Advocacy & Policy Development

Educational approaches for the social inclusion of youth with disability

The Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation and SKEP - Association of Social Responsibility for Children and Youth organized the 1st Interactive Conference on “Promoting Respect and Acceptance of Diversity in Schools", on Friday 30 November 2018 at the Zappeion Megaron, in Athens, Greece.

You can find the Conference Synopsis and Overview here. 

The Conference was held under the auspices of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos. 

OBJECTIVES

The Conference emphasized the role and importance of schools as institutions for the socialization of young people and as a dynamic leverage to instill democratic conscience. It marked the beginning of a series of meetings focusing on the significance of the implementation of new educational tools with the aim of:

• preparing students to accept and embrace diversity
• emphasizing the importance of the uniqueness of every individual

The ultimate goal will be to introduce a pilot program in the greater Attica area, within the school curriculum. This pilot program, that will be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs and to the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP) in the first trimester of 2019, will serve as the spark for the creation of a school of equal opportunities and social inclusion.

The conference was attended by representatives of public and private institutions, University professors, elementary and high school teachers, students from mainstream schools, youth with disability and undergraduates.

Representatives from 12 public and private schools from the greater Attica area participated in the conference and presented, in a resourceful and innovative way, all the initiatives they had undertaken in relation to SKEPs activities within their schools.

The twelve participating schools were the following:  2nd Primary School of Acharnes, Nea Genia Ziridis, Ecole Franco- Hellénique “Saint Joseph”, Experimental Lyceum of Anavryta, 21st Lyceum of Athens, 5th Junior High School of Korydallos, 2nd Junior High School of Nikaia, 2nd Experimental Junior High School of Athens, 2nd Lyceum of Gerakas, 1st Junior High School of Voula, Sivitanidios School, Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix.

A school without labels marks the beginning of a society without prejudice!

Journalists Penelope Gavra and Giannis Politis acted as coordinators.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

In view of the interactive nature of the conference, journalists Penelope Gavra and Giannis Politis urged the audience to participate in an interactive experience. They asked the audience to form groups of 8, introduce themselves to each other, share their reasons for attending this conference and nominate one representative per group. Then, Penelope Gavra invited the representatives of each group to stand up while the rest remained seated. So 1 in 8 stood up while the rest remained in their seats.

This analogy of 1 in 8 people is unfortunately the percentage of people with disability who have access to education, i.e. 15%. That was a simulation of the terrifying reality occurring in Greece today. It’s a dire situation that needs to be dealt with immediately as the majority of youth with disability is excluded from the educational system.

H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, greeted the conference proceedings and emphasized the importance of social inclusion for people with disability. In his speech he said that: “By promoting effective actions for the smooth and rewarding social inclusion of youth with disability, we support young people with disability so they can participate equally in society, while respecting their personal worth and growth. Because only under those circumstances can young people with disability begin from the same starting point and have equal opportunities with the rest of the people in order to actively participate in the social, economic and political life of the country”.

Greetings were also extended by the President of the "Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation" and Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO, Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, the President and founder of SKEP - Association of Social Responsibility for Children and Youth, Mrs. Athena Kritikou, and the spouse of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mrs. Sissy Pavlopoulou.

Mrs. Sissy Pavlopoulou, underlined the importance of such initiatives for the inclusion of people with disability: “I am truly happy to be able to participate in this initiative. The realization of this particular conference is a significant cause for thought and skepticism and I am sure that we will all leave feeling enriched”.

On another note, Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis stressed the importance of education in shaping a society that embraces diversity with respect. “We struggle to raise awareness and encourage empowerment in our fellow human beings, especially the young generation, so they can realize their ability to create change, to defend their legitimate rights and freedoms, while at the same time fulfill their dreams with the power of knowledge. In this process, education plays a primary role and no one should be left behind”, said Mrs. Vardinoyannis, among other remarks.

In her address, Mrs Athena Kritikou pledged that all views expressed in the conference by students, youth with disability, professors and educators will be recorded, as the ultimate goal of the Conference was the adoption of a pilot program for schools in the greater Attica area. “This pilot program will be the trigger to create a school that fosters equal opportunities and social inclusion. A school that will promote empathy, dialogue, coexistence, acceptance, solidarity and respect for the uniqueness of each one of us”.

