LINK 51
January 2014
EDITORIAL Since two months now, we are organizing the 8th Kalamata Street Festival. Until now, everything was quite calm, having the first meetings, organizing the first pro-festival events and preparing the open call for the participants (which will open soon by the way...). Although the 8th Kalamata Street Festival seems quite far, as it will be organized between 11-13th of July 2014, the time is not enough according to this year’s plans... and we have really big plans! So I will use this editorial to invite all of you to send us your
ideas and proposals about what would you like the 8th festival to have. Don’t forget that it can include everything, from small activities, workshops, events up to concerts or awareness activities. Over all, the Kalamata Street Festival is an open space for the local youth, the artists from all over the world and the organizations, to express themselves, to create and to present their work. Interesting? If yes, please send us an email to: streetfestival@ ngokane.org and be part of the action!!! Filaretos
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Editor:
Erika Funa
Design:
Lina Šuminaitė
Staff Members Of Kane: Filaretos Vourkos Fotini Arapi Georgia Giannakea
Long Term Evs:
Melina Savvidis Fiachra Mckeever Carmelo Márquez Eda Tandoğan Ahmad Ayyash Amaia Vilas Erika Funa Danae Lehmann Mehmet Ali Şirin Uğurcan Pehlivan Abdurrahman Ermiş Lina Šuminaitė
Contact us: K.A.NE. Social Youth Development Youth Centre of Kalamata Plateia Othonos 10 Kalamata 24100 Greece Tel: +302721110740 e-mail:
amaiavilasarasua@gmail.com; info@ngokane.org url:
http://www.kentroneon.wordpress. com http://www.ngokane.org facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/kentroneon
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ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΩΝ Κ
ΑΝΟΙΧΤΑ ΔΕΥΤΕΡ
www.ngokane.org ΩΡΑ
ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ
1ος όροφος
2ος όροφος μεγάλη
17.00 - salsa για 18.00 παιδιά
Ισπανικά αρχάριοι
18.00 19.00
Latin
2ος όροφος μικρή
17.00 Λιθουανικά 18.00
Κιθάρα για 19.00 Παιδιά προχωρημέ 20.00 νοι ΜyuaiThai
Ρώσικα αρχάριοι
20.00 21.00
21.00 - Salsa αρχάριοι 22.00 τμήμα 1ο
ΤΡΙΤΗ
1ος όροφος
R&B για παιδιά
2ος όροφος μεγάλη
Σκάκι
ΩΡ 2ος όροφος μικρή
Κιθάρα Για 17.0 Παιδιά αρχάριοι 18. τμήμα 1ο
Μουσικοκιν ητική Τούρκικα Τούρκικα 18.00 - Σύγχρονο 18.0 Αγωγή Για αρχαρίων αρχαρίων αρχαρίων Ισπανικά Παιδιά τμήμα 2ο 19. τμήμα 1ο 19.00 προχωρημέ (τμήμα 1ο) νοι
19.00 20.00
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ΩΡΑ
Χορωδία
Οriental
Μουσικοκιν ητική 19.0 Αγωγή Για Ελληνικά 20. Παιδιά για ξένους (τμήμα 2ο) αρχάριοι
Κιθάρα για 20.00 - Σύγχρονο Γερμανικά Ενήλικες προχωρημέ αρχάριοι 21.00 αρχάριοι νων
20.0 21.
