, ringing phone, mixer...); • 18 months: fear of monsters or darkness; • between 2 and 4 years old: temporary fears of large animals (especially if there are none at home), thunderstorms, clowns, Santa Claus, imaginary creatures such as witches, ghosts or robots. They can occur because of fear of the unknown or because of others’ overreaction in certain situations; • from 5 to 12 years old: fears associated with an object or a particular situation (insects, thieves and kidnappers, doctors and dentists, fear of heights, accidents...). A child may also be afraid of natural disasters or war after seeing disturbing news images on television. This is also the age of the first social fears (being rejected at school, speaking in public, etc.). These are similar to those of adults.
with the door closed and in the dark. It was during the same period that I decided that I would sleep without my cuddly toy (his name was Nono) and without my pacifier. I had decided that from then on I would be a big boy.
“
(...) Learning to face fears is an important step in a child’s development (...)
”
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But it wasn’t the only fear I had as a kid. There was another that I kept for a long time, linked to a physiological problem: I was afraid of loud noises, especially fireworks. Every time I saw some, my parents couldn’t understand why I was screaming all the time. In fact I was afraid of it because I have very sensitive ears. The loud noises hurt my ears. Fortunately, as I grew up, I got used to it. I have a very special relationship with fear. I’m fascinated by it. I was already fascinated by it when I was a child. I liked what frightened me (yes, I know it’s a bit weird). I’ve always loved cinema and strangely enough, my favourite films are often the ones that scared me the most as a child!
I imagined these little monsters following me around for months. In time I managed to get rid of my fears. Now “Gremlins” is one of my favorite movies. I’ve got tons of other examples like this: “Jaws”, “Jurassic Park”, “Indiana Jones”... I remember a particular scene in “King Kong”, one with huge insects. I was 9 years old and I was crying like a baby in the cinema. And today I love this movie!
“
(...) I have a very special
relationship with fear. I’m fascinated by it (...)
“ (...) I imagined these
”
little monsters following me around for months (...)
There’s a fairly common phenomenon that I found fascinating as a child, and that is being terrified of something you see in film or TV. Sometimes we watch films too early in our childhood. I actually don’t think that it’s a bad thing. On the contrary, I think it helps us to grow up by preparing us for the scary aspect of adult life. Of course you have to be careful, I’m not talking about watching shocking or unhealthy movies as a child, but about stumbling upon something scary without expecting it. For example, the first time I saw the movie “Gremlins” I was 4 years old, so quite early. I was traumatized!
” I could go on for hours like this, but in conclusion I would like to return to the subject of child fears in general. As I said, I was subject to a lot of fears, I still am. Some of them are deeply rooted since childhood. For example, I am still very afraid of abandonment, by my family or my loved ones. It’s strange because I’ve never been abandoned. I think that all those fears define the individuals that we are but it’s not inevitable. We can overcome our fears. We are stronger because we have faced and overcome our childhood fears. I leave you now with this message of hope, hoping you won’t have too much trouble sleeping tonight!
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Author: Baptiste
“He who was not a child will never be an adult� Charlie Chaplin
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Happy mom, happy dad, happy baby
P
sychologists, educators and therapists have increasingly begun to recognise that many of the problems adults face have their roots in their childhood. That is why they appeal to parents to show more care, attention and love so that their children's childhood is carefree and really happy. It is worth knowing that a child needs not only good care and new toys to be happy: he or she must also feel loved and accepted by the parents! Today's parents like to play with their children, take them for long walks, and when they become older - take time to talk about their children’s daily life and problems. Modern parents often decide together with their child on what activities to do, and not only choose something to please the child, which further strengthens family ties. This clearly shows a change in the proportions of time they spend with their children: today's fathers spend much more time with their children than previous generations used to.
