LINK #148

LINK #148

March 15th 2020

ERASMUS 1

Content K.A.NE P. 4 - 7 KNOW US P. 8 P. 9 P. 10 ARTICLES P. 12 P. 14

Volunteers & Collaborators “Why did you choose to participate in this Erasmus programme?”

“What is the best thing about Erasmus in your opinion?”

“Do you think you are well-informed about the Erasmus-programmes?”

Building on past experience, looking towards the future Lost in the universe of Erasmus+

P. 9

COMPARING Differences between Greece and Portugal P. 18 INTERVIEW Interview with VET volunteer P. 20 Interview with a Erasmus+ volunteer P. 22 PLACE TO TRAVEL “Delphi” P. 24 PLACE OF THE WEEK “Saint Trinity Chapel“ P. 25 EVENTS P. 26 P. 27

P. 24

Review of one previous Future events

ART REVIEW “Ancient Messina” P. 28 QUOTE OF THE WEEK Winston Churchill’s quote P. 29 GIADA IN KALAMATA My first week in Kalamata P. 30 P. 28

RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Mparmpagiannis P. 31 RECIPES Tarte Tatin P. 32 Tartiflette P. 33 2

Diego Barquilla

Editor

Tania Cano

Designer

@kane.kalamata +30 272 108 188 2

Editorial

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

LINK 3

Volunteers Alix

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

Benan

Hi, I am Benan and I am from Turkey.

I am studying at Manisa Celal Bayar University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. When I saw this project I got so excited. Actually I was planning to do ESC Project after my university graduation, but I had the opportunity to experience this short term Erasmus ESC project. This project was suitable for my mid term break, a was nice coincidence. This ESC related with my lovely majority Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. To be honest I wasn’t planning to work with people who has disability because I was a bit afraid, but thanks to this project, K.A.N.E and KEFIAP I lost all of my fears.

Catarina

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

name is Diego and I am from Spain. I am graduated in Psychology.

Diego My I came to Kalamata to be a volunteer in Kefiap, to learn how the people

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

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Hania

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

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

projects works, because one of the reasons that brought me here is searching for new answers and therapeutic methods that may be useful in my work as psychomotor therapist.

I love to walk around, travel to the sea side and hiking in the mountains, discover new things, cultures, ways of thinking and being and to talk a lot!

Katarina

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

My name is katharina and I am from Portugal .

Katharina Olá!!!

I am 18 years old and I finished high school last sum-

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

Lea

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

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Volunteers Tania

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

Patrycja

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

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

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

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

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

Jelena

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

Nantiana

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

Nancy

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

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

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

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1

Why did you

st Q U E S T I O N

Joana I decided to take a year to search for new useful methodologies for my profession and also to do a sabbatic year at my work and the project that I choose is a very good opportunity to learn, I also want to learn about other project for the same reason. And I always wanted to visit Greece it was a kind of a win-win situation.

choose to participate in this Erasmus

Katarina I was planning to join one for a long time now. So when I saw on Facebook that there is an open place in Kalamata for a volunteer who wants to join and work in a dog shelter I decided to join.

programme?

Alix

I discovered the ESC thanks to a friend. I was lost in my study and I need a break to discover myself. With Erasmus there are several program and a lot of young people have the opportunity to go abroad and do a rewarding experience. !

Katharina I am taking a Gap Year and my biggest goal was to do volunteer work, know different countries and meet new people. moreover, participate in an Erasmus project is a perfect option for me to listen music from other cultures.

Benan

Lea

I was planning to participate Erasmus Programme but after my graduation. One day I was roaming in the Facebook generally I dont look infopack but I looked and second one in the Physical Theratment Center. And Exactly I said “this project should mine.� It looked like so enjoyful.

I wanted to live abroad for one year to dedicade some time into personal developement, but mostly in order to help others and the ESC seemed like a nice opportunity to do that and to combine it with meeting a lot of new people, learning a new language and getting kind of paid for that :)

Catarina

Patrycja

I was a bit lost after my college graduation, I didn’t know exactly what to do next, so I thought I should stop and try something different. I was a volunteer abroad before, never for such a long time, but this project was perfect for me, I doing volunteer and using my gap year wisely.

When I started going to international meetings in my city, I met a lot of people who were on Erasmus programmes and I knew right away that as soon as I finished high school I also had to go to such a project. The ESC and other Erasmus+ programmes are a great adventure, an opportunity to get to know other cultures, live abroad and make friends with many people.

Diego For a lot of reasons. The main reason is that I wanted to learn how people work in the social issues out of Spain, furthermore I love to know other cultures and this is a great opportunity for me to achieve it.