Κιθάρα για Γερμανικά Ενήλικες 21.00 - Νοηματική προχωρημέ προχωρημέ 22.00 αρχάριοι νοι νοι
21.0 22. Ρώσικα αρχάριοι
ΚΕΝΤΡΟΥ ΝΕΩΝ ΚΑΛΑΜΑΤΑΣ
ΡΑ ΕΩΣ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ
- ΤΗΛ. 2721110740
ΡΑ
ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ
1ος όροφος
00 .00
2ος όροφος μεγάλη
Καλλιτεχνικ ό Εργαστήρι
2ος όροφος μικρή
Σλοβένικα
ΠΕΜΠΤΗ
1ος όροφος
2ος όροφος μεγάλη
ΩΡΑ 2ος όροφος μικρή
Τούρκικα 17.00 - Internation Aγγλικά 17.00 ομάδα προχωρημέ 18.00 al Latin 18.00 συζήτησης νοι
κιθάρα για Τούρκικα 18.00 - yoga τμήμα Ρώσικα παιδιά 18.00 προχωρημέ αρχαρίων 1ο αρχάριοι 19.00 νοι τμήμα 3ο 19.00 τμήμα 2ο
00 - Παραδοσια κοί χοροί .00 αρχάριοι
Παραδοσια 00 - κοί χοροί .00 προχωρημέ νοι
ΩΡΑ
Βιωματικές Ομάδες
19.00 20.00
Γαλλικά
Αγγλικά 19.00 αρχαρίων 20.00
Μyuai-Thai
00 .00
Αραβικά αρχάριοι
20.00 21.00
Νοηματική τμήμα 2ο
20.00 21.00
ζογκλερικά Εισαγωγή
Salsa Νοηματική 21.00 - Yoga τμήμα Αραβικά 21.00 00 στην Τέχνη αρχάριοι προχωρημέ Γεωργιάνα Προχωριμέν 2ο του 22.00 22.00 .00 τμήμα 2ο νοι οι Flamenco
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ΜΙΚΡΕΣ ΑΓΓΕΛΙΕΣ With the Youth Centre opening again its doors to the public, for the 5th year, there are still some things, where we could use your help!!! For the beginning of the workshops, and throughout the year, the Youth Centre needs:
* CHAIRS
Strange as it may sound, the Youth Center is in need of chairs! As the Youth Centre acquires more and more members, and the use of the chairs is extensive, our poor old chairs are breaking down. As it is, it is impossible to have all the chairs that the workshops need. If you have any chairs that you do not use, or you think that you can spare, you can bring them!
* MARKERS for the white board
* COMPUTERS
Unfortunately, the Youth Centre at the moment has only 1 working (almost) computer to be used in the info-point. Temporarily, and only for the registrations, volunteers of the Youth Centre have brought their computers from home… however, eventually they will need them back… We need at least 1 more computer to be used in the dance workshops and 1 more for the outside activities… :(
* GUITARS
As we are very musical this year, if you have any guitar that you do not need anymore and can give it to the Youth Centre, please do
* MIRRORS
This may be a bit of a longshot but we also need full-length mirrors for the dance room.
As all of the language workshops make use of the white board, we We know that it may be unlikely consume approximately 3 mark- that people have spare full-length mirrors lying around in their gaers per week! rages at home, but then again,
* PENS
if you don’t ask, you’ll never reYou can never have enough of ceive! those! 6
WHY I LIKE
SALSA
By: Ali Before I came here, I didn’t know anything about Salsa. When I was in Turkey, I just knew it by name. Everything started here in Kalamata. I got to know about it because of Kentro Neon. The first time I saw Salsa was when they had salsa lessons in the Youth Centre. So I also started to join them and I liked
it so much. When I’m dancing Salsa, I am relaxing. Then I went to the salsa parties and saw it the first time in action. And I started to love it. Now my favourite days are Monday and Wednesday because of the salsa lessons. Salsa is the best thing in my EVS life. After my EVS I want to go on and become a Salsa teacher. 7
Hello, Ece!
Hello, I am Ece Zihni, from tanbul University. Last June I Turkey. I am 22 years old. I graduated as a bachelor. Afstudied Economics at the Is- ter the university I wanted to 8
have some great experience before working life. So, I am a new volunteer in K.A.NE. I came here on the 15th of January. And my project will continue for 9 months. When I was an intern in Ankara at the Turkish National Agency, I heard something about EVS. After that I found this project and applied. I really wanted to be a volunteer because in my opinion it is a good opportunity for me. Firstly, I wanted to try a short time EVS. And I went to Hungary-Kaposvar for 2 months. During the project, I did some organizations and organized some parties there. In addition to improving my English, I was living my best dream. So I liked it and after it I wanted to go for a long term EVS.
With K.A.NE I started some workshops. I became aware that dance is such a beautiful thing. I liked salsa, Latin and especially the traditional Greek dances because traditional Greek songs are almost the same as Turkish songs, and the dances are very similar too. Actually, music is very important in my life because I am a singer and a bass guitarist. This is my story. I am sure that you will know more about me.