Practical tips: 1. Spend time with your child You can’t raise your child with expensive toys and new clothes. For a growing toddler or an adolescent, there is something you can't buy - time. Even a few minutes a day spent on an honest conversation will allow to develop a child’s curiosity about the world. It is also important to make your child aware of the role of grandparents and the respect they should have for them. No goods can replace the time that we invest in bringing up children. Unfortunately, we often forget this when we put children in the hands of nannies, setting up an afternoon schedule for them, from English lessons, through a drawing course, pool and tennis.
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Let's think about whether we want to help a child to develop his or her interests, or maybe is it about relieving a parent of the extremely demanding role of a tutor?
4. Let us be grateful The upbringing of a good person also depends on showing gratitude: for helping to clean the house or looking after younger siblings. According to scientists, people who often give thanks are more helpful, generous, empathic and willing to forgive. At home, one should not forget about the “magic” words: "please" and "sorry"!
2. Helping others is essential Another important foundation in raising a child is the topic of helping others. From the first years of life, it is necessary to teach the toddler how important a contact with another person is. It is also worthwhile to talk to the tutor and ask him or her how the child treats other people: is he or she nice, empathic and how he or she finds himself working with his or her peers.
5. Teach a child to express emotions Sometimes small children have troubles expressing their anger, sadness or frustration. This is due to the behaviour of their parents, who also have difficulties with this. So it is advisable to talk about feelings and emotions and teach children how to recognise and call them.
3. Children learn by imitation Parents are the authority for a child. As an example, mother and father should speak kindly about others and help those in need. Let us remember that the little ones, although they do not speak, they understand more than we think. After all, every situation that they witnessed affects their development.
6. Empathy in child development Empathy is very important, not only for parents or siblings, but also for other people. A person brought up with respect for others will easily establish contacts and friendships. And this will bring positive effects in adulthood.
“
(...) The upbringing of
a good person also depends on showing gratitude (...)
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Author: Agata
Differences: Greece and Italy Italy and Greece. The countries people think about whenever they are asked about the European cultural roots. I have been very sceptical about the whole “European culture” concept for some time, but the truth is that we all grew up thinking that our European ancestors are the Greeks and the Romans, and we all know how they loved meeting each other and making history. So yes, there is a whole spectrum of issues that connects these two countries - and of course I could talk about those for days - but let’s try to focus on just a few.
First of all, I have spent the most part of 2020 in Greece right after coming back from a year in Peru. From that, I do have a little consideration to share about travelling and what it does to your self-perception. A great Italian writer put it like this: “L'altrove è uno specchio in negativo. Il viaggiatore riconosce il poco che è suo, scoprendo il molto che non ha avuto e non avrà.” (roughly: “Elsewhere is a negative mirror. The traveller recognizes the little that is his, discovering the much he has not had and will never have.”). I know that the quote doesn’t sound too encouraging, but I find that the more I see of the world, the more I realize what being Italian means. For example, coming to Greece has been a wake up call to remind me to take the time to appreciate the simple things: the colours, the smells, the fresh food, a good laugh, a dance, a singer putting on a show with nothing but a guitar and good vibes. I get the exact same call every time I go to some place in Central of Southern Italy for a family visit or a trip, so in many and somewhat unexpected ways Greece has felt a bit like a familiar place right from the beginning of my stay. For the same reason, however,
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this relaxed atmosphere (“siga siga” does resonate with the Southern Italian “enjoy life” mood) made me think about the fact that - indeed - I was raised in Northern Italy and - indeed - being Italian is far more complicated than what it looks like from abroad: sometimes two Italians living 50 kilometers apart could have very different cultural backgrounds (if you are curious to know how, try a Ferrara vs Bologna game). When it comes to raising children, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to notice how much seeing children around Kalamata reminds me of my own childhood. You can see them running around the park, climbing trees, playing in the sea, riding bikes everywhere, enjoying an evening out with their parents, pets and friends. And my informed guess is that - in the early afternoons - they take a nap, because you can also see them still up and very much awake well after 9 pm. They are adventurers (although, regrettably, I have to say that I see way more boys than girls fitting this description), they are explorers, they try, they fail, they complain and then they get up again for a second attempt. I don’t see overprotective parents, which is sadly often the case right now in Northern Italy. Here, I don’t see a lot of adults giving 4 years old a smartphone to play with because they can’t be bothered to share a game or a simple conversation while they wait in a line. And yes, I feel relieved about it, because it’s a confirmation of the fact that in 2020 you can still
raise your children without putting them in front of a screen and hoping that they will get tired enough to fall asleep by 9. I know that this is something that’s getting lost in the transition to the “digital world” that especially some - Northern Italian regions are experiencing, but I’m really wondering if a Milanese tourist visiting Greece would notice the difference when looking at Greek children playing hide and seek in a restaurant while waiting for the food or if we already are too full of ourselves to even notice them.