Hania I always wanted to live in another country and I wish to dedicate my life to social work. Participating in Erasmus not only gives me a chance to live abroad, but also live and work together with people from many different countries. And I am also doing something good for the local community!

Roque For many reasons, such as meeting other cultures, countries, ideas and people from all around Europe and not only.

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2

nd Q U E S T I O N

Hania

What is the best thing about Erasmus in your opinion?

Erasmus gives us, young people, a chance to enjoy our time in a different country, because we don’t need to worry about money. It really helps us to just focus on discovering other cultures, learning the languages and own self-development!

Joana That we have all the expenses covered by European Union for minimum life sustent, that it’s not luxury but more than enough to live and enjoy the city.

Katarina The best thing about Erasmus for me apart from making new friends and see new places is that you learn how to adapt to different situations and to live with different people from different cultures.

Alix

In my mind, Erasmus is really a good programme for people who want to discover new horizon, new culture and learn others languages. In our society, it’s very important to speak english and have experience abroad so Erasmus give this opportunity for us !

Benan Learning culture, cultural exchange,adaptation to local language and communicate sincerely.

Katharina To get to know different cultures, to learn more about the world and about ourselves and also to make new friendships.

Lea Catarina

I guess for me it’s the same as for a lot of people: Getting to know different new cultures and even trying to be part of another culture for a certain time :)

For me Erasmus is a world of opportunities, it gives you the opportunity to study or work around Europe, learn new languages and cultures, even if you do not have a lot of money since its finance by EU, this makes it a really inclusive program (everybody can participate) and that is amazing!

Patrycja The best opportunity on an Erasmus project is to get to know other cultures - both the country you go to and your international colleagues.

It is also a great opportunity to improve foreign languages, learn many new things and get a Youth Pass certificate. You should also take into account that this is a free program and everyone can go there.

Roque

Diego The fact of share your life with other people around europe. For me It is a privilege to know other dishes, other festivities ad even other language. I also enjoy a lot listening other music styles from others’ culture.

Being able to meet other people who have a lot to share about their lives and realities.

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3

rd Q U E S T I O N

Do you think you are wellinformed about the Erasmusprogrammes?

Joana No, more and more I know about Erasmus-programmes more I realize how small is my knowledge about it and also others knowledge.

Lots of people just know Erasmus for studies..

Katarina I think that people are still not aware enough of erasmus programs and about all the options you have.

Alix

I think most of people know Erasmus but Erasmus allows people to live with a lot of different way. Anyone can find a program that meets their expectations.

Benan This is a unique ocean and you can not know everything, every project has a different type of ideas.

Catarina

Katharina

I was informed about some programmes, but now I just keep finding more programmes that are not as know as youth exchange or Erasmus for students (University) and it’s really interesting, because we have so many (hidden) opportunities waiting for us!

Definitely not. In my country, information about the Erasmus programme is very little disseminated. We are not well informed in school about the Erasmus options we have and there are many people who don’t even know that such programs exist and that we have the right to participate.

Lea

Diego

Thanks to the trainings for long-terms and the experiences with Erasmus of other volunteers I know now way more than I knew before, but I am still missing a lot of information. And sadly, in schools we are not informed well enough about all the opportunities Erasmus offers.

No. In my country no one from formal education or institutions told me about it and I knew about this type of programmes because of I was in contact with a person who did it. And even now which I am participating I still don’t know many things about Erasmus-programmes

Patrycja

Hania

I think so, I am well informed about the Erasmus+ projects. I learned a lot about it during two trainings/seminars I had during my ESC and by talking to people who are more experienced.

I was aware of the Erasmus university student exchange, because it’s very popular in my country.

But I didn’t know anything about Erasmus+ programmes. Just now, being an ESC volunteer, I started discovering how many opportunities young people have in Europe! And I regret I hadn’t had this knowledge when I was younger, because I would have definitely participated in more projects..

Roque I believe yes. However, not as much as I would like to (even more). I think because there is a lot of information everywhere that nobody really show us where exactly and what to look for.

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How to say?

“I love your country!”

Ich liebe dein Land!

J’aime votre pays!

Amo il tuo paese!

Kocham twój kraj!

¡Me encanta tu país!

Ülkenizi seviyorum!

Obožujem tvojo državo!

Amo o seu país!

Author: Roque

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Building on past experience, looking towards the future Erasmus+ is the European Commission’s Programme for education, training, youth and sport. The Programme is open to students, apprentices, teachers, lecturers, young people, volunteers, youth workers and people working in grassroots’ sport.