This week was my first week in Kalamata. I think it is enough time to make one love this city. The mountains, the sea, the beach and the city center. It looks like a pretty town. And local people are helpful. I have not had any problems here. 9
Circus in Kalamata By: Amaia
Everything started in the beginning of November when I received news that a Circus Company was travelling around Europe (Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Macedonia, etc). So I decided to get in contact with them. During the months we were in contact to coordinate everything we had some difficulties and I got really stressed. It has been very challenging and difficult for me to coordinate in a second language, having to build my own network without knowing well the place. I was very lucky though, as some local friends supported me and finally we managed. I am really excited that finally they are here. 10
“The Company Chapazardâ€? is a new travelling circus company for young spectators. It is hitting the roads of Europe to celebrate its ten years of existence in October for a tour around Europe. One of the main ideas is to develop local activities with young people to get them involved and to teach them in a practical way how to think like responsible citizens. The Company has: • A Yurt (Mongolian tend) to welcome people, exchange
ideas and share experiences. Dimensions: 50m2 volume and 8m diameter, for 49 persons. • A new circus performance for younger ones. • A team with the material required to lead circus workshops for groups of all ages. Last week we organized with the Circus some workshops for free about acrobatics and a bit of juggling in various places: first in the Youth Center, for our younger students and older
ones too, then in Kekykamea, Προσεχώς κοινσεπ and in the village Πολιτησηικός Συλλογος Καλαμίου. The Show “La feé des Gouttes” “La feé des Gouttes” (“The fairy drops”) is a circus show for a very young audience. It is played in the yurt, which can be installed in any indoor or outdoor space. Through its story, this show presents a great opportunity to educate the youngest people, the children, about the preciousness of water. Bathed in a soft and reassuring atmosphere, they are invited to touch, feel, play and express themselves, to discover a fascinating world. The First weekend of Febru11
ary the circus is going to play the show in Kalamata. Do not hesitate to bring the youngest member of your family to see 12
this wonderful show. Here you have a link to a video to wet your appetite: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=x6aBVsPnXUM
Το τσίρκου “Chapazard” από τη Γαλλία παρουσίαζει την παράσταση “La Fee des Gouttes” στις 1,2 & 3 Φεβρουαρίου 2014! 1 Φεβρουαρίου στις 18:00 2 and 3 Φεβρουαρίου δύο συναυλίες ανά ημέρα 1η παράσταση στις 17.30 & 2η στις 18.30 Πλατεία Όθωνος 10, Καλαμάτα Η εκδήλωση θα γίνει στα πλαίσια του 8ου Φεστιβάλ Δρόμου Καλαμάτας
The circus “Chapazard” from France presents the show “La Fee des Gouttes” 1, 2 & 3 February 2014! 1 of February at 18:00. 2 and 3 of February two shows per day first show at 17.30 & Second at 18.30. Square Otto 10, Kalamata The event will be held at the 8th Street Festival Kalamata 13
Circus Workshop at Προσεχώς By: Danae
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Kalamata, Friday, 17.01.2014 – The little street next to Προσεχώς turned into a small circus ring. It so happens that since about a week a little circus from France is visiting Kalamata (more about the circus in Amaia’s and Erika’s articles). The street was full of big and small artists that were excit-
ed to get an insight into juggling, acrobatics and other little circus tricks. During the two hours people who walked by the street stopped to admire or to try the circus tricks themselves. Also us volunteers tried our best - some more, some less successfully. Later on, a camera team stopped by to capture the nice ambient
in the street and to do some interviews. It was very neat to see how everyone blended together so well and also language barriers were so easy
to overcome. After the workshop Προσεχώς was the perfect place to warm up with a very delicious soup and some drinks. In the end the workshop was great fun for everyone and I’m sure everyone left with some new artistic skills. 15
Interview with Lola, a Circus Girl By: Erika
How has your life changed since you joined the circus? I started living in a caravan. It wasn’t a hard decision at all because I had been interested in this kind of life for a long What was your first circus time before already. experience? It was one and a half years ago What was your life like bein France. My first circus ex- fore the circus? perience was a circus anima- I was a theater and costume tion workshop with my friend design student. Laura (a circus artist and the co-founder of Chapazard). My And now, what is your role first »trick« was the slack line in the circus? walk. At that time I was al- Actually, the roles in our circles ready working for Laura in the are polivalent, not specifically field of communications. defined. We try to do as much Lola came to Kalamata with a French circus group called Chapazard. After the workshop in Prosexos, we had a chat about her life since she joined the circus.
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as we can together (setting up the stage, for example) so that everyone does a bit of everything. What about in the show? Do you participate? No, in this show Laura is the only performer. Quentin is taking care of the techical part, the lights, the sound, and I do everything related. I welcome the audience, make sure everything is the way it’s supposed to be. I also take care of the promotion, posters for example. Where does the name of the circus (Chapazard) come from? The name comes from two French words that mean »circus tent« and »random«. What does a typical circus day look like? There are two types of days: on the road, and when we stop. On the road we stop every half of a day to eat something and relax. We try to find a good place to sleep, and to set the
fire in the evening. Then we continue. When we stop for some time, we meet our contacts, go to the place where the tent is going to be to see it. There is a lot of work with organization. The next day we put up the tent, which takes about five hours. Then we do three or four shows per day. How long we stay depends on our contact people in each place and it also depends on our schedule, where and when we have to be next. In Italy, for example, we spent all the time on the road, whereas in Bosnia we stopped for a month. Tell us the story of the circus. How did it all start? The show that we do now was created two years ago by Laura and her husband. It is a mix of music and circus. Laura plays the flute in the show, and Quentin’s father composed the music for it. Children from the audience also take part by playing different hand-made instruments. The name of the show is »La fée des gouttes« 17
and it is a story about water. What is your favourite The purpose of it is to educate thing about circus? children about saving water. The rope (slack line). Which places has the circus visited already? We’ve been to Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Greece, and passed through Croatia.
