LINK #113

LINK M AY 1 ST 2 0 1 8

N°113

May Editor: Angelina Kaysina

Designer: Antía Fernández Martínez

Cover Photo: Jorge Méndez Blake, "The castle"

LINK

#LINKEXPLORE

CONTENT Contact 5 About us 6 Youth Center - program 14 The book that influenced me most 16 Important writer from my coutry 18 A classic book from my country 20 Ophélie Cottier 22 Antía Fernández Martínez 25 Ola Kaczurba Mina Duma

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Maïlén Malengreaux

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Sandra Queirós

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Ophélie Cottier Angelina Kaysina

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EVS, K.A.NE.

Literature Literature Literature Why Should we Encourage Kids to Read?

Greek and Spanish literature: a Comparative Approach European Poet of Freedom Interview with an EVS Volunteer: Antía Fdez. Mtnez.

My Project and the History of Emigration in Greece My Sending Organisation: Portuguese Red Cross Past Event: mid term seminar Future Event: Kardamili Jazz Festival

K.A.NE. EVS: Angelina Kaysina Antía Fernández Martínez Blagovesta Georgieva Carolina Minaya Castejón Majka Dokudowicz Maria Nadja Schädler Mina Duma Ola Kaczurba Ophélie Cottier Paquita Couppey Sandra Queirós Sebastiano Bravi Sheila Gómez Valentina Argiolas

ACT Volunteers: Antoine Werquin Nicolas Jaouen Maïlén Malengreaux

Staff members of K.A.NE.: Afrodite Katsichtis Antonia Vrioni Filaretos Vourkos Jelena Scepanovic Nancy Kanellopoulou Nantiana Koutiva

@kane.kalamata

WHO ARE WE?

OLA

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PAQUITA

Angelina

Hello there! My fool name is Aleksandra but you can call me Ola. I’m 19 and I just finished my high school. I come from capital of Poland – Warsaw. I love chocolate, amazing harmonies, good guitar riffs, totally crazy hairstyles and classic rock. I’m a dancer therefore I will be teaching contemporary dance in the Youth Centre but my primary job will be in therapeutic horse riding centre. See you around!

Hi ! My name is Paquita, I'm 26 years old and I'm from Marseille in France.

I will stay here for eleven months. My mission will be to work in the therapeutic horse-riding and in the KEFIAP Center to assist people with disabilities. I just finished my studies in the Art-therapy and I'm very enthusiastic to begin my EVS. This will be a great experience for me :)

Hello! I’m Angelina an I’m 26 years old. I decided to come to Kalamata as a volunteer because I already knew about this kind of opportunities and it was time for drastic changes in my life. You can find me at the Youth Center where I’ll be leading the Russian language and the fitness + stretching workshop. Can’t wait to meet you at Kentro Neon.

Mailen

OPHELIE

AntIa

Hello there ! My name is Maïlén I'm 25 years old. I come from Brussels in Belgium and I've graduated a few months ago as a social worker. This year is my volunteery year : before Greece I was in Bénin for 2 months where I worked with abused young girls, now I came to Kalamata for 6 months to work on the ACT Project helping refugees. In my spare time, I'm a musician (singer and violinist), I love to read, art, watch series and movies and have a drink with friends.

Bonjour! My name is Ophélie, I come from France.

I am in Kalamata for 11 months and volunteer at the Day Care Center for children with autism. Living abroad is a wonderful opportunity to meet fascinating people and to learn about cultures. It allows to become independent, open-minded and to avoid ethnocentrism. I can’t wait to discover the greek way of life and to visit the country. I’m also excited about tasting the food (of course !). I like to exchange and discovering so… see you soon around Kalamata!

Καλημέρα! My name is Antía and I come from Galicia, in the northwest of Spain. I have arrived in this city because some years ago I made the “mistake” – but, who chooses these things? - of falling in love with Greece and with the Greek language. So, after finishing my university studies in Humanities and Literature, I decided to start my Greek periplus, periplus that, after Thessaloniki and Crete, has found its new stage here in Kalamata. Να μας δούμε στο ταξίδι!

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MINA

Antoine

MAJKA

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I’m Mina and I’m 28 years old free spirit. I don’t like routine and I think that everything that seems interesting is worth trying. I’m fascinated about human interaction and being part of K.A.NE. gives me the opportunity to meet and work with many beautiful people. I'm into science-fiction and superheroes, and I guess that shaped me into an idealist who believes that there is beauty and courage in everything, no matter how small. Therefore, our duty as human beings is to highlight it.

Amahoro !

My name is Antoine, I'm 25, I am here for 6 months.

I'm a Graphic Designer and engaged humanitarian since 6 years. I joined the ACT (Youth on the Move) project to help migrants and refugees in Europe.

I like traveling, meeting new people, music, cinema, my family, my friends, love, parties and pitas.

Hello! I’m Majka, I’m 27 and I’m coming from Poland. I grew up in Warsaw, but the last 8 years I was living in Poznan, Wrocław and Thessaloniki.

I’m a printmaker and graphic designer, I’ve finish Academy of Fine Arts and I’ve participate in more than 50 exhibitions worldwide. In Kalamata I will work in the office and I will also create my own projects.