The Erasmus+ Programme builds on the achievements of more than 25 years of European programmes in the fields of education, training and youth, covering both an intra-European as well as an international cooperation dimension and aims at going beyond these programmes.

A VET mobility project can comprise one or more of the following activities: Learners’ mobility:

“

• Mobility in VET providers and/or companies abroad, from 2 weeks to less than 3 months;

(...) more than 25 years of European programmes (...)

• Long-term mobility in VET providers and/or companies abroad (ErasmusPro), from 3 to 12 months.

”

Staff mobility: • Teaching/training assignments: this activity allows staff of VET providers to teach at a partner VET provider abroad.

It also allows staff of companies to provide training at a VET provider abroad.

The part of Erasmus+ is also Vocational Education and Training Mobility Charter (VET).

Through this program, the European Commission aims to consolidate strategic approaches and quality in mobility in VET. The aim of the Erasmus+ VET Mobility Charter is to help organizations with good track records of organising VET mobility for learners and staff to further develop their international strategies.

• Staff training: this activity supports the professional development of VET staff in the form of a work placement or a job shadowing/observation period abroad in a company or any other VET provider.

VET mobility has a clear value in helping young people open up their minds, widen their social, professional and transversal skills, develop a taste for innovation and initiative and a sense of European citizenship.

Erasmus+ supports learning mobility of staff that: • is framed into a strategic approach of the par-

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ticipating organisations (aimed at modernising and internationalising their mission); • responds to clearly identified staff development needs and is accompanied by appropriate selection, preparation and follow-up measures; • ensures that the learning outcomes of participating staff are properly recognised and ensures that the learning outcomes are disseminated and widely used within the organisation.

lity framework previously agreed upon by the sending and receiving organisations to ensure a high level of quality for the activity, including a “Learning Agreement”.

These activities are open to VET learners (including apprentices) in vocational training organisations (VET providers). To strengthen the employability of VET learners and to facilitate their transition to the labour market, recent graduates (less than 12 months after graduation), can also participate in these activities.

Activities can take the form of full work placements with learners hosted in a company or other relevant organisation, or at a VET provider (a school, institute or other organisation providing vocational education and training) offering a combination of school based learning and a strong work-based component (work placements). In the case of long-term mobilities (ErasmusPro), while the host body can be a VET provider, the activity should have a clear work-based learning component – usually in the form of a work placement in a company.

The learning outcomes are formally recognised and validated at an institutional level, course contents are adapted as necessary to ensure that the mobility period abroad is well fitted to the course in which the apprentice/VET learner is enrolled.

A training assignment must last a minimum of two days and cannot last more than two months. This excludes travelling time.

EU grants are designed to cover your costs for travel and subsistence during your time abroad, as well as offering organisational support to participating institutions.

Though EU-funded, grants are managed by the VET institutions involved and they are responsible for making payments to individuals Right now, 18 students from Italy does an intern here in Kalamata in the framework of their studies. they have 2 accompanying persons. One youth worker and one professor. The project duration is one month. they work in different places around the city (hotels, stores, NGOs, kids centre, rehabilitation centre) according to their sector and preferences. There are another four students from France for this kind of project.

Each mobility activity is set within a qua-

“

(...) open to VET learners (including apprentices) in vocational training (...)

”

Author: Katarina

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Lost in the universe of Erasmus+ 1987. The European Union establishes on of the most known student exchange programme with the aim to the cultural exchange between students of the European Union possible. The programme, which was based on a project idea of the Italian educationalist Sofia Corradi - or also called: Mamma Erasmus - only included university students exchanges back then. That’s why it is called Erasmus: EuRopean Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. vities as Youth Exchanges, training courses and a lot more even exists. The whole Guide for the Erasmus+ programme compromises 333 pages full of detailed information about the programme. Of course I can’t sum up all the information given in there, but, to make the concept of Erasmus a bit clearer for you (and hopefully show you, that there are also a lot of opportunities for you as well!), here is a small, tiny guide through the whole big universe of Erasmus+. Let’s go!

But the European was not only clever regarding giving a name to this exchange programme: In 2014, the European Commission decided to extend the programme again and to include a lot of other projects in Erasmus in order to “support education, training, youth and sport in Europe” [official website of Erasmus+]. Furthermore, the new Erasmus+ programme was supposed to go beyond the old projects, which already included the VET programme by the way, by making possible the exchange and cross-fertilisation of different fields of education, youth work and training. As the original programme was extended, they decided to call it Erasmus+. Clever. And this reform, which lasts until this year, is pretty fantastic because those changes made the European Solidarity Corps possible and now we can live an amazing life here in Greece while offering time to do volunteering. For all of the people reading this article, who do not know what the European Solidarity Corps, also called ESC, is: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. And, if you are kind of freaking out right now, because you do not have any clue, which other activities and projects Erasmus+ covers, don’t worry, you’re not alone here as well. Even though I am doing a project included in Erasmus+, for a long time I didn’t have any idea that such acti-

So, basically the Erasmus+ programme is divided into eight different categories which target one specific sector. For instance, there is the category “Erasmus+: Youth in Action”, which deals with everything related to the activities in the

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field of youth non-formal and informal learning.