How do you see your role in the circus in the future? Well, we have been together for one and a half year. I am thinking of being more involved with the show in the future, but this takes time. One problem is that we do not really have a place to practice the tricks and acrobatics‌ I also want to continue with the workshops that we do. 18
And your favourite thing about circus life? It is waking up every morning in a new place and meeting new people. The most exciting thing since you started living and travelling with the circus? The decision to do this, to go on this trip and all the preparation for it.
Interview with Olga and Antonis, the traditional Greek dancing teachers By: Melina How long are you already much that you are able to teaching in the Youth Centre? teach now? Antonis: No no, I was dancOlga: I am already teaching ing before and I just wanted to 3 years here. look what is going on here and Antonis: This year is my first I liked it and I’m teaching now. year as a teacher, but I’m also teaching in the technological But for a new teacher you Institute of Kalamata. are very strict! Antonis: I don’t think I’m strict, From where do you know I’m just very focused and I each other and why are you want the people to do it right. But in general I laugh a lot and teaching together? Olga: He was my student here I love to make people happy. in the Youth Centre. Last year he started dancing here and Are you teaching every year the same dances? now he is teaching. Olga: Well, we have the basic That means you, Anto- dances that we are doing each nis, learned in one year so
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year, but next to this we teach play basketball. But in general every year different dances. I’m studying agriculture and hopefully I’m going to finish Do you have favourite next year. dances? Olga: I love the creten dances! Why did you decide to study I think because I’m from Crete, agriculture? That is not remy love belongs to this island ally common. and its dances. Antonis: Because I grew up in Antonis: I don’t have one favou- Athens and there is a big lack rite dance, because there are of nature as you know and I so many that I like. But I could just wanted to know about the give you ten or something. plants and the natural stuff. That’s why I also came here to And are there dances that improve my knowledge. you don’t like that much? (Unfortunately Olga had to Antonis: I don’t really like the leave because she had to go Karsilamas. on with her dancing lesson, so Olga: For me it is the Pontos. now the focus is on the lazy It is hard for me to dance this teacher Antonis.) because you step with the feet differently than in the cre- What is the most stupid ten dances. In Pontos you are thing you’ve ever done? dancing with your heels and Antonis: Nothing actually bein the creten dances with your cause I’m always thinking befoot bundles. fore I do something. It can save you for a lot of stupid things, but What are you doing next to on the other hand it is also an your role as a teacher? obstacle to reach other things Olga: Next to teaching I’m that you want to do. making jewellery and I love to take photos. I would really like What do you want to do? to do some workshops in pho- Do you have any wishes? tography. Antonis: As I said I want to Antonis: I like to cycle and to deepen my knowledge about 20
agriculture, but also I thought about giving more lessons in traditional Greek dances. Describe yourself with a Greek traditional dance! Antonis: Wait, for this question I need time, because there are a lot of dances... I think it is Volos. Describe yourself with an animal! Antonis: Actually I can describe myself with more than one. In some way I’m a lion when I’m frustrated, but in general I am Which type of child have you been in school? like a horse, very calm. Antonis: I’ve been the lazy one. I went to school, but I never did my homework and that stuff. And I was not the guy who was making jokes all the time... I was more that type that is funny in action! Describe yourself with a movie! Antonis: Love and other drugs. Not because of the title, more because of the plot. It is about a woman that has Parkinson and a womanizer that falls really in love the first time in his life with this woman. It is about making people happy and that is what I want to do.
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MY EVS PROJECT:
THE DAY CARE CENTER By: Ahmad
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I am Ahmad Ayyash, an EVS volunteer in Kalamata and I volunteer at the Day Center for Children and Adolescents with Autism, Messinia. It is a center where they take care of autistic children. At my work there are six girls that work there and another local volunteer as an addition to me. Every day I go to work at 10:15 a.m., and my main work there is to help the trainers and keep the children safe and play with them.
care of the children and teach them for free. I love that it is for free, it is amazing. They should get a Nobel prize and I say thanks to the government for this. On other hand the work is the same every day. The activities are repetitive because the autistic children need this to learn, but for person like me, who hates routine, this can be a little difficult at times.