SANDRA

My name is Sandra, I have 23 and come from the North of Portugal. I will be volunteering in Daycare Center for Autistic children. I’m very excited about this change in my life. I’m passionate about travelling, science, books and a TV series addicted. I decided do EVS for a new challenge in my life and I think that Kalamata will be a great place for it.

Sheila Kalimera, I am Sheila from Spain, I love Kalamata and sharing moments with amazing people. I am a volunteer in Kefiap - center helping people with dissabilities.

I studied environmental sciences. I like nature, animals, travellig, dance salsa, capoeira and to have fun!

MARIA

Hallo! I’m Maria from Liechtenstein and I’m 19 years old. I finished high school this summer and now I’m doing EVS to take a break before attending university and hopefully studying social education.

Working at my parent’s restaurant and now at the dog-rescue-center is going to be a nice experience before my normal life routine begins. Because it might be interesting, I’ll answer some often-asked questions about Liechtenstein. Yes, we are a very small country (37000 people in 167km2) and we do speak German. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.

Lots of Love, Maria.

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VALENTINA

CAROLINA

BLAGA

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Hello, I'm Valentina, I'm 27 years old. I come from a beautiful island called Sardinia, in Italy. I'm a curious woman. I love meeting new people, new cultures, discovering other realities and learning new languages. In the free time I love reading, doing yoga and meditation . I have just ended my studies in midwifery. Now I'm enjoying this Erasmus experience before introducing my self in the obstetrician working network During my Erasmus experience I'll work in a natural farm with Blaga. It's the first time that I work in a field and I'm very happy to work with her in nature.

Hello. My name is Carolina and I live in Spain. Now I'm in Kalamata doing a project with people with special needs in Kefiap. I like: sports, travel, nature, stay with my friends‌ I'm happy with this new experience and I think that I can learn a lot about my job, about the people and the country.

Hey! I am Blaga, from Bulgaria. I am here in Kalamata to work in the environment field and I will be really happy to learn more about nature and life in Greece. Exploring new ways of thinking and living is a huge part of my life and i am always interested in diving into new realities and creating new dimensions. I am more and more concerned about nature and how can I interact with it in the most sensible way. So here i am for you people and our wonderful mother Earth. :)

SEBASTIANO

NICOLAS

Ciao! I'm Sebastiano, but usually people are calling me "Seba". I came from a small city in the middle of Italy and I just finished a 3 year course in Video&Graphic design. So basically I was working as a freelance videomaker before I decided to come to Kalamata as a volunteer!

If you don't know me I can seem shy (I'm definitely not), but I just like to listen when I don't have anything interesting to say.

I love music, movies and arts in general, being open air, travelling and of course making new friends!

Hello, my name is Nicolas, I'm 25 years old, and I come from Lille in the north of France. Last years, I worked as a volunteer in an association, in Lille, for a civic service. There, I worked with families in precarious situations, to help them save money and, at the same time, raise their awareness of sustainable development. I am in Kalamata for 6 months to work on the ACT project to help migrants and refugees. I also hope to improve my english. In my life, I like music, reading books, watching series and having good times with friends.

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K.A.NE.

FILARETOS

jelena

NANTIANA

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Hello, I am Filaretos Vourkos. For the last 10 years I am working in the field of Non-formal education as a volunteer, youth worker and youth trainer. 6 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.

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 KANE does, so I decided to stay and be part of it.

My name is Nantiana! I’m 25 years old. I live in Kalamata! I was living for 5 years in Patras! I was studying there greek philology and now I’m teaching greek to the youth center in Kalamata.

Nancy

ANTONIA

AFRODITE

Hello World! I’m Nancy and I’m doing my internship in K.A.NE as a Project Manager. I am really excited to be here because I was always admiring their work especially the Youth Center and Street Festival. I’m passionate about meeting people and exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas. I love the fact that many young people visit every year my hometown Kalamata and contribute in our society.

Hello, I'm Antonia and l'm 23 years old. I studied business administration in Athens and now I'm doing my internship in K.A.NE. as an office manager. I'm really enthusiastic to be a part of this team and work together so that young people have more opportunities to meet different people and cultures, exchange ideas, travel the world and OPEN their minds!!!

Hello, I am Afrodite. I studied Psychology and Human Resources Management and I have been working with volunteers for the last few years. I just arrived in Kalamata and started working in K.A.NE as an EVS Coordinator. I am really excited to be here and to be working with you!

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L I T E R AT U R E THE BOOK THAT INFLUENCED ME MOST MINA It’s hard to pick one as I believe that every book that I’ve read has influenced me in some way. I think that I’ll go with The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud. Why? Because reading that book was an important step in my self-development. Since then I feel more in touch with my subconsciousness and I believe that this is very important in order to understand, accept and love yourself.

MAÏLEN One of the most important books to me is certainly The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir. Let us be honest, I have never read it in its entirety: we are talking about two theoretical volumes of about five hundred pages each. This doesn't prevent me from using these works since the beginning of my adolescence for all my researches that deal with, near or far, feminism. If it influenced me the most; it's one of the first books that helped me to develop my critical thinking and define myself as a woman.

OPHÉLIE The four agreements: a practical guide to personal freedom written by Miguel Ruiz completely changed my way of thinking.