Or the field “Erasmus+: Leonardo da Vinci”, which is related to the activities regarding the field of vocational education and training. In those fields, you will find activities categorized again into the three Key Action fields of Erasmus+. Key Action 1 is called “Learning mobility of individuals” and is probably the most interesting one for you as possible participant in the Erasmus+ programme. KA1 focusses on everything regarded to the individuals and participants in the programme in order to enable them to improve their skills and gain cultural awareness. Key Action 2, “Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices”, is more interesting for those who are working in a NGO or other organizations, as it mostly supports activities in order to help the different organizations with networking. And, Key Action 3, “Support for policy reform”, is mostly about improving and modernizing education and training systems.

fessionals of organisations active in the fields of education, training and youth. The second one targets organizations representing the participants, called “participating organizations”. So, basically, if you want to participate in an Erasmus+ programme, you will always find a way. :)

As you see, there are two key target groups in the Erasmus+ programme: The first target group, called “participants”, consists of individuals, such as students, trainees, apprentices, pupils, adult learners, young people, volunteers, professors, teachers, trainers, youth workers, pro-

There are different institutions you will get in contact with while participating in an Erasmus+ programme. The European Commission is responsible for the whole Erasmus+ programme.

You probably won’t get in direct touch with the Executive Agency, but still they will determine a lot of your experience as they set the budgets, the aims and all the key data for the programme. Erasmus+ is organized through an indirect structure and management. Therefore, another institution was created whose task it is to implement all the programme activities on a national level. In every country, that is eligible for Erasmus+, there is at least one of those institutions, called National Agency. Some of the tasks of the National Agency is to approve and accredit organizations and projects and to organize the financial support ac-

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implement your idea! That’s pretty nice, isn’t it?

Another Erasmus programme, called Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, supports young people who are older than 18 and have a maximum of three years of experience as an entrepreneur. The aim of this activity is to support young entrepreneurs to gain more skills in order to enable them to build their own organization or company later on. In order to participate in this project, you will have to write a CV, a motivational letter and create a business plan, so it is a bit harder to get into the programme than getting into the ESC. This programme last between 2 to 6 months and the participants will receive financial support like in the ESC. If you want to participate in an activity that lasts for a shorter period, you have the option to participate in a Youth Exchange. Youth exchanges last between 5 and 21 days and allow young people from different countries between 13 and 30 to meet, to live together and to work together on a shared project. Every group of each country has a group leader, which has to be older than 18 years old and can also be older than the age of 30.

Again, all the activity-related costs like transportation, food and accommodation are covered by funds provided by the European Union.

cording to the parameters given by the European Commission. Therefore, the National Agencies in each country work as the link between the European Commission and the participating projects.

Now, let’s move a bit away from the organizational structure of the Erasmus+ universe and head a bit more towards different activities you might want to join!

As I already mentioned before, all the volunteers creating this magazine are part of the European Solidarity Corps. The ESC does not only promote volunteering activities in fields where more solidarity and social work is needed, it also includes traineeships and jobs. What most people do not know is that the ESC also includes the so called Solidarity Projects. The Solidarity Projects allow a small group of 5 European people between the ages of 18 and 30 to gather together and organize a Solidarity Project and getting funds, maximum 500 Euros per month for the period of 2 to 12 months, from the European Union. The special thing about this activity is that you can implement a Project without having to own an official organization. So, for instance, if you want to organize every month one day in which you unite the local community and refugees in order to promote social inclusion and intercultural living together, you can gather together with 4 friends, plan this project and then apply on the Solidarity Corps platform. And if you get accepted, you will receive funds in order to successfully

There are way more activities and projects. Under this article, you will find some more links where you can get more information about Erasmus+ and other European programmes that might be interesting for you. Erasmus+ and it’s conditions explained in this article lasts until 2020. For the period of 2021 until 2027, the European Commission decided to approach more to participants with lower opportunities, to implement different actions in order to raise the participation in the programme in general and to triple the budget of 14,8 billion euros for the next period of seven years. Of course, not everything is working in Erasmus+ activities as it should.