So yes, in a curious way Greece is reminding me of my childhood, it is redirecting my focus towards the basics, the simple pleasures, life before we complicate it with deadlines, surreal standards, harsh judgements based on superficial knowledge and quantity prevailing over quality. It has brought me home, and yet not quite. A negative mirror, as I was saying.
“
(...) The upbringing of
a good person also depends on showing gratitude (...)
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Author: Annalisa
My Project name of the project Le Sol: Learning – Through – Solidarity place of the project DASH – Dream Of A Safe Haven address Epar.Od. Messinis-Kiparissias, 242 00 Messini, Greece website https://www.dash-dogs.com facebook & e-mail fb.com/dogsatdash/ julie_wilkinson69@hotmail.com instagram DASHDogsRescue
My name is Kassi and I am a volunteer in the largest dog shelter in Messini, Greece which is called DASH - Dream Of A Safe Haven. It relies on public donations in money and the work of volunteers. Its goal is to save street dogs from risk of abuse, starvation and death and to work alongside the local municipalities to ‘neuter, chip and release’ healthy dogs so that they can be monitored and protected.
happy dogs inside after hard work. Additionally, the dogs give you a great amount of love back and it is wonderful to see how the health of injured dogs gets better and how the dogs develop.
What are my tasks? Every volunteer has to care for a certain area in the dog shelter. My working day begins with greeting the dogs which are always so happy when we arrive. After this, we have to clean the cages. We clean the water and food bowls and give new water and food to the dogs. Moreover, we have to check if the dogs are alright or if they might be ill and we need to remove ticks from them. Another task is to pick up the poo, which is very important because without this hygiene the dogs can easily become ill. After this hard work, we have time to play with the dogs and to cuddle them.
What I am learning from it: I just worked for a couple of days, so I cannot really say what I learned from it. However, one little thing I have already learned is that the aim is sometimes more important than the way which leads to the goal. So, cleaning the cages and picking up the poo is not really fun, but the goal like having content dogs is much more important and it's worth it. In addition, I will get more experiences with the behavior of dogs and the work will also show me the negative reality about the relationships between dogs and human beings as a lot of people treat dogs in such a bad way.
People I work with: I work together with many volunteers in the dog shelter who are - for example - from Algeria, England, Greece and locally from Kalamata. Then, there are the volunteers from our organization K.A.NE., like Agata, Tania and Kamil. What I love about the project: What I really love about my work is that I can see every day that my support is necessary and that I am able to help the dogs. You can see how happy they are about you, when you come into their cage. It is always a good feeling to see clean cages with 20
Author: Kassandra
My Sending Organisation VIA e.V. is a non-profit organization which wants to support international and cultural exchanges. It was founded in 1992 and it is independent of politics. The aim of the organization is to offer volunteer services, internships and stays in host families. They want to connect different cultures with its people and values to highlight the fact we all are human beings although we might look different through different origines. VIA wants to support peace on earth through strengthening the understanding and the acceptance for other cultures. Participants of VIA shall be able to gain new experiences and learn from each other. The organization wants to achieve tolerance and solidarity in a globalized world. Cooperations: VIA e.V. offers different projects to people who are interested in it. The most important cooperation is with „Weltwärts“. This is a funding program of the German State which supports less developed countries in the world. It also organises volunteer services in Germany and in Europe like the ESC. The organization works also with IJFD, another German funding program, volunteering matters, Lattitude and Israel Voluntary Service, which are other organizations, together.