“Be Impeccable With Your Word”, “Don't Take Anything Personally”, “Don't Make Assumptions”, “Always Do Your Best”, putting into practice the 4 principles made my life more peaceful. However willpower and daily awareness are needed to adopt them.

OLA Oscar and the Lady in Pink by Eric Emmanuel-Schmitt was the first book I fell in love immediately, with full compassion and I read it on one breath. It was in my hands several times and it’s the novel I come back to very often although I’m not a fan of rereading. On some very subliminal way, it’s, dressed with beautiful words, a reality-check for me. And E.E.Schmitt has a very special place in my heart, whatever his work is.

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SANDRA Eat, pray and love. It is not the most influential (because can’t find only one) but very important to me. The philosophy of the author, the fact that it was based on a real story and the description of each travel. The influence that each country has in our life was a solid substance to shape my passion for traveling and living a little in the moment.

ANGELINA Winnie-the-Pooh was my first (read influential) book. After coloring all the text's letters (at the age of four) I was totally convinced that literature is in my blood. Probably, the talent was lost since then yet the start was ambitious!

(Note: yes, the image in the left is the Russian Winnie-thePooh).

ANTÍA Looking back, today I can say that one of the books that marked more my vital and professional path was the Homer’s Iliad, the book that I read really young and that I was like a “prophecy” of the course that my life will take after: Greece and literature.

MARIA The fault in our stars is very important to me as I saw the movie and later read the book only a few weeks after my cousin passed away due to cancer. The book and movie helped me a lot to deal with the situation and learn how other people manage such things.

SHEILA El Alquimista, by Paulo Cohelo, tells about a shepherd from the Spanish region of Andalusia who seeks treasure in Egypt. A gypsy informed him about treasures in the pyramids. This is his “Personal Legend” or life goal. Along the way, he meets others who helped him to come closer to his destiny and who thought him many lessons. It's a novelized self-help book.

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L I T E R AT U R E IMPORTANT WRITER FROM MY COUNTRY MINA - ROMANIA Lucian Blaga (1895 – 1961) - was a commanding personality of the Romanian culture of the interbellum period. He was a philosopher and writer highly acclaimed for his originality, a university professor and a diplomat.

MAÏLEN- BELGIUM The most famous writer from my country in these days is probably Amélie Nothomb. She's known throughout the world mainly because of her slightly eccentric dress style.

Her particular manner of writing I would even call unique.

She can, indeed, make the pompous language fluid and accessible. Moreover, her works are often very short and focused on the modern socio-philosophical topics.

OPHÉLIE - FRANCE A poet, playwright, prose writer, politician, artist and french intellectual figure, Victor Hugo (1802-1885) is one of the most important french writers. By his works and political engagements he played a major role in the history of the 19th century. All French have, at least, read one of his books, poems or plays.

OLA - POLAND Poland’s history hosted many noticeable characters throughout every century. One of the most flourishing times was when our motherland was under partitions and words were the only way to spread the language and hope. A deserving writer at that time (also before, during romanticism) was Adam Mickiewicz that created variety of works from poetry and novels to dramas, essays and articles. He is regarded as national poet and often called the greatest one.

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SANDRA - PORTUGAL Álvaro de Campos, Ricardo Reis, Alberto Caeiro and Bernardo Soares - all of them are different characters of Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935). Pessoa gave us a wonderful legacy of poetry. He is hope, future, madness, sadness, depression, peace, love.

ANGELINA - RUSSIA Vladimir Pozner is the outstanding Russian, French and American journalist, writer, translator, literature reviewer, author of the same-named TV show. Having been born in France, raised in the USA, he tends to reveal the most burning political, social, international affairs and makes consider them from different aspects. Recent discovery of mine!

ANTÍA - SPAIN Taking in account that we are now writing these lines from Greece, I think we have to underline Federico García Lorca (and yes, it’s true, amazing poetry, amazing theater, amazing literature and amazing cosmology). He had an important influence not only in the Occident literature, but especially in the Greek literature (if you want to know more about it, take a look at the article ;) ).

MARIA - LIECHTENSTEIN Herbert Hilbe, born 1960 in my city Triesenberg is a writer of multiple books about the mythology of Liechtenstein.

Those books are not only interesting, but also important since they help not to forget all those stories about our country.

SHEILA - SPAIN Miguel de Cervantes is considered as one of the greatest figures in Spanish literature and universally known for writing Don Quijote de la Mancha, many critics have described as the first modern novel and one of the best works of universal literature.

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L I T E R AT U R E A classic book fROM MY COUNTRY MINA - ROMANIA Maitrey (Bengal Nights) is a novel written in 1933 by the author and philosopher Mircea Eliade. It is a fictionalized account of the impossible love story between two people coming from two different cultures: Eliade, and the young Maitreyi Devi, protégée of the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, who became a famous writer herself.

MAÏLEN- BELGIUM In the literary world, Belgium is best known for its comic strip production. And the best known author is undoubtedly Hergé and his saga of the young reporter Tintin, always faithfully accompanied by his dog Snowy and his friend Captain Haddock.

