LiNK nr. 34 1st of March 2013

Local Life • Editorial • New program • Μικρές Αγγελίες • Interviews with EVS & local volunteers • Vasilopita party

Current Affairs • Week In Athens

External News • Icland and the crisis • Bullying (violence) in Portuguese schools

Entertainment • Teddy’s Diary - Work in Youth Centre

1 of March 2013

L NK

On this Issue:

st

Nr.34

‘ Spring ’ edition

Volunteers: Bjartur SteingrĂ­msson Diana Dias Dorian Agnel Gianluca Barbin Ieva Medinyte Ines Dupont Miault Irene Pena Herranz Jelena Scepanovic Kaja Napotnik Leonard Pristl Loic Marchand Manuela Gascon Marisa Carvalho Sandra Coelho Taaniel Stoitsev

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I Managing Editor: Sandra Coelho I Editor: Taaniel Stoitsev I Staff members of KANE: I Filaretos Vourkos I Fotini Arapi Georgia Giannakea I Antzela Lenakaki I I I I I I I I Contact us:

K.A.NE., Social Youth Development Youth Centre of Kalamata Plateia Othonos 10 Kalamata 24100 Greece

e-mail: evstaaniel@gmail.com; info@ngokane.org url: http://www.kentroneon.wordpress.com

http://www.ngokane.org (not working at a moment) facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kentroneon

Editorial [by Filaretos] C

because although the problems we are facing we have to have fun. Anyway it is in the DNA of Greeks to dance when everything goes wrong. And such we’ll do... On the other hand we need to be conscious that many of our friends, relatives, neighbors will have so big problems that it will be impossible for them to celebrate or even smile. For that reason we should not forget our responsiThis year the Youth Centre of Kalama- bility as active citizens. ta will participate in many of these activities. We will celebrate with children This year we can wear simple costumes the morning of Tsiknopempti and with or to make the costumes ourselves. The barbecue the evening. We will be the money we will save we can donate them “Demonic made Angels” at Kalamata’s to an organization which is facing the Carnival and we will visit Nedousa to outcomes of the crisis, or to make a gift attend the strange but traditional mix- directly to someone we know... Spend a ture of pagan and Christian celebration little less time for celebration and offer of “marriage” which is the outcome of your extra time to help some people in many influences through the aeons, cel- need. ebrating love... with the Dionysian way!

I think that’s all for now... Have a nice Carnival is also an opportunity to for- month and we will meet at the activities get the problems and leave a bit be- of the Youth Centre! Also don’t forget hind your responsibilities and do what- that at 15th of March the celebrations ever you want! Is it? Can we really do for the 4 years of the Youth Centre of this in a period that everything around Kalamata will start with many nice surus is collapsing? Well... yes and no. Yes prises... to be announced soon!!! arnival is coming and as every year many nice and funny activities are taking place in several places around Greece. It is always a nice opportunity to take a small step out of reality, get dressed as you wouldn’t dare to do in your everyday life and have fun with friends, relatives or even people you meet for first time.

Local Life

Program of Youth

Centre

(2013 March)

[in English]

Local Life

Future Activities What: Tsiknopempti When: 7th of March Where: Youth Center of Kalamata At Thursday 7th of March we will have a barbeque party at the roof of Youth Centre. You are couraged to bring some meat with you or just help on buying meat by giving 3-5€ to support buying things for this event!

What: Kalamata’s carnival-parade When:17th of March from 16.00 o’clock Where: Aristomenos Street You are welcomed to take part of every activity of the carnival - like tresure hunt (from 7th to 17th of March), what means that teams have to find the tresures in Kalamata that will be hidden by the carnival committee!

And the carnival parade that will take part in Aristomenous street with our group of youth center together with other teams with lots of fun!

More info during Youth Centre’s opening hours from monday to thursday 17:00 to 22:00 (participating in the team requiers specific costume) You can see most of the costums at Pneymatiko Kentro and take an idea about it!

To registrate & more info call 6970223386 George Housenbelli!

Μικρές Αγγελίες Y

outh Centre’s announcements:

* MEDICINE We support the Social Solidarity Clinic of Kalamata and we invite the members of the Youth Centre to bring from Monday to Thursday between 17:00 and 22:00 any medicine that they do not need anymore.