Olympic Gold Medalist Nikos Kaklamanakis, greeted the first session of the conference “The Voice of Youth” and inspired both students and educators with his speech. He spoke about his personal struggle to overcome obstacles and challenges. “To be different is what makes a difference and only by helping others can we change the world. In every challenge lies opportunity” concluded Mr. Kaklamanakis.

Afterwards, 6 young people with disability took the stage and showed, through their personal stories, that nothing is impossible in life. They spoke about their own reality, their experiences and challenges with courage and humor and explained how their families and their education played a key role in their personal development. These young men and women were: Efi Vlami, Wheelchair Fencing Athlete and Executive in “Orama Elpidas Association", Evangelos Avgoulas, Lawyer, Regular Representative in Greece of the VIEWS International Organization for the visually impaired, Dr. Stelios Kympouropoulos, MSc, Consultant Psychiatrist, ATTIKON University General Hospital, Panagiotis Pitsiniagkas, Experiential Activities Coordinator, Motivational Speaker, SKEP, Stefanos Vouros, Senior Digital Copywriter, Digital Wise & Motivational Speaker, SKEP and Konstantinos Samaras, Educator, Motivational Speaker, SKEP.

Following a short recess, representatives from public and private schools presented, in a resourceful and innovative way, all the initiatives they had undertaken in relation to SKEPs activities within their schools. These presentations were coordinated by psychologist Miselina Lemisiou. The twelve participating schools were the following: 2nd Primary School of Acharnes, Nea Genia Ziridis, Ecole Franco- Hellénique “Saint Joseph”, Experimental Lyceum of Anavryta, 21st Lyceum of Athens, 5th Junior High School of Korydallos, 2nd Junior High School of Nikaia, 2nd Experimental Junior High School of Athens, 2nd Lyceum of Gerakas, 1st Junior High School of Voula, Sivitanidios School, Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix.

The students had prepared a series of proposed Educational Tools for the social inclusion of young people with disability. These included educational visits in and out of school, sport activities, educational games, artistic workshops, educational projects, events, e-platforms, clubs and societies for research and information and changes in the curriculum. The changes could also include incorporation of sign language, Braille method and psychological support to deal with potential negative feelings.

In the second part of the conference, after a short break for lunch and the departure of students, the closed session began concerning Best Practices and Scientific Findings. Professor Dr. Frosso Motti-Stefanidi, Faculty of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, acted as chair and 13 renowned presenters shared research data and other findings. This closed session was attended by educators of all levels and representatives from various institutions in order to exchange views concerning best practices to implement new educational tools with the aim of:

• preparing students to accept and embrace diversity
• emphasizing the importance of the uniqueness of every individual

Dr Motti-Stefanidis, acting chair, presented the findings of a study she undertook, in collaboration with SKEP, measuring the change in attitude of students following attendance of motivational speeches and other programs that SKEP delivered in their schools.

The presenters in this session were by order of appearance: Panagiotis Kassianos, Head of the Special Education Directorate, Hellenic Ministry of Education, Research & Religious Affairs, Maria Iliopoulou, Vice Mayor for the Child, City of Athens, Nektaria Palaiologou, Associate Professor of Intercultural Education, Department of Early Childhood Education of the School of Education at the University of Western Macedonia, Dr Stefanos G. Koutras, Special and Psychometry Education, University of Ioannina, Alexandros Argyriadis, Assistant Professor in Special Needs, Health Promotion and Diversity Studies, School of Health Sciences, Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus, Vasilis Kasimatis, Educator, Director of Estia, Social Care Center, Dr Andreas Zergiotis, Special Educator, School Psychologist, p. School Advisor in Primary Education, Dr Elena Soucacou, Senior Lecturer, Special and Inclusive Education, University of Roehampton School of Education, Menelaos Tsaousis, CEO and President of the Administrative Board, Center for Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind, Brigitte Renn, Headmaster of LFHED, Georgia Gounari, Coordinator for the Students with Special Needs, LFHED, Christina Panagiotakou, Educational Programs Coordinator, Onassis Foundation, Dr. Elena Giouroukou, Psychologist, Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, Amalia Karali, MSc, Teacher, 30th Primary School of Acharnes, Athena Kritikou, Founder and President, SKEP.

