The school year has had two false starts here in Thessaly. Schools are closed in Trikala, where I live and work; the date for the annual blessing postponed first by one week, and then another. The same is true for Karditsa, Larissa and Volos, and all the villages surrounding these cities, in the aftermath of storm Daniel.
It deeply saddens me to think that many Thessalian children gathering their school supplies together are going to be grateful for anything they have this year. Thousands have lost homes and possessions, their school books and bags, pencil cases and folders have all been washed away along with family livelihoods, homes and even schools. (Children from some villages will be bused into nearby towns until repairs are complete). School gyms have become temporary homes to those who were not able to lodge with family or friends and when they are finally accommodated, it will be in short term solutions such as hotels and guest houses until cleaning and repairs are carried out.
Frontisteria (tutorial schools and foreign language centres) are open though. In one of my first lessons, a student had a damp text book rescued from the flooding. This child still had a smile on his face and joined in the lesson as if nothing was out of the ordinary. It made me realise that the stability that going back to school will bring, is going to be crucial this year. Back to school with it's timetabled regularity, familiar faces and catching up with what friends have been up to over the summer is a staple of childhood Septembers. Even when all else is lost, school puts a semblance of order into chaos. As such, it should always be a place to feel safe and welcome. Provide opportunity for a pupil to explore who he is and is to become. A space where a child can spread his wings and see how far they will carry him, knowing that should he fall there is a safety network of teachers and classmates to catch him.
Do not underestimate the role school has on your life, be you pupil, teacher or parent. Let's be grateful that we are able to return.
If you want to donate school supplies (see list below), furniture or clothes, collection points have been set up around Greece, check with your local authority for details.
- School bags/pencil cases
- Exercise books
- Pens and pencils
- Felt tip pens and coloured pencils
- Organizational equipment, folders, ring binders and files etc.
- Drawing books
- Canson craft card
- Photocopy paper
- Glue, glue sticks and sellotape
- Geometry sets and compasses
- Lunch boxes
- Water bottles and cool bags
- Wet wipes, tissues and antiseptic hand gel
 |
| A school complex at Farkadona, the gate and yard strewn with debris from the flooding, which reached around two metres and only subsided enough in the last few days for residents to start cleaning. |