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name VIA e.V. address Auf dem Meere 1-2, 21335 Lueneburg, Germany website www.via-ev.org facebook & e-mail fb.com/VIALueneburg info@via-ev.org instagram via_e.v._
My experience: I got in contact with my sending organization through K.A.NE. Since the beginning, I have got detailed information about the volunteer service, so I always felt prepared. People who work in the organization are always likely to help the volunteers. I received a pre-arrival training one week before my departure, which was online because of the coronavirus. The training was interesting and I am sure that I will benefit from it in my year abroad. I can contact my coordinator any time. I am really happy that my host and sending organizations work together in a good way to ensure the quality of my year in Greece.
Author: Kassandra
Interview For this link edition I interviewed Hania. She has been a volunteer here in Kalamata since January, and this is her last month, so we had a chance to sum up her volunteering experience in Greece.
ESC Volunteer
Name Hania Wolak Nationality Polish Hosting organisation K.A.NE. Volunteering project Socially engaged: learn-teach, get-give Place Kalamata | GREECE
Interviewer: How did you find this opportunity? Hania: Many years ago I read an article about volunteering opportunities for young people under 30 in our university’s newspaper. I remembered about it when I had turned 27 and I started to wonder what to do with my adult life. Interviewer: Did you know Erasmus + volunteering programmes before you applied for this one? Hania: Not really. My friend recommended me to set up an account on the ESC platform, but I didn’t really understand what it is and I had no clue about the Erasmus+ programme until I started working at K.A.NE’s office here in Kalamata. Only after coming here I learned a lot about Erasmus+, but I believe I still don’t even know half of the available opportunities! 22
Interviewer: Have you been volunteering before? Hania: Yes, I remember my first volunteering experience in the local theatre when I was 17. I enjoyed it a lot, because I felt useful, spent my free time in an interesting place and interacted with a lot of people. Later on, during my studies, I committed to a one year long volunteering project in a big and recognized Polish NGO advocating against domestic violence. It was an amazing experience that convinced me that volunteering is important both for society and personal growth. I became even more committed to volunteering afterwards. Interviewer: Was it difficult to spend the quarantine away from your country? Hania: I think I was actually in a good situation compared to other people: the pandemic in Greece seemed less spread than in Poland, I was in continuous contact with my family and we all felt safer staying where we were. Also, I shared the flat with 6 other volunteers, so I was never lonely and those people have later on become a sort of my new family.
Interviewer: After all these months, what do you like the most about living here in Kalamata? Hania: I love the Greek lifestyle, which is much more relaxed compared to the one I know from Poland. Life here is slower; it allows me to appreciate people around me and small, happy moments. I enjoy interacting with Greek people a lot - they are so kind-hearted and generous! Interviewer: What would you take with you once you leave Greece? Hania: For sure I will miss Mediterranean food a lot! I wish it was possible to smuggle a suitcase full of halloumi to Poland. I think I’m going to miss the people that I met here the most… Especially the other volunteers who I spent the coronavirus lockdown with.
Interviewer: Is this a lifetime experience as everyone says? Hania: Φυσικά! It is a unique opportunity to live in an intercultural environment and interact with locals. I love the fact that European Union covers all of the costs, provides insurance and monitors the project itself, so you feel safe and you can just enjoy the adventure.
Interviewer: What is the most important thing for you about this experience? Hania: Being able to interact and live on a daily basis with people from different cultures. I believed it fostered the improvement of my soft skills regarding communication: understanding others, managing conflicts, making compromises. Try to plan a one-day trip with 15 people from different backgrounds and with completely opposite needs, and you will understand what I mean :)
Interviewer: What is your favourite greek word? Hania: Κουλούρι (koulouri) - it was on of the first Greek words that I learned and it describes my favourite, delicious breakfast. Interviewer: Would you like to add something else about this 8 months here? Hania: I made friendships that I hope will last forever and memories that I will always cherish! I think every young person should participate in a similar project. It teaches important values and a set of useful skills in a non-formal way. I believe it helped me to grow a lot as a person, although I’m already 28 years old and I’ve been through some things. And as I said, it is a European Union funded project, which makes it a very safe and easy way to travel, especially for young people who want to live abroad for a while for the first time!