In the third session, “Recording Proposals and Findings leading to a school without Labels”, the coordinating committee responsible for collecting and submitting all proposed educational tools to the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs was appointed. The committee consists of educators, sociologists, special educators, psychologists and representatives of public and private institutions in order to record and present the educational tools that were introduced during the conference.

Finally, participants received Certificates of Attendance.

Accessibility Information 

The Agenda of the Conference was available in Braille, large print & QRCode and the Conference had a simultaneous interpretation in Greek Sign Language. Lip reading interpreting available if it would have been requested until 23/11/2018.

Furthermore, the venue was wheelchair accessible and had WC facilities for disabled people.

Delphi Economic Forum III, 1- 4 March 2018, aimed to identify the main global trends, assess their implications and review the resulting challenges and policy options confronting decision-makers of the wider Eastern Mediterranean Region. It took place in Delphi, under the Auspices of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic. More than 250 Greek and foreign speakers participated in the forum.
The Delphi Economic Forum is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working in close cooperation with civil society, public organizations, businesses and individuals.  

Athena Kritikou expressed her views on the subject "Philanthropy's role in addressing Global challenges". She delivered a speech on how Philanthropy should not facilitate the resignation of institutional bodies, but should enhance institutional capacity-building and reforms.

Athena is the Founder and President of the Board of SKEP.

Over the last 10 years, her mission has been to create a "Society for All", promoting social inclusion of young people with disability. Her work focuses on rethinking  the means of education by implementing systematic "Disability Awareness Programs" within the school curriculum. The educational programs designed by SKEP aim to raise awareness among students and change their attitude towards diversity, by giving them a better understanding of the challenges people with disability face every day, as well as the potential they possess. Most importantly, they introduce the students to the notion of solidarity, social acceptance and equality. Until now, she has been in contact with over 90,000 students (from both mainstream and special education schools), teachers, parents and the general public. 

Athena was raised in Paris before moving back to Greece in 1990. She studied Law at the University of Paris 2 Panthéon Assas and worked in advertising and communication consulting in both countries. 

She has recently been awarded for her work with the “Models of Excellence” award, organized by the“Citizens' Movement for an Open Society”.

"Philanthropy's role in addressing Global challenges" Speakers:

Keynote Speech: Vasilis Karapostolis, Professor of Culture and Communication, University of Athens, Greece

Remarks:
Jimmy Athanasopoulos, Head of Social Responsibility, Libra Group, USA
Rebecca Eastmond, CEO, Greenwood Place, Greece
Panos Minogiannis, CEO, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre, Greece
Athena Kritikou, President, SKEP - Association of Social Responsibility for Children and Youth, Greece
Dr. Angeliki Kosmopoulou, Executive Director, A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, Greece
Xenia Papastavrou, Development Advisor, Bodossaki Foundation, Greece

Chair: Penelope Gavra, Journalist, Greece 

The Ambassador Mrs. Maria Theofili, hosted an open discussion presenting the mission of SKEP - Association for Social Responsibility for Children and Youth, focused on "Social inclusion of people with disability: Barriers, challenges, solutions". The event was attended by Mr. Yanis Bacha, press secretary for the Minister of State for Disabled People, attached to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sophie Cluzel.
The event was co-ordinated by SKEP's Founder and President of the Board, Mrs. Athena Kritikou, together with Mrs. Nana Mouskouri.
This presentation is part of SKEP’s systematic and targeted strategy, aiming at collaborating with European networks, thus improving social responsibility and active citizenship in society. 

1. 17/09, Moderation of the discussion "Learning Democracy through Diversity" in 'Myrtillo' cafe. 
2. 16/09, Lecture on: "Athens is the city of Democracy. But am I an equal citizen?". 
3. 14/09, Lecture on: "Athens is the city of Democracy. But am I an equal citizen?". 
4. 13/09, Exhibition of paintings by the artistic partnership of pupils with and without disability. 

Athena Kritikou, President of the Association, presented SKEP's assessment in the context of the conference's thematics "People with Special Educational Needs and Human Rights". The conference entitled "Human Rights in a Changing World. Research and Applied Approaches" was organized by the University of Ioannina, the Department of Preschool Education, the Greek Psychologists Association and the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations. The Conference involved participants from ten (10) Universities from Greece and abroad, thirteen (13) University Schools, seventeen (17) University Departments and eighteen (18) independent bodies and NGOs with important work and expertise in the field of Human Rights.