For me I think the idea that created this work is very nice, because at my work we take 23
My EVS Project:
Keykykamea, the Center for People with Disabilities By: Eda abilities, but I have never had any experience with the mental disabled. I want to be honest from the beginning: I was little bit worried because of this reason, but with the time, I understood that this job is not easy. You need to have patience when Nikos asks you a million times “σπίτι μετά, σπίτι μετά;“,
My first day in Kekykamea, my feelings were a little bit strange because I had no experience in a center for the disabled ever in my life. I thought that, this is a perfect experience because I will get to know and learn about the disabled, they can show you many things, how to the same when Giorgia asks you appreciate the little things in a million times something that life and to enjoy them. you said “δεν καταλαβαίνω, δεν ξέρω ελληνικά.“, when I had some experience with she tries to ask again again people who have physical dis- and again. But now, I can un24
derstand that they want to communicate, they want to talk and share with you. They have a clearer mind than a lot of people, they do what they want to do instantly. Everything is sincere. Sometimes the Youth Center has collaborated with us, with others volunteers’ ideas. Last time Amaia and a Circus Company from France
play the guitar, another women will tell a story and children will play behind the curtain. Perfect teamwork!!! And for mu-
sic workshop this is also really good: a woman playing the piano and we are singing all togehter. That is also good to improve our Greek with some lyrics.
came to Kekykamea to make a workshop, a little of juggling and a bit of body awareness. They enjoyed it a lot!!! We have a lot of workshops in Kekykamea; cooking, gardening, dancing, English, ceramics, painting, music and storytelling. My favorite workshops are music and storytelling. I will be part of a storytelling workshop, I will sing with one guy who will
And one of my favorite tasks in Kekykamea is the “transportation,” we are helping the youth by bringing then from their homes and coming back. This is not a task from the beginning actually, because you don’t know Kalamata exactly. This job is helping you about learning your way around Kalamata and sometimes also to some more distant places around it. That is really good, almost feels like a bit of tourism. 25
Week in Turkey By: Fiachra As some of you know I was away in Turkey for a week this month. I know what you’re thinking: lucky so-and-so, and you’re absolutely right! I was invited to attend a Partnership Building Activity in Gaziantep, southeast Turkey, to meet up with people representing organisations in Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbajan, Georgia, Latvia, Tunisia, Italy, Germany and Romania. There were 23 of us altogether, two from each organisation plus the trainer Mehmet. It was a long and tiring round trip. Buses - 6, flights - 4, travel time – 48 hours, valuable experience – priceless! Filaretos and I were met at Gaziantep airport after a slightly confusing journey through internal customs for foreigners at the terminal exit by our hosts. It was the first time I was met at the airport by people hold a sheet with my name on it! Like a scene from a movie! 26
We were taken to our hotel and got a bit of rest before the activities of the PBA commenced. The first meeting was dinner, one meeting I was well prepared for after all the travelling. We were taken to a restaurant in the city and feasted our appetites on the gorgeous Turkish food that was prepared. After shedding a few tears for a very hot pepper we went back to the hotel and met to introduce ourselves further and to discuss the upcoming week’s activities. Over the course of the week we were introduced to the
concept of Youth Information and the structures that exist for it. We learned about the new Erasmus+ programme and had to present 1 aspect of it to the group. We exchanged
information about our organisations, Filaretos presented K.A.NE. and I presented the Youth Centre information. We also had to think of ideas for possible projects in the future. My idea for a future project which I will try and apply for for the March 17th deadline is to do with youth information. Basically I want to run a training course for 5th and 6th year students of secondary schools around Europe, including Career Guidance counsellors and teachers, whereby they are introduced directly to the Erasmus+ programme, it’s ethos and it’s methodology and point out that there is not just the classic secondary school – college / seondary school – work options after completing second level education. In my experience a lot of young people on exiting second level education are ill-prepared and unsure of what it is they want to do for a career. Taking part in this programme either on EVS or even something shorter is bound to expand their ideas, both of themselves and of what 27
I got a taste for a wonderfull traditional Turkish stringed instrument, and treated to a few songs in Turkish and Kurdish! For recreation we went to a few bars and soaked in the rampant drinking culture of Turkey! We could not keep up! they would like to pursue. We were then split into groups and we worked on a common project. The one our group started developing was called ‘Youth-Crisis-Exchange’. This would be a youth exchange where people from Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France and others would meet in Germany to gain insights into each others lives, experiences and thoughts in the continuing aftermath of the economic crisis, and to develop strategies to improve the We also went to shisha bars situation. and smoked exotic flavours, where I drank the most abWe were brought to the host- solutely amazing apple tea on ing project’s bulidings in Ga- the face of this planet. ziantep and given a tour of We had an intercultural night them. Ended up with a mu- (of course!) and got to taste sic session on our hands after many delicious delicacies from 28
the participant countries. We ate, we drank, we danced and we sang!