But still, there are a lot of nice and useful activities offered through the programme and hopefully, with the next period of seven years starting next year, some changes will be made in order to improve the programme. And as we can see, a good start was already made with tripling the budget as more projects and activities can be supported and funded. :)

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Important links for more information about Erasmus+ and other opportunities for the European Youth and citizens: Solidarity Initiative: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/solidarity_projects_en European Solidarity Corps: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en Official guide of Erasmus+ (the one with 333 pages): https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/resources/documents/erasmus-programme-guide-2020_ en Eurodesk, an informational and from Erasmus+ independent website with a lot of information for European young people, for example about EURES and more: https://eurodesk.eu/ Website of the Executive Agency: https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/homepage Website of the European Commission about Erasmus+: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/node_en EURES: https://ec.europa.eu/eures/public/en/homepage

“Education, training, youth work and sport are key to promote common European values, foster social integration, enhance intercultural understanding and a sense of belonging to a community, and to prevent violent radicalisation. [Part A: General Information, Guide of the Erasmus+ Programme]�

Author: Lea

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What’s different?

Erasmus & welcoming culture

Portugal As far as is noticeable, in Greece, Kalamata, Erasmus is a world of opportunities and learnings. As a Erasmus student there are some support and activities that promote your social inclusion, like the youth center; as a volunteer the support network seems to be bigger, also due to the volunteers itself.

Comparing with the portuguese reality, as far as is noticeable, the support network depends a lot on the context, in some cities there are activities just for Erasmus students and volunteers, in others there aren’t. However, erasmus students may feel more difficulties during adaptation process and during social integration with portuguese students. It also depends on the context but the difficulties may also happen due to a language barriers, cultures differences or others reasons, one really different academic tradition in Portugal is something that is called “praxe”.

“

(...) Erasmus student there are some support and activities that promote your social inclusion (...)

”

cal activities and all the old students (after second year of university) wear a special uniform that it’s called “traje”. Each university has it’s own traje rules, but they are very similar between each other, it’s useful to distinguish each school and also for the freshmen’s distinguish how is older in order to show respect and know how to behave.

The hole meaning of this tradition is to shape the new students into a white paper, all as equal, because after that they are able to interact with the others in a

Praxe is the name of a special type of inclusive games and first activities that older students prepare for the new students, every year, at university. Each course at each university has its own rules and hierarchies, with special traditions and also small families of god mothers, god fathers and so on.

Each group has their own songs and typi-

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“

(...) it’s something totally new (...)

”

respectful way and they also feel included in the university life. This families works almost as a clã.

So for the Erasmus students it’s more difficult to get along with this tradition first because it’s something totally new, second because the language barrier and third due to the circumstance of an Erasmus student just stay in that university for 6 months, and usually this activities happens more in october/november, in the beginning of the year, if a Erasmus student just go in second semester, lots of this activities and events already happened, so the opportunity was missed.

Summing up, for portuguese university students in portugal the welcoming and inclusion is really a big thing, more than in Greece, where people most hang out with some friends. For outside students, like erasmus it’s becomes more difficult to get along, not because it’s a national event, but due to context characteristics. However once you know this tradition usually people love it.

“

(...) However once you know this tradition usually people love it.

”

Author: Joana

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Interview For this LINK’s edition I’m interviewing Maria Sole, a 17 year old italian girl from Riccione, a city in North of Italy.

She is the 4th year of High School and she is studying economics, finance and marketing. During all February she will be working in K.A.N.E as part of VET project.

VET Volunteer

Name Maria Sole Organization K.A.NE. Type NGO Volunteering working in the Office Place Kalamata | GREECE Interviewer: How did this opportunity come up?

Maria Sole: Our school participated in a contest and won the 3th place, so the school gained the opportunity to send some of the students to participate in this Erasmus + project.

Interviewer: Did you know about VET before this project?

Maria Sole: No, it was the first time I ever heard about it.

Interviewer: What were your expectations before the program?

Maria Sole: When I applied back in Italy, I had to list my three project preferences, mine were the office, insurance and banking, but I didn’t know where I would be placed. So for me was a surprise when I realized I was going to work in the office.

Interviewer: Did you have any fears?

Maria Sole: Before the project started I didn’t expect to be ho-

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mesick, but right now I’m missing home. My biggest fear was about the group’s organization, because I’m living with other people, I was a bit worried about the residence, were I was going to sleep... I was also worried about organizing my money and food, but for instances I was not worried about greek food or the English language.

Interviewer: Right now that you are here, do you like Kalamata?