Interviewer: What is your best memory from Greece? Hania: Not long after I had arrived in Kalamata, the “old” volunteers took us to a beautiful local restaurant called Manam. It was the first time I tried traditional Greek food, local wine and rakomelo and it was the best food I have ever tried in my life so far. There was also a live concert of traditional Greek music. It was a unique experience and I remember feeling very happy and hopeful to explore more of the Greek culture. 23
Interviewer: Catarina
Interview Katerina, founder of DASH - Dream of A Safe Haven, talks with Kamil about her role in the largest dog rescue center in Greece, located in Messini.
Where are you originally from? I’m originally from Greece. I was born in Athens, in 1966. I spent most of my childhood years travelling with my father on a ship, because he was a captain of a merchant navy, then I went to school in England, afterwards I spent some years in America and eventually ended up back here in Greece. How would you describe your role in the dog shelter? First of all I wouldn’t call this place a dog shelter, it’s my home and I just have a lot of dogs in it. My role? Well, I don’t know what it is. Let’s say the momma of the dogs here. This place is a rescue center, created because Greece has a big problem with stray dogs, especially here, in the Southern Peloponnese. A lot of people abandon their dogs in the streets. I guess I could say I got trapped, but in a nice way, because I wouldn’t change my life. I spend my time here with the dogs, that’s what I do. How did the dog shelter start functioning? It started by me finding dogs that needed help and bringing them here, to my home to get well and trying to find 24
Local Volunteer
Name Katerina Nationality Greek Organisation DASH (Dream of A Safe Haven) Place Messini | GREECE
them a new home. Although I say that’s my home, this land is not mine, I’m a guest here. It belongs to two people, who very kindly lent the land to me, so I could use it for the dogs. I can tell you karma played a role in it. It happened by chance about seven years ago. What are your goals in terms of voluntary work? My goals are that there are no more stray dogs on the streets of Greece, that’s why we’re running education programs in schools and other places and finding families for the
dogs from the shelter. What do you like the most in working with the dogs and what’s the hardest part? The hardest part is working with the people around the dogs. The nicest thing is the feeling you get when you’re done with the work for some time; the dogs are fed, they have water to drink and a clean environment, they’re just playing around, safe and you can sit back and enjoy their happiness. How many dogs are here? Quite a lot. It’s impossible to tell the exact number, because it constantly changes. It depends on how many dogs are adopted, how many go back to the streets and how many arrive. I would say around 250. What’s giving you motivation to devote yourself so heavily without financial interest? Do you have a secret ritual or something similar to help you go on everyday? Their eyes. In some cases especially the changes in them, starting from when the dogs get here sick, physically or mentally abused to when they’re well again. There’s no secret ritual, it’s just the contact, the feelings, the passion. How do you view voluntary work in general? How would you describe it? Is it important? I think volunteering in every aspect is very
important, because it helps people grow, it gives them experiences and I don’t think the world can survive anymore without volunteers. The future is volunteering, people that unite for a common goal to help mankind, animals or the environment. Otherwise we’re doomed. Thanks to all the volunteers and K.A.NE. Keep going.