You can also deliver them directly to the Social Solidarity Clinic of Kalamata if it is more convenient for you, which is located near the old hospital of the city of Kalamata. * BICYCLES Do You happen to have a bike that You don’t use it anymore or is standing in a basement etc. and You don’t need it, then don’t let it get rusty without use & please bring it to Youth Centre - we have many volunteers who would kindly appreciate it! (Seriously, think about it and let us know, it doesn’t have to be perfect, just bike that is possible to bike with!!!) * CHAIRS Strange as it may sound, the Youth Center is in need of chairs! As everything gets older by using it a lot, the chairs in the Youth Center keep breaking down once in a while and our dear volunteers have to move chairs from 1st floor to 2nd & vice versa all day long, in order to accomodate the different workshop. The workshops need chairs for the participants to sit & we don’t have enough to make the volunteer’s life easyer.

<<Μικρές Αγγελίες>> is periodical heading appearing on every LiNK,

that delivers help requests conserning Youth Centre.

It is also avaliable for other advertisements & announcements, just let Us know during Youth Centre opening hours or writee-mail: evstaaniel@gmail.com.

Local Life

Vassilopita Party By: Alice & Fotini

N

ear to the awesome poster anouncing the Dance Party of last week, you may have noticed another poster, representing Teddy Bear hidding his face. In fact, our favorite bear was inviting you to the Vassilopita Party, at Speakeasy Bar, on saturday 16th of february.

Baking Vassilopita or Saint Basile’s “cake” is a new year’s tradition in Greece. January 1st (yes we were a little bit late) is the feast day of Saint Basile, a fourth century bishop known for his generosity to the poor. St. Basile would try to help the needy by anonymously hidding gold coins in cakes that were delivered to the poor. The tradition of hidding a coin into the Vassilopita remains today.

And a lot of people heard about the Vassilopita Party! Speakeasy was full really quickly of people of all the generations. Before people came, Sergios Kaisaris, who owns a bakery in Messini, gave us the two bigger chocolate cake I’ve ever seen, thanks a lot to him. After a few hours drinking sangria and dancing with Loics’ fantastic playlist (yes, behind the bar, under this awfull hair, it was Loic), Filaretos took the microphone and cut the Vassilopita.

We all noticed that Giwrgos, the happy winner of the Party, had to eat almost half of the cake to finally find the coin!

We would really like to thank Nikos, the owner of Speakeasy bar for offering us the bar for the party and also the profit from the night for the support of the Youth Centre, the bakery «Sergios Kaisaris » in Messini for offering us this wonderful Vassilopita and, of course, all the friends and members of the Youth Centre that were there to celebrate with us 

Local Life

EVS Volunteer

Interviewer: Sandra Interviewee: Alice

Inter

Hi Alice! Where do you come from and why did you come to Kalamata for EVS? - Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from France, Toulouse (in the south). When I did the first meeting to apply to EVS I was told that a girl had canceled her project in Kalamata and that they had to replace her. And fortunately it was to work with children, and that was what I was searching for. I wanted to do EVS because I was fed up with searching for an interesting job, and I wanted to do something for me, something useful for an association. I also wanted to abroad again, because I like to travel and to discover new cultures.

Where did you travel before and what were you doing?

I traveled three times to Central America. I was helping friends to build a house in the mountains and then I was just travelling to discover new places and new people. Then I also learned to work with amber and to make jewelry. I also traveled East, to Bulgaria and Slovenia, visiting a friend who was doing EVS. That was how I knew about EVS. What did you study in France?

I studied Literature and also Science of Education. Then I was having internet lessons about childhood and working with babies and children.

And what will be your project here in Kalamata?

I work in the horseriding school, with children with disabilities. I will also work in K.E.K.Y.K.AmeA although I am still not sure what I will be doing.

rviews Interviewer: Marisa Interviewees: Sylvia Moeffer

and

Ralf Moeffer

Local Volunteer

For First, present a little bit yourself. Your names, how old are you. What did you study, what are you doing now in Kalamata?

We are Sylvia Moeffer and Ralf Moeffer.

We have 54 and 55 years old. We studied accountant and insurance. In Kalamata we are teaching Germany.

How

does

your life?

volunteering

affect

Good question. We think that it is very good to volunteer; it’s fantastic to give your free time to help the community with social problems. By volunteering, people offer their energy and transmit it to others.