OPHÉLIE - FRANCE Les fleurs du mal is a volume of poetry written by Charles Baudelaire. The 163 poems outraged the right-thinking society of 1857 and led to a momentous trial. Baudelaire speaks about human finitude, disgust, expiation, death, ideal world by introducing new style of poetry (using for instance enjambement).

OLA - POLAND One of the most important classic book(s) in Poland is the “Trilogy” written by our Nobel Prize winner - Henryk Sienkiewicz consisting of With Fire and Sword, The Deluge and Sir Michael.

It’s a historical novel about polish-lithuanian noble and solder Andrzej Kmicic as well as other commonwealths during the Swedish Deluge and Northern wars in general. The purpose of those books was to renew polish national consciousness during denationalization by partitioners by outlining polish patriotism during XVIIth century.

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SANDRA - PORTUGAL Memorial do Convento is a book of José Saramago (Nobel prize of Literature). This book is about the construction of the Mafra’s convent. It portraits the society of that epoque, sometimes in a picturesque way, mixed with some magical events. Everyone reads the book in high school, besides the social critics of an old portuguese society is still very accurate in some of them of the actual society.

ANGELINA - RUSSIA Turgenev’s Fathers and sons turned out to be symbolic novel of 19 century. Conservative and young generations' dispute leads to arguments, discussions and provokes readers to reflect on the topic. Always actual never-ending issue.

ANTÍA - SPAIN One classic book for Spain? I guess the answer is clear!

Problably Don Quijote de la Mancha, by the inmortal Cervantes, is the most Spanish influential book in our country and in all the European literature!

MARIA - LIECHTENSTEIN I am truly in love with Der Walserdialekt am Triesenberg, which means the dialect of the Walser Valley in Triesenberg, it is the dialect that is spoken in my town. Our dialect is so different than others in Liechtenstein that even me, a native do not understand a lot of those words. For me it’s very interesting and important that our language won’t die out.

SHEILA - SPAIN El Cantar de Mio Cid (traslated like The Lay of the Cid, The Song of the Cid or The Song of My Cid) is believed to have been written between 1140 and 1207, this epic poem tells the adventures of the hero (El Cid) during the "Reconquista" (Reconquest). It’s based on a true story, and it was passed through performances by minstrels, so the written version is probably quite different from the original version.It’s a classic largely because of its antiquity—it’s the oldest Spanish epic poem we still have.

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L I T E R AT U R E W h y s h o u l d w e e n c o u r ag e k i d s TO READ?

Why should we read? What are the positive impacts of reading? Why should we start reading during childhood? With the help of the publication from Canadian “National Reading campaign”, we will try to answer these questions. With the presentation of a French concept “Epopia”, we will give an example of a way to make children interested in literature.

The importance of reading According to Hills Stratégie’s research, reading increases the involvement into the civic life.

For instance, the results shown readers tend to volunteer more than non-readers (42% vs 25%), to give money to charity (82% vs 66%).

Considering the development of social skills, Mar and al. (2006) highlight readers of fictions tend to have better abilities of empathy and theory of mind. Empathy is “the capacity to 22

understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference”. The theory of mind “is the ability to attribute mental states—beliefs, intents, desires, emotions, knowledge, etc.—to oneself, and to others, and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, intentions, and perspectives that are different from one's own”. Both are essential to develop social skills and relationships. Another paper from Mar and al. stresses that reading fictions helps to understand people different of ourselves. An article from Business Standard (2013) points out reading books to children is helping them to deal with social struggles and reducing violent behaviors.

About the individual point of view, Howard (2013) shows that reading for pleasure is helping to develop self-awareness, self-identification and self-construction. Another Hills Stratégie’s survey stresses that readers tend to describe their health better than non-readers and express more positive feelings about life in general. Lewis’s publication (2009) features reading is decreasing stress: according to the author, after 6 minutes of reading the level of stress is 60% lower. Reading makes cognitive functions developing (ability to highlight the meaning from a text, develop vocabulary, verbal intelligence, knowledge…). See Cunningham and Stanovich “What reading does for the mind” for more information. This activity is also helping to decrease the risk of incident dementia (Hughes and al., 2010).

Many studies feature a correlation between reading and success. “Reading for Change: Performance and Engagement across countries” (Kirsch and al.) and “Reading for pleasure puts children ahead in the classroom, study finds” (Battye and Jungeblut) are highlighting higher grades, as well as better progress in vocabulary, mathematic and spelling for children who are reading for pleasure. “Adult Literacy in America” (Kirsch and al.) stresses higher positions at work and salaries for adults with higher level of literacy than for adults with a lower level.

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How to make children interested in reading: a French example A French firm, called Epopia, found a way to make children relishing literature and developing reading, spelling skills, as well as their imagination. The concept is easy: putting the child in the heart of an adventure. One day a letter arrives for the child in the mail box. S/he discovers that s/he is the director of a nature reserve, the king/queen of a kingdom or a captain. From that moment, the child is in charge of the functioning of the place. Many characters are addressing letters directly to the child to describe what is happening and asking the king/queen/director/captain to make decisions. The child has to answer by letter to share his/her decisions, give answer to puzzles, share jokes‌and responses will arrive according to the decisions made but also depending of the events that took place in this far far away country since the last letter.

Thus, every adventure is unique and follows the child’s choices, questions, creativity.

