Network of Schools for Democracy

A meeting with the “Network of Schools for Democracy” took place within the framework of the European program JuniorXpress, on Tuesday, 13 May, at the Environmental Park of FODSA in Thermi.

Following the JuniorXpress pilot intervention in primary schools, secondary schools, and adolescents at risk of poverty and social exclusion — which included introducing students to the principles of local governance and the functioning of Youth Councils — it was decided, after consultation, to organize an educational visit to the FODSA Environmental Park to raise students’ awareness about recycling. At the same time, participants were informed about the actions and goals of the JuniorXpress program.

Students who participate in the “Network of Schools for Democracy” of the Municipality of Thermi also actively took part in the activity. The aim of this project, in which ten secondary schools of the Municipality participate, is to empower the student community on issues of participation and active citizenship, and to use tools for effective assemblies/meetings where inclusive decisions are made through consensus.

Our action was supported by the Municipality of Thermi, through the Directorate of Education, Youth, Lifelong Learning and Employment and its Head Chrysa Klimatsouda, the Deputy Municipal Councillor for Youth Affairs Elissavet Velona, the Head of the ActionAid Youth Center in Thessaloniki Olympia Datsi, as well as the trainers/facilitators Dr. Nagia Tselepi and Sofia Kyprianidou.

This initiative is part of the European program JuniorXpress, which aims to protect and promote children’s rights and integrate children’s perspectives into local governance. The project consortium consists of EETAA (Project Coordinator), ActionAid Hellas, To Chamogelo tou Paidiou, the University of West Attica – Department of Social Work, and the Municipalities of Thermi, Thessaloniki, Volvi, Kavala, Larisa, and Paggaio.