Maria Sole: Yes, I love it. A nice and quiet city and people here are really polite.

Interviewer: This link’s edition is dedicated exclusively to Erasmus, so, and because you are also part of a Erasmus project, I would like to ask some questions about Erasmus. What do you think about ERASMUS? Maria Sole: It give the opportunity to a lot of stu-

“ ”

Are you happy with this opportunity?

“ ”

I can grow as a person

Interviewer: Are you happy with this opportunity?

Maria Sole: Of course, when I heard about this opportunity, I wanted to apply immediately, I asked to my family and they said yes, so I applied.

Interviewer: Are you enjoying this experience so far?

Maria Sole: Yes, the most difficult moment was the beginning the 1st and also the 2nd day, but right now I’m slowly adapting to Greece and to this experience.

dents and young people to grow not only personally but they also gain some work experience and it is really good because people that cant afford it they also have their opportunity.

Interviewer: Are you well informed about ERASMUS? Maria Sole: I didn’t know about ERASMUS at all, but now with the work in the office, I m learning about some of the ERASMUS + programs, but I’m sure I still don’t know some of them.

Interviewer: For you what are the best benefits of this program right now for your life?

Maria Sole: Firstly it is important for me to feel more confident and to improve my English of course. And also to learn how to be more independent.

Interviewer: What is the best thing about ERASMUS in your opinion?

Maria Sole: For me, the opportunity to travel and being far away from my family so I can grow as a person.

Interviewer: Do you think this experience is going to be important for your future?

Maria Sole: Yes, I’m living by myself and also dealing with the problems by myself, so I’m learning new staff, I’m also more comfortable talking with other people.

Interviewer: Catarina

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Interview Benan Usul is a short-term volunteer from Turkey, most specifically Izmir. Her volunteering service is at KEFIAP.

Erasmus+ Volunteer

Name Benan Usul Nationality Turkish Hosting NGO K.A.NE. Volunteering KEFIAP (Kentro Fyssikis Iatrikis Apokatastassis Messinias) Place Kalamata | GREECE

Interviewer: Why did you decide to become an ESC volunteer?

Benan: Actually, I was planning to do an Erasmus activity after university graduation but when I was surfing on Facebook I saw kind of an ESC project type. Generally, I don’t read info packs but that time I wanted to read it. The first one was about the dog shelter, but I thought that it was not my project. I was looking more for dance, sport and disability people work. Then

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I saw the second one, it was about physical treatment centre and I was really excited to read it.

I knew that that project must be mine! Immediately I texted and I put my number (generally I don’t put my number in the internet, but this time I did it) and they replied me offering an interview for the next day. However, I could not wait and we did it on the same day.

Interviewer: What is your project about? What do you like the most about it?

Benan: This project is about disability people in physical treatment centre in kalamata.

I like to do dance and drawing some paper with the members and to go outside.

Interviewer: For you, what is the most difficult part of your project?

Benan: I can not speak Greek and they can not speak Turkish or English. And even if I would be able to speak Greek, some of them are not able to have a conversation.

Interviewer: How did you heard about Erasmus for the first time?

Benan: It was on April 2018, I saw it on Facebook.

I was planning to join Erasmus university exchange and I saw that Erasmus has lots of types of projects, youth exchange, training courses, internship, etc.

Interviewer: Do you think that people know about

“

I like to do dance and drawing some paper with the members and to go outside.

” the Erasmus opportunities that exists?

Benan: No, no, no! Especially in Turkey, lots of people don’t know how they can participate on this kind of projects.

Interviewer: How would you promote the Erasmus plus projects?

Benan: I don’t know how it is in European union countries, but in Turkey Erasmus is not well known. The social media is a perfect opportunity for recognize or share Erasmus projects.

Interviewer: In your opinion, what is the best part of participating in an Erasmus program?

Benan: Practicing my English and my pronunciation. Getting knew friends, learning about the local culture and surviving without my family. This is a really good way to escape from lessons and taking a breath, a rest for the soul and brain.

“ ”

Taking a breath, a rest for the soul and brain.

Interviewer: Katharina

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Place to Travel Δελφοί “Delphi”

D

elphi is one of the most important archaeological sites located only 3 hours by bus from Athens. This place can be called European Machu Picchu, because of the breathtaking combination of beautiful mountains with mysterious ruins that hide many stories and legends. It is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a great influence in the ancient world, as evidenced by the various monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental Hellenic unity.

Delphi is the ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of Pythia, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos.