Goodies are included to increase the imagination. Her/his level of reading/spelling and rhythm are respected. Nowadays, twenty writers and education specialists are working to answer to the 300 schools and more than 30.000 children who are taking part to the adventures (including a 5 years old director who do not go anywhere without the key of his natural reserve).

Sources: http://nationalreadingcampaign.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ReadingFacts_fre.pdf https://www.epopia.com OPHÉLIE COTTIER 24

L I T E R AT U R E GREEK AN D SPAN ISH LITERATU RE: A COM PARATIVE APPROACH

The comparative literature is a field of the literature studies that searches for the parallelism and divergences between two or more different literatures, or between the literature and another types of art, with the aim of finding the generalities and underline and understand better the particularities. By the end, what the comparative literature shows us is the fact that everything is more connected that it appears to the naked eyes. Let’s take a brief look to the case of the Greek and Spanish literature of the last century!

The “hidden” philosophers I call this way characters like Miguel de Unamuno or Nikos Kazantzakis, because their literature work kept always one step in the more literate field and another one in the more philosophical aspect of the human existence.

Greece and Spain are both countries which have not been characterized by the work of “pure” philosophers during the 20 century (even when in Spain we can find a bigger number, like Ortega y Gasset), in the sense of intellectual that dedicated their professional work and time for the writing of philosophical works. Nevertheless, and maybe due to that, 25

we cannot refer to these countries like countries without reflexive legacy... it’s only that we must better look for in their literature characters, like Augusto Pérez or Alexis Zorbas.

(If you want to read more about Unamuno and Kazantzakis, take a look here, in the pages 29-31: https://issuu.com/kane.kalamata/docs/link_15th_january_2018_no106).

Generation of 30 and generation of 27

We are going now to two literature “generations” (even when some critics call in question this denomination and for both cases they prefer to refer to “generational group”) that coexist more or less in the same time (beginning of the 20 century) and that present some similarities between them, like the literature renovation that both of them supposed in their countries or the importance than the avant-gardes (especially the surrealism) had in the work of their authors.

Obviously, we can find also differences between both groups. For example, the “national question” has an importance in the Greek generation of 30 that has not between the poet of the 27 (in this sense, thematically the Greeks are closer in some aspect to the worries of the Spanish generation of 97).

Another important fact that we have to underline is the influence that the generation of 27, especially Federico Garcia Lorca had in the Greek poetry, showing that the literature is not unidirectional, and that the exchanges between literatures are the most natural thing!

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Social poetry Giannis Ritsos and Miguel Hernandez are the two poets that we want to underline in this moment, because they represent one of the best examples of the social poetry of both countries, a type of poetry that “gather” the social and political demands and shouts of the people to make with them verses. And the thematic is not only point in common in their verses, but also the imagery and images that they use, like the figure of the mother, of the maternal belly or the symbolic importance of the nature.

Literature and music The relation between music and literature has always been close, how it is actually the fine line that separates and connects each one of the arts between them. One of the ways in which this relation has been expressed is through the phenomenon of musicalization of the music, practice especially common in Greece and in Spain. In the Greek country, we can find music version of the majority of its more important poets (Seferis, Elitis, Ritsos... the list is long) and even of foreign writer (the songs based in the work of Lorca are uncountable!).

In Spain, this practice was especially popular during the last period of the Franco’s dictatorship, with the musicalization of social poetry, in figures and bands like Joan Manuel Serrat, Paco Ibañez, Jarcha or Lluis Llach (this last one adapted to the Catalan two poems of Cavafy).

The social role that this process has in the society is fundamental, due to the fact that it is a way to insert poetry in the collective memory and, even, to make of his verses flag of revolutions and songs of protest.

However, don't forget that, always, the most important is to enjoy with their verses and their art! So, finish the read the LINK and go quickly to find some of their works. You will not regret it! *Fotographies: 1st, representation by a Greek group of theater of Lorca's Blood Wedding; 2sn, the Spanish generation of 27 in a no-common group picture, in which some of the women of the group also appear; 3th, Greek generation of 30; 4th, the poet Miguel Hernández encourage the Republic soldier during the Civil War; 5th, the poet Giannis Ritsos with the compositor Mikis Theodorakis.

ANTÍA FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ

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L I T E R AT U R E EU RO P E A N P O E T RY O F F R E E D O M

Poetry is one of the most sublime word art. To fit emotions, warnings, reflections, humor, admonitions, messages, the things you can’t describe in such short and defined form is not the easiest nut to crack. Among all centuries,the most notable daredevils willing to put their thoughts into words were honored, not always during their lifetime unfortunately.

XXth and XXIst century brought us various other ways to honor and spread popularity of certain writers. One of those are numerous awards and competitions, like “European Poet of Freedom Literary Award”. The purpose, as it is officially stated is “to promote European poetry, the medium of great importance, yet often marginalized in our world”. In each edition seven European poets are nominated by polish translators that, at the same time, propose their own translation of 28

author’s works therefore aside from writer, also the winner’s translator in being granted.