On the last night we had a farewell/talkcha soon party. We got lots of drink in and had a great night indeed!
I always love going to events and projects like this. You meet great people from all over the world who all share an aspiration to change this world for the better. Long may it last. 29
MY TOP 10 THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN TURKEY By: Ugurcan 1. The first thing is Istanbul.
Istanbul is one of the most crowded cities in Turkey. I don’t live there, but when I go to Istanbul, the first thing I have to do there is go to Gulhane park. That park has a mystical air. Its has the Blue Mosque (sultanahmet camii), Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar and Topkapi Palace so the first thing to visit for me is that area. 2. The second thing is to go to my favourite street in Istanbul. I go there and sit with my girl friend. It’s the best thing for me. The street’s name is Cezayir Sokagi. 30
3. The third thing is drinking tea until falling asleep :P. Before I came here to Kalamata I used to drink 15 to 20 glass of
tea per day. The best thing to 5. The fifth thing is fishing with do is drink tea, sit with friends my friends, and talk. 4. The fourth thing is smoking nargile (the water pipe). One time I tried a different style: I put  on the sheesha (nargile) double apple tabacco and
I didn’t put any water inside. I put in raki (liquor) instead. Then I smoked just one time. 6. The sixth thing is walking I saw the other world :P by the river in my city, Eskisehir. There I also play the guitar with friends.
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9. The ninth thing is rafting in 7. The seventh thing is to give Antalya. One of the best holilive concerts with my friends. day cities for me. 8. The eighth thing is to dance 10. The tenth thing is watchtraditional Turkish traditional ing the sunset in Istanbul. dances with friends. And also teaching people from other
countries how to dance Turkish traditional dances.
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Analysis Freedom of expression, satire and religion By: Carmelo Which comes first, the freedom of expression or freedom of thought, conscience and religion? I mean, which of the two rights do we sacrifice first?
Filippos Loizos, the author of a satirical Facebook page about an important Orthodox monk who died in 1994, Elder Paisios. The young man of twenty-seven years old was recently convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to Which comes first, the free- ten months in prison by the dom of expression or the free- Athenian court. dom of thought, conscience and religion? I mean, which of the two rights do we sacrifice for the other one? This is the question that I throw this week by way of reflection. And to answer it honestly, we need to put aside the sim- Filippos Loizos plistic views and to analyse The site was named ‘Elder the topic structurally and in a Pastitsios’ as a result of a pun critical way. combining the name of the monk with a Greek typical The first case that I want to dish, Pastitsio, consisting of put into practice, the clospasta, bechamel and minced est one in time and space, meat (lasagne). The latter is is the one of a Greek citizen, important because, with these 33
ingredients, the blogger made the face of the monk. The image, which occupied profile photos and the cover of this satirical page, inspired a parody “religious” movement
(‘Pastafarianism’ union of pasta and Rastafarianism) arising as a form of social protest in the United States during the administrations of President George W. Bush.
The ‘blasphemous’ Facebook page created by Filippos Loizos.
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‘Flying Spaghetti’, the creator. Representation of the ‘Pastafarianism’.
Although it’s now that the sentence is known, the story began in 2012 when Loizos was arrested after Christos Pappas, the deputy of Golden Dawn (now in police custody as a suspect membership a criminal gang), raised the issue in Parliament. The media attention followed. However, the sentence has been suspended unless he relapses into “offensive and blasphemous” practices. And while blasphemy charges are not common in Greece, let us not forget that an American theatre group was accused of blasphemy in 2012 because they represented Jesus Christ and his apostles as homosexuals. Orthodox priests and the Greek extreme right cancelled the stage play after protests. And I ask myself: Has Loizos insulted the Orthodox Church with a simple Facebook page? Is it not time already to reform the anti-blasphemy law, a reminiscent of the Middle Ages? Would the shooting of the wonderful film ‘Life of Bri-
an’ be impossible in Greece today? Was it not in Greece where the satire and democracy were born? However, now it seems the country is not a convenient place for the freedoms of religion and expression. Moreover, I would like to add another instance to this analysis. This matter reminded me quickly of the editor and cartoonist of French satirical magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’ (Stéphane Charbonnier, Charb).