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Interviewer: Kamil
W’Art?! TXEMA SALVANS - Documentary photography Txema Salvans is a documentary photographer, born in Barcelona. He alternated his studies in biology with those in photography, but numerous awards soon led him to the field of photography. In 1997 he was awarded the prestigious Fotopress for two of his works: The Story of Juan Durvan, the day-to-day life of a blind person, and Long live the bride and groom, an intelligent report showing the most ironic side of the wedding ceremony. In 2005 he received the PhotoEspaùa award for the best Spanish photography book for Nice to meet you. Salvans is a direct, ironic, even corrosive photographer who openly shows everything that others would like to hide. It shows us the backyard of our society. Through his photographs, he brings us closer to everyday life in a different way, focusing on what we do not see due to the blindness caused by routine and habit. For him, the suburbs and the outskirts of urban centers are inexhaustible image spaces, resulting in images that impact the observer with a perfect combination of drama, surrealism, naturalness and 26
desolation. This is how we could describe the work of Txema Salvans, a critical eye always ready to reverse reality by accentuating its most absurd side. His favorite setting for his work is undoubtedly the Spanish Mediterranean coast, which has been punished by zero urban planning derived from Franco's development plans to the current post-industrial society, giving rise to a strong landscape impact. His photographs show anonymous people in everyday situations, whose environments generate contexts with an exceptional emotional charge. Suburban spaces, the result of terrible planning, constitute the domestic environment of the subjects who inhabit them, apparently abstracted from their ugliness. Salvans' photographs portray ugliness but they do it through beauty. The beauty that we notice in their composition, in the exposure of light or in the suggestive power given off by the different people who appear in them. In 2013, he published the photo book “The Waiting Game” where he portrays the prostitution of the Mediterranean coast. Unlike his other works, he does not seek irony here. On the contrary, he tries to mimic the woman with the landscape, resulting in this tragedy and devastation. In 2018, he published the second part, but in this case the protagonists are the extra-radio fishermen. The same year he published “My Kingdom” where he combines portraits of Spaniards on holidays with phrases related to the current political climate. His latest publication is “Perfect Day” where he portrays the moments of leisure and free time of the post-industrial society of Spanish culture. 27
Author: Tania
Place to travel Kaliningrad - a trip for every budget Since in July 2019 Russia abolished paid visas to Kaliningrad, it’s getting more and more popular among international tourists. There are many reasons – relatively low prices of accomodation and food, unexplored hitherto cities or cultural differences that may surprise everyone.
Until 2018 Kaliningrad hadn’t been the most popular destination among international tourists. Poorly developed accomodation base, urban infrastructure of questionable quality, poor knowledge of foreign languages by local residents and quite expensive visa (around 90 euros). Everything changed due to the 2018 FIFA World Cup that took place in Russia. The tournament attracted around 3 million visitors who left in the Federation around 1,5 billion dollars. Additionally, attention should be paid to investments in the cities where the matches were held construction of stadiums, increase in the production of souvenirs, repairs and construction of roads, improvement of airports and train and bus stations, increasing security or development of catering and 28
accommodation facilities. One of the cities where the tournament was held and which certainly benefited from the World Cup was Kaliningrad - the heart of the Kaliningrad located on the Baltic Sea.
District
How to get there?
In July 2019, paid visas to the District were abolished, thanks to which tourists can go to Russia without major financial expenses, and there is plenty to experience there. You can get there in many ways - by plane, BlaBlaCar, bus or your own car. Moving around the Kaliningrad Oblast, contrary to expectations, is very comfortable. In every major city (e.g. Kaliningrad, Gusiew, Krasnoznamensk) there are bus and train stations from which you can travel to every part of the Oblast. Additionally, intercity communication functions very well in smaller towns and villages.
What to do there?
In Kaliningrad itself, there is a popular Amber Museum, a marine museum in a submarine, and the Cathedral of Virgin Mary and St. Adalbert in the gothic style, where the tomb of Immanuel Kant is
located. Also, don’t forget to try traditional Russian food and… vodka! There are many bars that look like they haven’t changed from their establishment, so you could see old rubles (the Russian currency) attached to red walls and a lot of hammer and sickle signs everywhere. It is worth remembering that the District is located on the Baltic Sea. A drive from Kaliningrad to the sea, e.g. to Zalivnoye, will cost you around 160 rubles (about 2,2 euro). At the seaside you can find many typical attractions such as lighthouses, bars and restaurants serving freshly caught fish and ice cream parlors. The prices are very affordable. I’m sure you will have fun there and remember… expect the unexpected!