What were the motivations you may ask? Creators have simple answer: We see poets as those that have not given up and still believe that the world can be shaped by means of literature and especially poetry. Poetry is an exceptional laboratory where new forms of language are created in order to make it possible for us to communicate and comprehend the reality that surrounds us. Poets gift us with new languages and prevent the world from ossifying in the form of overused clichés.The European Poet of Freedom is an honour granted for the courage to build, by means of poetry, a new vision of European community.

Competition takes place every two years and is held in Gdańsk in Poland. This year was the 5th edition hence it was 10th anniversary of the competition.But the main point is not the competition itself. Whole initiative takes 3 days of creative meeting with authors, translators, critics, publicists and other representatives of art. The goal is to get rid of hermetic language boxes and open eyes on other perceptions of community, freedom, tongues as well as to promote contemporary European poetry.

This year the winner was Linda Vilhjálmsdóttir from Iceland with her volumeFrelsi alongside with Jacek Godek – polish translator. Jury named her work “exploring the key problem of managing freedom we won”. The verdict reads: “From her Icelandic perspective, the author casts a penetrating, critical look at the European JudeoChristian-Islamic heritage, which currently forms a deep divide, able to multiply ‘crying hatred desires… everything apart from good.’ Poetry from Linda Vilhjálmsdóttir’s prizewinning volume is a deeply powerful voice warning us against the dangers of a new enslavement”.

OLA KACZURBA

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I n t e rv i e w w i t h a N E VS volunteer A N T I A F E R N A N D E Z M A RT I N E Z

v

Mina: Hello Antia! How are you?

Antia: I am fine, very busy though with designing the Link and studying Greek.

M: I know you have a special affinity for Greece. What to share why is that?

A: Yes, I love Greece in general and small Greek villages in particular! I have a special fascination for contemporary Greece, it’s language, history, religion and how these aspects influence each other.

M: How long are you here now?

A: I’m in Kalamata since November 2017 but I’ve first came to Greece one year before, in November 2016 and I more or less never left.

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M: I believe that having your first interview in this issue it’s exactly how it’s suppose to be. What do you think about it?

A: Do you mean because it’s the issue about literature?

M: Yes, that’s it!

A: Let’s say that it’s like the perfect connection for me. I am completely involved in this issue: for the design to the interview.

M: And why exactly is that?

A: Because literature is my topic from a personal interest point of view, but also professional and academic. I’m focused on the topic, especially on the Greek and Spanish contemporary literature.

M: Where does this passion come from?

A: I remember myself always reading, since I was a kid I was always having a book in my hand. About the Greek contemporary literature, this is a fascination that was brought to surface during my teenage years when I started to read about mythology and since my first years of University. I started to gain more knowledge as I started to explore more of the contemporary Greek literature and it caught me.

M: Do you have a favourite Greek writer?

A: Is not easy to read the Greek literature because only the main authors are trasnslated to Spanish and it’s not easy to be found. But I do have a special affinity for Giannis Ritsos. I could tell more but I choose hime baceuse he was one of the first Greek contemporary poet that I started to read, so in a way he’s one of my initiators in this 31

topic; and of course, his work is amazing! The up picture was taking in his natal house in Monemvasia some months ago.

M: Can you tell me your favorite poem or a verse, quote from him?

A: One of the first verses that I learnt by heart (but in Spanish) from the contemporary Greek literature is from him. The one that says: "Don’t cry for Romiossyni / Just as it is about to bend down / With a knife in the bone / With a belt on the neck / Look, it jumps up from the start / And grows stronger and furious / And hits the beast / With a harpoon of the sun...".

Talking about other Greek poets, I also love the Elitis' verse that in Spanish says"mi única cuita mi lengua en las arenas de Homero". Unfortunately, I couldn't find the English traslation.

I have another one…the famous one from Seferis “Wherever I travel Greece wounds me”. All these quotes are connected with the social cultural context of the period. This fits because the quotes connect all my fields of interest.

M: Is there something special that you’d like to share about the topic?

A: Since we’re talking about literature, I could go on until tomorrow, but then I’ll have to deign it, so it’s better to stop here.

M: Well, double thank you for your time, because I know that there are very busy days!

A: It was a pleasure!

32

MINA DUMA

MY PROJECT

M Y P RO J E C T A N D T H E H I S TO RY O F E M I G R AT I O N I N G R E E C E

My project here in Kalamata is related to immigration. I will write, during my stay, articles about immigration: its realities, its difficulties, its causes, etc. Of course, it seems to me logical that I will speak mainly about Greece and its immigration policy. But these articles will not only have informative purposes, they will also be created to make those who read these articles aware of the real conditions of migrants in general.

So to start this series of articles, I will start from the beginning: history of migration in Greece.

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As far back as we can remember, Greece has always been a country conducive to immigration.

Why has Greece always been so coveted?

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean basin, Greece has naturally become a commercial area through the ages thanks to its many ports.With its natural resources (mainly gold), art and famous civic advances, the country has always been prey to constant bellicose invasions. They gradually led to a large number of Greek expatriates through time and countries. The best-known emigration destination is the United States at the dawn of the 20th century, following the oppression of the Ottoman Empire and the First World War. But before that, there were others: being mostly marine people, the Greeks had facilities to move in the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, over time, they settled permanently on the Mediterranean shores and those of the Black Sea; Plato compared his compatriots to "ants or frogs around a pond. ".