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Stéphane Charbonnier, Charb, with his fist raised and one of the controversial editions of his magazine. At right, caricature of the same picture.
A weekly humoristic magazine that since 1992 makes fun of conservative attitudes that defend the immobility of traditions, especially of Catholicism and Islam, is benefiting from the popularity that a country as secular as France has generated against religious controversies.
causing dozens of deaths and protests in Islamic countries. It was the edition the cover of which showed the prophet crying and saying: “It’s hard to be loved by assholes”. In 2011, this time with Charbonnier as the director, the magazine republished the cartoons and jokes about Muhammad. They were attacked by radiIn 2006, Charlie Hebdo pub- cals afterwards in their office lished twelve caricatures in Paris. of Mohammed by the Danish journal ‘Jyllands Posten’, 36
One of the many covers of the magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’ on religious icons. Under the headline ‘Intouchables 2’ (Untouchables 2) leverage the success of the ‘Untouchables’ French film playing on the double meaning.
A year ago, in January 2013, the magazine created a comic supplement about the life of Muhammad by reopening the debate on the graphical representation of the Prophet’s face, prohibited for Muslims to portray, as is well known. Undoubtedly, this second case was even more controversial. To avoid falling into erroneous arguments, demagoguery and stupid justifications, we have to know what the religious freedom and the freedom of expression consist of. The essential purpose of freedom of thought, conscience and religion resides in the individual’s right to believe in something and act accordingly. Of course, no religion can be answered absolutely, which justifies the inalienable right of each person to find his or her own solutions in specific concrete situations. Thus, we can conclude that the content of religion is completely irrelevant. We cannot forget the logic that many countries seem to for37
get, that a religion cannot be used by the state as a means of moral indoctrination, coercion or discrimination. The exercise of freedom of religion, on the other hand, involves the exercise of the rights of assembly, association and expression. However, the term belief isn’t synonymous with opinions or ideas (freedom of expression). Unlike the freedom of religion, freedom of expression is inseparable to its content of ideas that spread. In a modern state of law, the veracity of the data or the rigor of the opinions can be prosecuted, by subjecting the expression to lawful limitations. The key question is: Is the protection of religious feelings an acceptable basis for limiting the freedom of expression? From my point of view, the attacks on religion are no different than attacks on race, sex or national origin. They are a form of discrimination. Moreover, three judges of the European Court of Human Rights recognized 38
the possibility of considering religion as a legitimate cause for restricting freedom of expression. Even an absolute defender of the right of expression like myself, cannot accept this. But what makes an opinion, an idea an insult, blasphemy, and defamation? I do not think it easy to answer this question, if we want to be responsible and honest. The definitions of the concepts we use are only interpretations. It is problematic on many occasions, to draw a line to mark the border between an idea and an insult. It is not as easy as it seems. One should always look at each case individually within its context. Any restrictions on freedom of expression, however minimal, must necessarily be justified in a democratic society. For this, the State must have a generous margin of appreciation to determine whether or not to limit the freedom of expression. Anyway, regarding the radical attacks, I have it very clear:
even if the drafters, designers and editors of this sarcastic and scathing magazine are crazy, irresponsible, senseless, reckless and cynical, do they deserve prison, the destruction of their working place, or even death? Is a woman (to take another example) responsible if she is violated because she was provoking with her miniskirt and her neckline? Should the people not be protected by the law, and by the court? These kind of extremist and violent attacks cannot ever be justified. Ever. So, to finish this article, I am going to repeat the question: What comes first, the freedom of expression or the freedom of thought, conscience and religion? Is the very act of raising this question dangerous because the liberties such as the freedom of expression and print are put scandalously at risk?
In case of anyone still being unsure of my intensions, OF COURSE, with this article I do not mean to in any way question religious figures, religions, and ideas, nor do I try to offend or hurt anyone’s feelings.
