CERV – ‘Shaping the future of Europe – My image of peace’ – WORKSHOP

FEMEDUBEART, in cooperation with the Municipality of Kifissia, carried out the first activity of the European project PEACE in the 1st and 3rd high school of Kifissia on 27 and 28 May 2024.

FEMEDUBEART collaborated with its partners from the European cities of Lüneburg, Timișoara and Izola with the aim of strengthening the European awareness and identity of young people. In particular, this town twinning aimed to activate and sensitise citizens for a just, equal, tolerant and ultimately democratic society.

The pupils were first informed about the project and the importance of peace, equality and rights. This was followed by a discussion about the problems and challenges that Europe has been facing in recent years, so that the young people from the municipality of Kifissia could engage with these issues and be sensitised to the creation of a peaceful and just society.

In another activity, the pupils creatively presented their own ‘images’ (artworks, photo collages) of PEACE.

Vernissage exhibition ‘My image of PEACE’

On the 9th October 2024, the vernissage on the theme “My Image of PEACE” was inaugurated in the “Gatsopoulos” Hall of the Kifissia Town Hall. The exhibition was open from 12:00 to 18:00, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the original works of students from the 1st and 3rd Gymnasium of Kifissia. The students created unique artworks that highlighted the importance of PEACE and the dangers threatening it. Their works were displayed in an innovative dome-shaped tent as well as around it. This dome symbolized the “filter bubble,” representing those who fail to recognize the need to protect this value.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by students, teachers, educators, parents, and staff from the Municipality of Kifissia. European project partners from Timisoara, Lüneburg, and Izola, who were already in town for the upcoming international meeting, also took the opportunity to visit the exhibition and witness the students’ ideas brought to life through their artworks.

The students’ unique perspectives were an inspiration to all attendees. They impressively demonstrated that freedom, equality, solidarity, and respect should not be taken for granted. The students’ dedication – as the future citizens of Europe – emphasized the importance of vigilance and the protection of humanistic values in everyday life.

The exhibition was highly appreciated by all visitors, as it not only conveyed the message of peace but also sent a hopeful signal that highlighted the perspectives and aspirations of the younger generation. The vernissage thus represented a significant pillar of the celebrations surrounding the theme of “Peace.”

Network of Towns ‘Shaping the future of Europe – My image of peace’ International panel discussion

During the second partner meeting in Kifissia, the 2nd International Panel Discussion took place on October 10, 2024, at the Kifissia Town Hall. The event brought together representatives from politics, education, international partner cities, young citizens of Kifissia, and young refugees from Ukraine.

The International Panel Discussion began with musical performances by senior choirs and students from the 1st and 3rd Gymnasium of Kifissia, setting the tone for the topic of peace.

The focus of the discussion was on the current challenges for peace and democracy in Europe and worldwide. The invited speakers – experienced personalities from politics, philosophy, education, and humanitarian organizations – highlighted various aspects of the topic, ranging from the impacts of wars and migration to the importance of respect, solidarity, and active efforts for peace. They emphasized that peace should be understood as an active process requiring engagement and collective efforts from everyone. The EU was also praised as a significant peace project.

Particularly impactful were the perspectives of the younger generation: two Ukrainian refugee girls shared their experiences of war and their hopes for a peaceful future. In addition, students from the 1st and 3rd Gymnasium of Kifissia presented their artistic visions of peace in an interactive exhibition, showcasing both hope and the urgency of addressing this topic.

The event concluded with the symbolic handing over of olive saplings to the speakers and musical performances that powerfully reinforced the message of peace. Projects like this highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue on peace and democracy and bringing together people of all generations to work collectively toward a better future.