After that, Greek emigration and invasions multiplied and Greek culture took a prominent place in the hospitable or invading countries.

Let's look at this a little closer and look at the golden age of Greece: Antiquity.

If this period is mentioned so often, it is because ancient Greece is considered one of the cradles of Western civilization as we know it. And going back to this period also explains how Greece was formed and how it was enriched by other cultures.

The Greek territory is not what is called fertile land. This small downside and hunger made the first inhabitants of the peninsula look for more welcoming places. It was thus by the sea that they began their odyssey. The oldest traces of Greek immigration, which dates back to the Neolithic period, were found in the Cyclades Islands, where white marble is the major resource, thanks to discovered handicrafts. Subsequently, the travels multiplied and new discoveries arose. The main discovery, which gave the name to this historical period, is bronze. Thanks to this mixture of copper and tin, commerce became dominant in all the port cities around the Mediterranean basin. This new concept allowed the Greeks to market their products from Italy to Persia, via Egypt. But bronze was not the specialty of the Greeks and, in exchange for this precious material, the merchants had to be able to sell specialties from their territory. At that time, the Greeks were already renowned for their fondness for drink and their 34

ceramic talent around the world. But it is neither wine nor ceramics that made the reputation of the Greeks but olive oil. Indeed, producing olive oil is a long and laborious procedure, which makes it rare and expensive. The civilization that dominated this complex art was the Cretans, once called the Minoans. They had, it seems, very good relations with the Mesopotamians and especially with the Egyptians. The Minoans were inspired by these for monumental architecture. The Minoan era bears witness to the importance of cultural exchange and the saying that "when you travel you do not just bring back products, you bring back ideas''. The Minoans are also known to have thought of the first alphabet called "Linear A" of the Greek language. This alphabet was also taken up by the Mycenaeans (called "Linear B"), who knelt down the great and powerful Crete.

The Mycenaean period is that of heroes like Achilles, Hercules, Ulysses, and others, whose stories will be so well told by great characters like Homer. But the end of this era was one of the most terrible for the world at that time: famines, droughts, earthquakes gradually destroyed this great civilization. But it is not only the Mycenaeans who have suffered at this time: it's also the period of the end of all the great empires like the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians and Egypt was nearly decimated. This period is called the Obscure Centuries.

After these dark hours, the Greeks managed to gently climb the slope with a more logical vision of the world. The Classical era was born and characterized by the cult of the individual which is the foundation of Greek culture. It's also the time of the great thinkers, where the writing is affirmed and where the Olympic Games are created. This new custom will have an important place in terms of cultural exchanges and, in this way, immigration. The Olympic Games were held every four years in four different cities: Olympia, Delphi, Corinth and Nemea. All Greek and free men could participate; so even the colonials could participate in the games. This privilege allowed the athletes and their colonial supporters to bring home ideas from within Greece.

Then comes the Golden age of the city-state of Athens. This moment in Greek history is very important because it sees the birth of democracy. Apart from this, it was also very marked by the two wars against the Persians and that of 35

the Peloponnese, which led to the fall of the Athenians.

After the fall of the great Athens, the kingship gained importance with Philip of Macedon who will be the first in all Greek history to unify the whole country, with the exception of Sparta, under one single authority.

He is also the first who desired to extend his power beyond Persia. But he will die murdered before he can realize his dream and it is his son, Alexander, who took over the torch. His empire stretched from Egypt to the banks of the Indus River in what is now Pakistan. On the road, Alexander took possession of the cities where he paid tribute to the gods and local customs. He also conveyed Greek language and culture throughout the territory and many of his men settled in these cities as ambassadors. Also, Alexander would have ordered his men to marry several local women to favour the mix. Even if the Emperor died soon after his conquests, his ideologies resisted for centuries and this allowed Greece to open up more to the world.

Antiquity reveals to us a rather important reality of migration: it's between these invasions and these colonies that the modern world has been able to build itself; thanks to cultural and commercial exchanges. Migration as we understand it today was not so pejorative: our ancestors managed to get the best of all situations. And most of these migrations were bloody. Today, if Greece is still home to so many immigrants, it's mainly because of its geographical location: the country has about 6000 islands, it's easier to arrive on European soil by sea. Unfortunately, people arriving on these islands are seen as invaders and treated as such; while they are people in need fleeing misery and war. Instead of warmly welcoming another culture that comes to us peacefully, we reject it, as if we were afraid of being contaminated by an incurable disease. Yet history proves that migration is far from being a bad thing in the long run; they help to change societies. So when and why are we all so selfish and closed?

36

MAĂ?LEN MALENGREAUX

MY SENDING ORGANISATION PO RTUGU ESE RED CROSS: (Bru n ch o f Youth, Braga)

My sending organization is Portuguese Red Cross, Brunch of Youth situated in Braga. As part of Red Cross,the history of my organization is long and always dedicated to the humanitarian work. This is the most Know work of the Red Cross that is guided by seven fundamentals principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Unity, Universality and Volunteer. It was as volunteer that I found the Brunch of Youth.

This part of the Red cross is more dedicated to the work with children and youth. There are several projects that develop a very distinct work, since the work with roman community to the Erasmus + programme. All projects have something in common, the volunteers. The people that dedicate some of their time because believe that world can be a better place. As volunteer I really believe that we, with all amazing people that coordinate the projects, made Braga a better place.