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Author: Marlena
Previous
Events
Cultural summer 2020 in Kalamata
26th Kalamata International Dance Festival
Organiser: Kalamata’s city hall and CoE Faris Artists: Areti Ketime and the group "Akousmata Anatolis" Place: Garden of Kalamata’s Ballroom Date: Wednesday 5/8/2020 Time: 21:00hs Tickets: Free Contact: 27213 60700 & 27210 83086 Link: www.kalamata.gr & www.kalamatafaris.gr Facebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/kalamata.gr/
Organizer: Ministry of culture & sports, Municipality of Kalamata and “PHARIS” Kalamata Municipality Beneficiary Organisation Place: Multiple Locations Date: 21/08/2020 to 30/08/2020 Tickets: €10-12
Link: http://kalamatadancefestival.gr/index.php/en/
Duoviolins
This year, the 26th Kalamata Dance Festival took place following the special instructions issued by the Ministry of Health. For ten days, leading Greek and international artists were showing their work to art lovers from all over the world.
Artists: Dimitris Issaris and George Gaitanos Place: 4 seas’s bar Date: Friday 7/8/2020 Time: 17:00h Tickets: Free Contact: 27230 41798 & +30 698 2160124 Link: www.ammothines.gr
Recital by baritone Dimitris Platanias Organiser: Municipal Conservatory of Kalamata and Dimitris Platanias Artist: Dimitris Platanias and Sofia Tamvakopoulou Place: Amphitheater of Kalamata Castle Date: 9/8/2020 Time: 20:30h 30
Hiking Club
Planned
Place: Leonidio Date: 6/9/2020 Contact: Stefanouris George, tel .: 6937328781 A fascinating getaway in Leonidio where we will hike on a beautiful path at the foot of the imposing Mount Parnon, discovering the authentic beauties of the area.
KaDiss 2020/Shakespeare Lab Place: Music School “Maria Callas” Date: 17/8/2020 to 5/9/2020 Age: +18 Link: https://kalamatadrama.com/
Place: Giona (Tragonoros 2.456m.) Date: 11/9/2020 to 13/9/202 Contact: 2721097733 https://www.facebook.com/oreibatikos.kalamatas/
The 3-week Summer School reaches out to young performers worldwide. It is aimed at professional actors, graduates of drama schools and young people who already have professional experience in performance as well as those who require an acting ability/foundation in other areas of the performing arts, such as opera and music theatre, and who want to evolve their own methodology and skills in acting.
A very demanding climb from the village of Sykia to the ridge of Giona. This is the path of "Bekos", a new hiking route that meanders in an impressive way on the steep blocks of rocks located on the western slopes of Giona above Mornos. • Participation requires excellent physical condition, experience and comfort of movement on a rocky field with exposed climbing passages • Degree of difficulty: 3+ • Walking Hours: 10 +/-
The course is taught in English | Monday-Friday 09:00 to 15:30 Saturdays 9.00 – 13.00
The Portal of the world by the Fusion Theater group
Documentary screenings and other events in support of the Lebanese people
Place: Amphitheater of Kalamata Castle Date: 5/9/2020 Time: 21:30 Price: Free
Place: The parking lot of the Archaeological Museum of Kalamata Date: 3/9/2020 to 5/9/202 Time: 20:00 Price: Free
The newly founded amateur team ''fusion'' consists of seven teenagers, members of the Experimental Stage Kalamata chosen to adapt and direct together the classic folk song The dead brother that occurs in many variations in the Greek (ca. 262) but also in the wider Balkan area. The show combines the technique of storytelling, puppetry and the art of shadow.