How and when did you know about Youth Center?

We knew about the Youth Center in November 2012 through a Polish girl who told us about languages courses, and we thought why not! Now we teach German in the Youth Center and also learn Greek.

When did you become a volunteer?

We are volunteers in Kalamata’s Youth Centre since the beginning of December 2012.

What do you think about Youth Center?

Yes we love this place, it’s very good and has social perspectives, what is fantastic, like the free courses. In general we like here

The 4th of March will be last for Ralf & Silvia in Youth Centre teaching German. We want to say big THANK YOU to both of you behalf of Youth Centre of Kalamata!

Current Affairs

Week in athens By: Ines

D

uring the week of February 18, you may have noticed that the Youth Center was quite empty, certainly because half of the volunteers got sick, but also because some of us were in Athens for the mid-term seminar of our EVS. So, Manuela, Gianluca, Ieva, Taaniel and I stayed with 40 other volunteers from different projects in all around Greece for one week. We lived next to Omonia square and did activities linked with EVS.

For instance, we promoted this program in the streets, in universities, metro etc, we also discussed in small groups about our own project (achievements, support, challenges, disappointments etc.) and what we learnt in a creative way such as creating a short play inspired by the texts of Homer. Seminar also gave us brief information about future opportunities after our EVS project that is, to say, about LLP projects (Leornardo, Erasmus, Grundtvig, ...) and some training courses. (continues)->

Current Affairs

Well, the best part was definitely to visit Athens, and meet nice people around the world. It was also interesting experience to observe demostrations in the city centre with huge crowed of people everywhere. On our spare time we managed to go out to explore Exarhia, Sintagma, the National Gallery of Art and to reach the top of the Mount Lycabettus.

We are all looking forward to come back to Athens - to the amazing city to explore capital of Greece and for sure to meet other foreigner volunteers doing EVS there ...

External News

Iceland and the crisis

M

By: Bjartur

y name is Bjartur and when I Europe and its culture still reflects that. tell people I’m from Iceland In the second of half of the 20th centu-

I usually get a pretty funny reaction. ry through fishing exports, foreign aid It usually involves something about and in later years a growing financial, Bjork, Sigur Ros, polar Bears or vol- tourism and service sector – it became canoes. That’s because people usually one of the richest (relatively speaking, don’t know much about Iceland. To be of course) and most developed nations fair it’s a little understandable, we are a in the world. Iceland’s hard fought inbit far away, and quite rare. But maybe dependence and subsequent rapid I can inform you a little bit.

economical growth and development struck a chord with the deeply nation-

Iceland is a isolated island nation of alistic identity of the nation which still 320.000 people in the North Atlantic. remembered its glorified golden past of Although culturally European, it is geo- autonomy, democracy and rich viking graphically situated somewhere right chieftains bringing glory and plunder between America and Europe. With a to its shores. history spanning over a 1000 years, it actually lost its sovereignty in the Mid- But excess pride and recklessness is dle Ages and remained a Danish col- never a good thing, and in 2008 folony till 1944 after a long struggle for lowing the economical crisis Iceland’s independence. For the majority of its newfound glory and pride came crashhistory and well into the 20th century, ing down on its people. The oversized Iceland was one of the poorest places in Icelandic banking sector (growing as

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4xb5YVooeOk/TUYcDATyaoI/AAAAAAAAC8E/b0aTstDKbmw/

External News

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4xb5YVooeOk/TUYcDATyaoI/AAAAAAAAC8E/b0aTstDKbmw/

much as 1000% in 10 years!) completely collapsed and brought the country itself close to bankruptcy. Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people now faced a devalued currency, multiplied foreign loans and perhaps most importantly a wounded pride and shattered self image. The little country that could wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t invincible after all. But after the bank crash the Icelandic people voted into office its first leftist government in close to 30 years and has slowly but surely been making its way out of the crisis. Economic growth was attained in 2011, unemployment and inflation are down to low levels and the Icelandic state recently won an important judicial case against the European Union regarding the repayment of money that foreign investors held in Icelandic banks. While the Icelandic people are disillusioned with many things political, they are not showing outright signs of rebellion or great social unrest. Iceland is not part of the European Union and the Icelandic people have historically been opposed to it, an opinion more widespread after the crisis if anything due to the perceived mistreatment of Iceland by certain EU countries.