It was the opportunity to volunteer in this organization that allow me found the EVS. We are also a hosting organization what allow me to know people doing 37

EVS an d tes t i m o n y t h e i r e xp e ri en ce, u n ders tan d th e ch an g es th at EVS w as on th em a n d h o w t h e y c h an g e o u r l i ves to o . Every year we se nt som e v olu n t e e r s t o E V S a n d i s very i n teres ti n g wh en th ei r s h are the ir stor ies , thei r e xp e r i e n c e s.

Ye s , I’ m w r i t i n g w e . P a r t o f b e a vo l u n teer i n th e Bru n ch o f Yo uth is be p ar t of a f a m i l y. I d o n o t f e el th at ex i s t th ey an d I. Ex i s t an ama zing gro up of peo p l e t h a t l e a d s t h e bru n ch o f Yo u th an d create a co m munity be tw een the m a n d t h e v o l u n t e ers . T h i s en vi ro n m en t i s s peci al bec a use all ow u s to d e v e l o p n e w sk i l ls , n ew i deas , n ew ex peri en ces an d ne w bo n d .

Por tugu es e R e d C ro s s , B r u nch o f Yo u th i s m y s en di n g o rg an i za tion but is als o p a r t o f m e a s a pers o n . I ch o o s e th em as m y s e nd ing or gan iz ation b e c a u se o f t h a t , th ere are am azi n g pro f es s i o n al s but a re much more t h a n t h a t . T h a n k yo u s o m u ch f o r th at!

38

SANDRA QUEIRĂ“S

Past event

MID TERM SEMINAR

v

Long-term volunteers have to attend two seminars organized by the National Agency of the hosting country during their EVS. The first one is the “on-arrival”, the second is the “mid-term” seminar. Depending on the country they belong, some volunteers might have a “pre-departure seminar” and an “after-EVS seminar”. Related to the topic of “previous event”, from Sunday the 15th of April to Thursday the 19th, 5 of us took part to the Mid-term seminar organized for all EVS volunteers from the “south” of Greece.

The place was located in the National Park of Mount Parnitha at an altitude of 1161m.

A place with nothing but fresh air, nature, birds singing, amazing view, forest and calm…at only one hour from the center of Athens! Some of you might already have heard about these seminars for volunteers in 5 stars Hotel in Athens. This is part of 39

the past. In order to be closer to the spirit of volunteerism, the National Agency changed the type of accommodation…for the best (at least in my point of view). Living in a refuge means solidarity, respect, cooperation, awareness about the nature…Values that define and are encouraged by the European Voluntary Service.

We were 29 volunteers from 6 different places all located in the “south” parts of Greece: Lefkada, Livadia, Athens, Chios, Korinthos and Kalamata. The “north” parts of Greece will have their seminar in Thessaloniki in a month. Two trainors, specialized in “nonformal” education, facilitated the seminar and one mountain guide was the link between us and the staff of the refuge.

I will not describe in details what we did, however I will briefly speak about the main topics. We exchanged about our hosting and sending organizations, mentors, projects, relations with others EVS volunteers. We had team building activities to help us to be more comfortable into the group. We were offered time to think about all the skills, competences acquired during the last past months as well as our achievements. As it was the “mid-term seminar” we also spoke about “life after EVS”. Finally, to help us to be aware of all the things we lived, were invited to make our EVS book. And so much more, as for example a 3 hours walk into the nature with the mountain guide. This seminar was an opportunity to step back from the daily routine inside the EVS, to think about the last past months as EVS and to become more aware of all our achievement. It was also an opportunity to meet others volunteers, from others organizations and places in Greece!

Before to split and go back to our different cities, we enjoyed one last activity all together.

Instead of taking the road to go down we took the cable car. We had fun and a beautiful view of Athens!

[The author made the choice to only share pictures of nature, firstly not to publish pictures of person without permission, the secondly is because she felt in love with the nature, the calm, the peaceful atmosphere of the place] Would like to know more about the refuge? Here’s their website: https://www.mpafi.gr/

OPHÉLIE COTTIER 40

future event

ka r da m i li ja zz f e s t i va l

For the fifth time Kardamili International Jazz Festival will be held in Kardamili, Mani Peloponneso (one hour drive south from Kalamata). Organised by Sarpsborg Jazz Club (Norway) with cooperation of New Orleans Workshop and Asker Jazz Club, it regularly attracts people indifferent to artistic and cultural events. Round 50 concerts will take place in more than 30 different locations. Musicians from all over the world, mainly from Norway, but Scotland, England, USA, Argentina, Sweden, Greece, Austria will jazz your week up! As a bonus you will enjoy gorgeous beaches, authentic Greek food and picturesque landscapes!

Not-to-be-missed event, since it's totally for free! Celebrate the last spring month with new tunes, musical experiments and extraordinary people from all across the globe.

Save the date! 5-12 May, Kardamili, almost all cafes, restaurants, tavernas.

ANGELINA KAYSINA 41

LINK M AY 1 S t

2018

The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European Erasmus+ programme, KA1/youth - European Voluntary Service.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.