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My favourite Turkish recipe: Lady’s Thigh Kofte (Kadinbudu Kofte) By: Abdurrahman Ingredients: • 1 lb minced beef • 1big onion, chopped • ½-1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped • ½ cup rice, washed and drained • 1 cup hot water • 1 tspm+ ½ tsp salt to taste • ½ tsp cumin • ½ tsp black pepper
Cook 2/3 of minced beef in skillet till its color turns to brown over medium heat. Then, stir in onion and the remaining salt. Cook till onions For Frying: get soft over low heat (3-4 • ½ cup canola oil minutes). • 2 eggs, beaten Finally, stir in the parsley and • ¾ cup flour the spices and turn off the heat. Method: In a large bowl mix the cooked minced meat mixture, Boil rice in a cup of hot water rice and the remaining raw and add ½ tsp salt. Leave it minced beef. You can knead to cool. with your hands if you like. 40
Cover the mixture and leave in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Take egg size pieces, make egg shapes and flatten them with your hands (the shape in the picture). In a frying pan, sizzle oil. Place flour in a wide plate. In another plate beat the eggs. First dip the koftes in flour, make sure the koftes to be covered evenly with flour. Then dip into egg and fry both sides until they get lightly golden brown. For a thicker coating; after dipping into egg, again dip into the flour and then fry. This recipe makes about 1014 Lady’s Thigh Kofte. ENJOY
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OFFICE:
WHO
WE ARE LONG TERM
Hello to everyone! My name is Georgia. I am 25 years old and I live in Kalamata. I spent the last 5 years in Athens doing my Bachelor in Management and Business Administration and the last year in the Netherlands continuing my studies for a Master’s degree. I am glad to be back to Kalamata after all those years. I am happy to be part of K.A.NE.organization.
Filaretos Vourkos / Last 7 years I am working in the field of non formal educa- tion as a volunteer, youth worker and youth trainer. 4 years ago, I decided to create the Youth Centre of Kalamata, in order to initiate the youth work in Kalamata and promote active citizenship as factor of change.
Hi my name is Fotini Arapi and I am project manager at K.A.NE. organisation. I started working here in September 2011 and fell in love with the Youth Centre, its dynamic and most of all its incredible team of foreign and local volunteers! See you around :-D
EVS:
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Danae Lehmann/ 20 / Germany I’m Uğurcan I like being Pehlivan. I’m around people, from Turkey. photography, I’m working in Erika Funa From Slovenia ecological farm. greek lifestyle, (half Greek), 26 I’m playing bas good food, years old, uni- guitar. I will be swimming in the sea. versity gradu- in Greece until I’m volunteer31 of July. My ate (English, name become to ing at the Philosophy) my country and youth center Likes: befrom October the meaning is ing outdoors, 2013 to August languages, art, Ugur - fortune and Can - soul. 2014. nature, yoga.
Hello, my name is Fiachra (the English translations are: hunter/tracker or raven), I’m 26 and I come from Ireland. Here at the youth centre I teach music, English, make good frappes in the café and bad jokes in Greek. Χαίρετε!
Hello! I’m Ece from Turkey. I’m 22 years old. I studied Economics at the Istanbul University. I’m happy as a volunteer in here. I believe I will do great things for K.A.NE. My Project is for 9 months. It will be finished in October. After the volunteering, I hope I will stay with K.A.NE. Although this is the first week for me, I’m feeling like I was already here in the past. So now that’s all.
Γεια σε όλους! My name is Carmelo Márquez. I am from Cadiz, a city of Andalusia, in the south of Spain. I’m 25 years old and I have finished my career in journalism. So, like good Spanish, I love flamenco, football (my team is F. C. Barcelona), sea and his waves, philosophy, literature, music... My work here in Kalamata, besides teaching Spanish and Flamenco in KANE center is to help as possible to workers KEFIAP (center children with disabilities) and equestrian therapy until June 2014.. Τα λέμε.
I’m Mehmet Ali Şirin. I’m from Turkey. I’m working in ecological farm. I’m playing elektro guitar. I wil be in Greece until 31 of June.
Hi everybody! My name is Melina/18 years old/ half german/ half greek and I’m working in the Therapeutic Horseriding and in the K.E.F.I.A.P. I love chocolate and to dance, so I teach Salsa for children and Latin and of course German! And all of that I’m really enjoying!
Abdurrahman Ermiş I am Abdurrahman. I am from Turkey. I am working in ecological farm. I am playing drum. I will be in Greece until 31 of July.
Hi, My name is Ahmad Ayyash and I am from Jordan iam 23 years old I love to play chess and football. I am fan of Real Madrid club and I am a construction engineer. My project is about autistic children.
My name is Eda Tandoğan. I am from Turkey. I am 21 years old, still a university student. My project is about disabled people in kekykamea.
My name is Amaia and comes from Basque roots, since my mother is from San Sebastian, the meaning of my name is “the end” but in turn is an warrior woman of Basque mythology. But I born in a beautiful land north of Spain, Galicia, Atlantic ocean.
Lina /28/ Lithuania/ volunteer in K.A.NE. Youth Centre from August 2013 to July 2014. Teaching lithuanian and art. Hobies: design, history and museums.
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The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European Youth in Action programme, Action 2- European Voluntary Service.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, anvd the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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