Iceland still has to face that without joining the EU it will have to struggle with its unstable currency and the problems that come with it.

An observant reader will probably have noticed many similarities between the countries of Iceland and Greece, both in its history and current social situation, and many disparities as well. It is one of the reasons why I, an Icelandic person, wanted to come to Greece to learn more about the current situation here and bring some of that knowledge back home. I hope it will be a mutual exchange of information, as I believe the two countries could learn and gain a lot from each other.

External News

Bullying (violence) in Po By: Marisa

E

very 3rd friday of November & last friday of February there takes place the International STAND UP to Bullying Day. This is the reason we have an article about bullying in this edition of LiNK. Bullying is a systematic process of intimidation by a child against another who is unable to defend himself. There are various types of bullying: physical, verbal or psychological violence, among others.

What often leads to the practice of violent behavior is the context in which children are included, such as the family background. If there is violence at home, the child will repeat it in school. Children are like sponges: they suck everything they see.

My experience on this subject happened between October 2010 and May 2011, as a final course project. I went to a public school of Basic Education in the Lisbon area, in which there was a high rate of violence, reason why I choose this project.

This project was carried out in a class of 5th grade (children between 10 and 11 years old), where I was doing activities about the theme, with the main objective to call their attention to the theme and to change any violent behavior they had.

In my opinion, the project was successful in achieving the objectives, but in changing the behavior of children it was not enough because the time was very limited. More time was needed to achieve behavioral changes. But it was a good project and I liked it, it allowed me to put my knowledge into practice and to begin to develop my professional profile.

ortuguese schools

http://lagcast.com.br/lgc/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bullying-oque-e-causas-como-evitar.jpg

http://www.yukon-news.com/news_images/2012/october/31/LIFEbullying.jpg

Entertainment

Teddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diary (Back in Yo Article by Sandra

Y

ou may think I am always on vacations, having fun around Europe, but that is not true. I also work hard in the Youth Center of Kalamata! In the mornings, I come in to the office to deal with very important stuff: to coordinate the activities in the Center, to manage all workers and volunteers and to have very important Skype meetings!

outh Centre)

In such lovely days like last week, I also enjoy a small break in the sun, to relax and regain energies, because all work and no play makes Teddy a dull bearâ&#x20AC;Ś Here I usually think about my incredible trips to France and Spain and I am actually starting to plan a new trip (seriously??) to Montenegro!

Entertainment

Teddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diary (Back in Yo In the afternoon, I like to improve my language skills (it is important when you travel so much).

In the Youth Center I can choose between Italian, Spanish, French, German, Estonian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Serbian or Sign Language! In this picture I was having my Italian lesson with Gianluca, the Italian volunteer. He tells me I am almost ready to go to Italyâ&#x20AC;Ś Molto bene, Teddy!

outh Centre)

After the lesson, I go down to meet all the bears who hang out at the Youth Center and I enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate with them. In the Café you can have coffee, tea, hot chocolate and sometimes, if there is a birthday, the volunteers let me eat cake!! It is also a good opportunity to practice other languages, as there are always international volunteers in the Café.

In this picture I am asking for Jelenas’ house keys, for my vacations in Montenegro!

Entertainment

Teddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diary (Back in Yo I like to help the volunteers in the Info Point.

There we can give people information about all courses and workshops in the Center, the weekly schedule and updates on extra activities like parties (YEAH!). We also provide information about European mobility programs abroad: do you want to study, work or volunteer abroad? Come to meet me in the Info Point!

outh Centre)

By the end of the day, I must relax from all the stress. Nothing better than going for a Yoga Lesson late in the afternoon! However, I have just started last week and I find it very hard to balance on my feet alone. They say it will get better with time, if I just concentrate! Tomorrow is another hard work day, so I will go home to restâ&#x20AC;Ś See you bears soon!!