Delphi was since ancient times a place of worship for Gaia, the mother goddess connected with fertility. The town started to gain pan-Hellenic relevance as both a shrine and an oracle in the 7th century BC. The most important monuments of Delf are Temple of Apollo, Amphictyonic Council, Treasuries, Altar of the Chians, Stoa of the Athenians, Sibyl rock, Theatre, Tholos, Gymnasium, Stadium, Hippodrome, Polygonal wall, Castalian spring and Athletic statues.

In addition to the archaeological site, it is also worth visiting the Delphi Archaeological Museum and the charming historic town.

People from the European Union up to the age of 25 enter both the ruins and the museum for free.

Author: Patrycja

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Place of the week Εκκλησία Αγία Τριάδα “Saint Trinity Chapel”

I

s there anything better than chilling at a place that is super quiet but still close enough to the big and busy city, to the point that makes you realise how chaotic it is down there?

No right?! Then Saint Trinity Chapel is the place that you need to visit. Just one and half hour up in the hill, from the old town of Kalamata it totally worth it to spend an afternoon going there. On the On the way up simply follow the car’s road until you reach the chapel, but on the way down (if with daylight) take the trail that goes through the vegetation all the way down until the monastery at the bottom of the hill. Here I leave you some tips: take comfortable clothes, some snacks and water; stay there looking at the amazing view over the city and sea; and, if possible, wait for the sunset, you won’t be disappointed.

Author: Roque

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Previous

Events

Review

INTERCULTURAL NIGHT Organizer: Bandapart Recording Studio Place: Anagnostara 20, Kalamata 24100 Date: February 21st | 20:30h - 00:30h Cost: Free

O

n Friday the ESC volunteers of Social Youth Development (K.A.NE.) organised the Intercultural Night in the Youth Centre of Kalamata. The main purpose of this event was to present the cultural diversity of the city. The volunteers in Kalamata come from many different backgrounds and they wanted to share some parts

of their culture with the local community. The locals had a chance to meet volunteers from Turkey, Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Each country prepared their own stand: painted their flag, cooked traditional dishes and taught some useful expressions from their native language. It was an open event, anyone was welcomed to participate.

At the beginning people could walk freely between the stands, get some information about the countries, taste the homemade dishes and enjoy the international music. Later on the event turned into a party with the Greek dances. Everyone had a great fun.

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ENTERTAIMENT Whisky tasting

Future

Organiser: Kyttaro Rock Bar Place: Kyttaro Rock Bar Date: Sunday, March 8th Time: 18:00-21:00 Cost: 30€

OLIVE OIL FESTIVAL

Whisky tasting event will take place at Kyttaro. They will try: Port Charlotte Scottish Barley (10 y.o.), Bruicladdich Classic Ladie, Glen Moray Sherry Cask, Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask.

Kalamata Olive Oil Awards 2020 Organiser: Agricultural Association of Kalamata Place: Elite City Resort Date: Saturday, March 14th Time: 08:00-18:00 Cost: Free

OPERA Wagner’s „Flying Dutchman” broadcast

During the Pan-Hellenic Olive Oil and Olive Festival in Kalamata, the competition will be held between companies producing, standardizing, exporting and selling olive oil. Details of the contest and the participation can be found on the Festival’s website: http://www.kalamata-olivefestival.gr/

Organiser: Filmhouse / New Film Club of Kalamata Place: Amphitheater „Theodoros Angelopoulos” Date: Saturday, March 14th Time: 20:00-23:30 Cost: Free

HIKING Hike to Mount Mainalo (1 981 m)

Wagner’s „Flying Dutchman”, live premiere from the New York Metropolitan Opera in a collaboration between the New Kalamata Film Club and Adena. HD broadcast with Greek and English subtitles.

Organiser: EOS Kalamata Place: Mount Mainalo Date: Sunday, March 15th Time: 08:00 (approximately 4 hours) Cost: €

LIVE MUSIC Live concert

One day trip with the local Hiking Club to the heart of the Peloponnese, specifically at the northern Arcadia, rise the summits of the Mount Mainalo. A snow hike to Ostrakina, 1981 meters at the highest point. Difficulty grade: 5 (advanced).

Organiser: Brooklyn Live Stage Place: Brooklyn Live Stage Date: Saturday, March 14th Time: 22:00-01:00 Cost: 15€ normal, 12€ student

Details and contact person: https://www.eoskal.gr/2015-08-03-10-42-01/scheduΜηχαλης & Αλεξανδρος Τζουγανακης will per- le-of-activities-2020/ form live at the Brooklyn. The artists mix traditional Greek music with modern, alternative sounds, playing Author: Hania lutes and singing.

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W’Art?!

Ancient Messina

We went as a KANE NGO at 17.02.2020 Monday to Ancient Messina.

