Sixteen students and three educators from the General Lyceum of Monemvasia recently embarked on a remarkable educational journey as part of the European Erasmus program. This initiative is a testament to the school’s commitment to enhancing the European dimension of education, fostering collaboration among diverse school communities, and promoting outward engagement.
The program was executed in partnership with the Liceo Classico Tito Livio in Milan, where students participated in a variety of educational and cultural activities. Under the guidance of Principal Maria Kountouri and teachers Eleni Maroulakou and Matina Tzerefou, the group explored significant aspects of Italy’s rich history, art, and culture.
During their stay, students visited notable cultural and educational sites in Milan, including the Sforza Castle and the Trivulziana Library, where they received a guided tour from the library’s director, Isabella Fiorentini. They also explored the Museo del Novecento, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, engaging in interactive activities that connected them with Italy’s artistic heritage.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to Milan’s City Hall, where students met with local government representatives, including Alessia Delcorona, the Deputy Mayor of Culture, Isabella Menichini, the Director of the Municipal District, and Barbara Melloni, a City Council member on the Education Committee. This meeting allowed students to discuss the role of institutions, the importance of civic participation, and the democratic values that are central to the Erasmus+ program. Additionally, a guided tour of the Museo del Novecento, led by the knowledgeable and artistically sensitive Lucia, was graciously provided by the Milan City Hall.
The educational experience extended to Florence, where students encountered significant Renaissance monuments and wandered through the streets of this open-air museum, immersing themselves in one of Europe’s most important cultural hubs.
Moreover, the program included activities focused on environmental awareness and sustainable development, featuring visits to Lake Como and the historic Navigli canal system in Milan.
Principal Maria Kountouri expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Liceo Classico Tito Livio, its director, and the program collaborators for their warm hospitality and excellent cooperation. Special recognition was given to Massimo Franco Cazzulo, a beloved friend of Greece and Monemvasia, who played a pivotal role in establishing the relationship between the two schools.
The mobility concluded with a touching ceremony in front of the iconic Duomo, where students received certificates acknowledging their participation and the skills they developed during this enriching European experience.
The essence of this journey underscores that participation in Erasmus+ is a valuable opportunity for skill development, fostering a European consciousness, and enhancing active engagement among students and educators within a modern, open, and collaborative educational community.