Taaniel Stoitšev / 20 / Estonian / likes nature, different music, meaningful conversations and enjoys biking / volunteer in K.A.NE. Youth Centre with e-structures - publishing of magazine LINK, evsgreece.com website,… from September 2012 to September 2013

Who We Are

Ieva Medinytė / 19 / Lithuania / interests: nature, learning, exploring (places, people, myself) / Volunteer at Farma Fifa (Αγρόκτημα Φοίφα): helping with daily farm maintenance and supporting ongoing projects (permaculture education, re:think, etc.) / September 2012 – June 2013

Dorian Agnel / 21 / Working as a volunteer in horseriding school with children with disabilities and teach French and Swing dance in youth centre / My project started in September 2012 and will last 1 year

Kaja Napotnik / 22 / Slovenia / likes long walks, reading, dancing, volunteering and eating chocolate / volunteer at Farma Fifa on the project “Natural farming and environmental awarness” / from October 2012 to August 2013

Coucou, my name is Inès, I’m 18 years old and I’m French. I like music, cinema, Kokostavros and playing ukulele. Since October, I work in the Youth Center where I’m teaching french and guitar for children.

I will come back to France at the beggining of August, so I’m looking forward to summertime in Kalamata.

Loic MARCHAND / 27 / French / likes penguin, origami, Turkish movies and the waffles / volunteer in K.A.NE. Youth Centre from September 2012 to September 2013 >>

Hi everybody!

My name is Angela, I am 24 and I come from Creta. Some words about me: I hate sports, I love meeting new people and at this period of my life I am really interested in searching the meaning of life - if by chance you find it, please contact me. This year I am working with the volunteers of the Youth Center and coordinating its projects and activities.

Hello to everyone!

My name is Georgia. I am 24 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, especially since I am a new member of “K.A.NE.”. I am happy to be part of this organization

I’m Bjartur and I’m a 20 year old guy from Iceland.

I’m an EVS volunteer and I will be working at the youth center in Kalamata for the next 7 months. I’m very interested in Greek culture and history as well as politics and social change. If you have any questions about the frozen north feel free to ask me!

Hi, my name is Marisa Carvalho/ volunteer of Program Leonardo Da Vinci/ 23 years old/ Portuguese.

I studied Science of Education and School AdministrationW Some words about me: I like music, cinema, reading, meeting new people.

W Ar W

Diana Dias / gal / I am a Farma Foifa w Kaja and I’m Kalamata aga

Who re We

/ 23 / Portuvolunteer at with Ieva and glad to be in ain! ;)

My name is Irene, I am 27 years old and I am coming from Spain. I studied Classical Philology and one of my dreams was to come to Greece, so here I am! I work at the Youth Center of Kalamata, I am Spanish teacher and I also help with the general organization of the Youth Center and its activities and events. My project started in September 2012 and I will be here until September 2013!

Hi everybody, I’m Alice, I am 25 and I come from Toulouse, in the south of France. I studied sciences of education and I work as an animator with children.

I enjoy travelling. I arrived in Kalamata a week ago, and I’ll stay since august. I will work for the horse riding project and for KEKYKAmeA.

Sandra Coelho / 27 / Portugal / likes alternative media, photography, freuds’ dream interpretation, playing guitar, camping, travelling and discovering natures’ magic creations.

Working as Leonardo Da Vinci intern at K.A.NE. Youth Center from February to April 2013.

Filaretos Vourkos / Last 7 years I am working in the field of non formal education 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.

Jelena Scepanovic / 27 / Montenegro / volunteer in K.A.NE. Youth Centre from November 2012 to November 2013

Gianluca Barbin / 28 / Italian / likes reading narrative and sociological book, running, watch movies, use the bicycle, draw and paint, make manual works and magic tricks / volunteer in Κεντρο Ημερας for the children with autism and in K.A.NE. Youth Centre for the italian lessons, from October 2012 to April 2013

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

Manuela Gascon / 23 years old / France / I like music, volley-ball, wine, cinema, laughing, long nights with my friends, eating watermelons / volunteer in the Youth Center – organization and communication of Miden Festival / From September 2012 to August 2013 :)

Leonard Pristl / 18 / I love going for skiing in the winter, I love the white mountains and the nature but I also fell in love with the sea and the beaches here / I work in ΚΕΦΙΑΠ Μεσσηνίας from January 2013 to January 2014 as a EVS volunteer.

Who We Are

Hi! I’m TeddyBear! I know I look younger than I am ;) I like to hug people around Youth Center and also I enjoy to work in a office after all people have left! I’m a magic teddybear :) Most of the time I just look around the Youth Center and basically am as cute as I am!! I don’t remember when my “project” started, but I hope to be here at least as long as I already have:)

Thank You fo

Next

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15th o

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