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t was definitely art of the history. Amazing. And Greece protect all Historical Places very well. It was like spring , Daisies in everywhere. You could have felt fresh air in your lungs. That fresh air may can dizzier because of high oxygen. If you have opportunity, I should say. Just go without any hesitation

Author: Benan

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Quote of the week

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.�

Winston Churchill

Author: Patrycja

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Giada in Kalamata My first week in Kalamata Hello! My name si Giada, i’m eighteen years old girl from Italy. I have just finished my high school and i decided to do it to have many experiences as possible that will help me find my way. Now i’m here, in Kalamata, for 3 months and work in K.A.NE’s office with other guys. The main reason i’m here is to learn the English language for my future job as a hotel receptionist.

My first week in Kalamata was interesting because I met new people from different countries, be relax and pleasant. During the first days I did a daily routine: in the morning I worked and I studied English by attending conversation lessons in the evening.

The weekend was more dynamic. Friday evening I spent a pleasant evening in the company of some French and of my house guys, eating pizza and drinking wine together. Also on Saturday evening I was invited to a dinner with other volunteers. It was very pleasant and fun!

In the end on Sunday I finally spent a beautiful day on the beach, enjoying the sun.

Author: Giada Author: Giada

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Restaurant of the week ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ Ψητοπωλείο - Εστιατόριο 3,5 Average cost: $$ Address: Kefala 20, Kalamata 241 00 Contact: +30 27210 25682 Openning hours: 13:00 - 01:00 Monday 13:00 - 01:00 Tuesday 13:00 - 01:00 Wednesday 13:00 - 01:00 Tuesday 13:00 - 01:00 Friday 13:00 - 01:00 Saturday 13:00 - 01:00 Sunday

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ate Chicken Barbecue and my friend ate kind of green pepper inside rice. They were really kind. They know English. Service is a bit slow but maybe because of our order type. Prices I think over average but for that restaurant normal. If you have special guests , I definitely advise. Dishes so big. End of the dish you are getting full. When I ate I felt really full. I would want to go one more time.

Author: Benan

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Recipes of the week

A challenge 01 h 15 mins 6 servings

Tarte Tatin Ingredients: - 300g all-butter puff pastry - plain flour - for dusting 6 dessert apples (about 900g/2lb) - Cox’s Orange Pippin or Adam’s Pearmain 100g golden caster sugar - 85g unsalted butter (60g/2¼oz chilled and diced, 25g/1oz melted) - crème fraîche (full-fat please!) or high-quality vanilla ice cream.

Preparation: 1. Roll the pastry to a 3mm-thick round on a lightly floured surface and cut a 24cm circle, using a plate as a guide. Lightly prick all over with a fork, place on a baking sheet, then cover and freeze while preparing the apples.

2. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Peel, quarter and core the apples. Put the sugar in a flameproof 20cm ceramic tatin dish or a 20cm ovenproof heavy-based frying pan and place over a medium-high heat. Cook the sugar for 5-7 mins to a dark amber caramel syrup that’s starting to smoke, then turn off the heat and stir in the 60g diced chilled butter.

3. To assemble the tarte tatin, arrange the apple quarters very tightly in a circle around the edge of the dish first, rounded-side down, then fill in the middle in a similar fashion. Gently press with your hands to ensure there are no gaps. Brush the fruit with the melted butter.

4. Bake in the oven for 30 mins, then remove and place the disc of frozen puff pastry on top – it will quickly defrost. Tuck the edges down the inside of the dish and, with a knife, prick a few holes in the pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake for a further 40-45 mins until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

5. Allow to cool to room temperature for 1 hr before running a knife around the edge of the dish and inverting it onto a large serving plate that is deep enough to contain the juices. Serve with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.

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Tartiflette

Easy 10-30 mins 4 servings

Ingredients: - 1kg/2lb 4oz Charlotte potatoes, peeled - 250g/8oz bacon lardons - 2 shallots - 1 garlic clove - 100ml/3½fl oz white wine - 200ml/7fl oz double cream - sea salt and freshly ground -1 whole Reblochon cheese (about 450g/1lb), sliced

Preparation: 1. For the tartiflette, preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas 7.

2. Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of salted boiling water for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.

3. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Meanwhile, heat a frying pan until hot and fry the bacon, shallots and garlic for 4-5 minutes, or until golden-brown. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and continue to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.

5. Slice the potatoes thinly and layer into an ovenproof gratin dish with the bacon mixture. Pour over the double cream. Season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Layer the Reblochon slices on top.

6. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden-brown and bubbling.

Author: Alix

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

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