A series of film screenings and events aimed at raising money begins the Center for Creative Documentary in co-organization with the Art Hangout and the New Cinema Club of Kalamata, to deal with the consequences of the explosion of August 4 in Lebanon. 31
Author: Paula
Recipes from Czech Republic SVÍČKOVÁ NA SMETANĚ
Hard 3 h 15 mins 5 servings
(SIRLOIN IN CREAM SAUCE) Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •
1½ lb beef tenderloin or sirloin in one piece 5 oz. smoked bacon diced 2 onions cut into large slices 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons mustard (or 2 oz/50g mustard seeds) 1 tablespoon white vinegar 3 tablespoons butter 2 carrots, julienned ½ celeriac, julienned
• • • • • • • • •
1 leek, thinly sliced 2 turnips, julienned 1 cube beef broth, diluted in ¾ cup/200ml hot water 1¼ cup sour cream 2 bay leaves whole allspice berries (nové koření) zest of a lemon pepper, salt 2 tablespoons cranberry jam or other berry jam
Preparation: 1. Preheat the oven to 300F/150C. 2. Poke the piece of meat, and insert the bacon in the holes. Season with salt and tie the meat with kitchen twine. 3. In a large cast iron pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions over medium heat. 4. Add the sugar and caramelize the onions lightly. 5. Add all the vegetables and sauté for 10 minutes. 6. Add the meat, lemon zest, vinegar, 1 teaspoon mustard (or 1 oz/25g mustard seeds), whole allspice berries, pepper and bay leaves. 7. Stir and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. 8. Pour over the diluted beef broth cube and bake in the oven for 2h15. Turn the meat over and add boiling water regularly, if necessary. 9. Take out from the oven. Remove the meat and bay leaves. 10. Add remaining mustard (or mustard seeds). Mix all the content and bring the sauce to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add a little boiling water if necessary. The sauce must be creamy and not liquid. 11. Finally add the cream, and cook the sauce for 1 more minute without stirring. 12. Slice the meat, place the slices in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary. 13. Serve with cranberry jam, as well as knedliky (dumplings). 32
Author: Katerina
TVAROHOVÉ KNEDLÍČKY S JAHODOVOU POLEVOU (CURD CHEESE DUMPLINGS WITH STRAWBERRY SAUCE) Ingredients: Dumplings: • 250g curd • 25g soft butter • 2 egg yolks (medium) • 1 tbsp of vanilla sugar • 12 tbsp fine semolina flour (you might need more depending on the curd used) • 1 tsp zest of a lemon •
a pinch of salt & baking powder
Filling: • strawberries Sauce: • 200g strawberries • 150g sour cream • confectioners' sugar (amount depends on your taste) • butter
Medium 30 + 12 mins 3-4 servings
Preparation: This is a dessert and also the main food from my childhood. My mom told me that Smurfs eat it! 1. Put the curd in a fine sieve for at least 15 minutes. 2. Heat up a large pot of water so it's almost at a very light boil, and keep it at that temperature. Wash the strawberries and pat them dry, then remove their pits and coat them in sugar. 3. Beat together the strained curd cheese, melted butter and egg yolks in a big bowl. Wash the lemon and rub it dry, then zest it and add the zest into the mixture. Add vanilla sugar, salt, baking powder and mix them all together using a wooden spoon. 4. Finally, add the fine semolina and combine until you can form the dough into balls (if the dough is still sticky, you can add more semolina, but your dumplings will turn out firmer in the end). 5. Form the mixture into two logs and cut each into 8 equally sized pieces. Slightly flour your hands and shape little circles, then place a strawberry in the middle of each and wrap it firmly with the dough. Make a little dumpling and flour it lightly if necessary. 6. Carefully slide the dumplings into the lightly boiling water, stir gently every now and then to make sure no dumpling gets stuck to the bottom of the pot, and let them simmer at low heat for 12 minutes. 7. Meanwhile mash strawberries, confectioners' sugar and sour cream with the back of your fork and melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Take the dumplings out with a skimmer, let them dry a bit and coat them in the pan with the melted butter. Put a little bit of strawberry sauce in a bowl and add hot dumplings. Finish it with powdered sugar and curd or with the remaining sauce. 33
Author: Katerina
The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Commission. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.