From June 9th to June 23rd, 2024, the picturesque village of Kryoneri, nestled in the mountains of Greece, became a hub of cultural exchange and historical exploration. Eleven participants from Spain, Finland, Italy, Austria, and Turkey gathered for an Erasmus+ project aimed at uncovering and preserving the historical footpaths that wind through this ancient region. The project brought together a diverse group of young people, united by a shared passion for history, culture, and community service.
Over the course of two weeks, they worked together from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, tracing and restoring the historic footpaths around Kryoneri. These pathways hold deep significance in the local heritage, and the participants were enthusiastic about making them accessible once again for both locals and tourists. The afternoons and weekends were free, providing ample opportunity for the group to immerse themselves in Greek culture and the stunning landscapes of the region.
They enjoyed trips to a nearby beach, where they relaxed. An excursion to Athens offered a chance to explore the ancient city’s iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. A visit to Korinth, with its rich history and impressive canal, provided further insight into Greece's past. The experience was enriched by Greek language lessons, which helped the participants navigate their new environment and engage more deeply with the local community.
One of the highlights of the project was a cultural evening where the participants presented their home country’s traditions, music, and food. Through these presentations, the participants not only shared their cultural heritage but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other’s backgrounds.
As the project came to a close, the participants reflected on their experience in Kryoneri. They had not only contributed to the preservation of local history but also built lasting friendships across borders. The project left a positive impact on the local community, with the restored footpaths expected to boost eco-tourism in the region. The Erasmus project in Kryoneri was more than just a volunteer effort; it was a journey of cultural exchange, personal growth, and collective achievement. For these eleven young people, the memories of working under the Greek sun, exploring ancient ruins, and sharing their cultures will remain cherished experiences for years to come. Here are some articles from the participants:
Article from Turkish volunteer
Hello everyone, I took part in the volunteer project held between 9-23 June in Kryoneri, the beautiful coastal city of Greece. The young people taking part in this project aimed to spread environmental awareness by engaging in intercultural interaction, as well as the opportunity to introduce their own countries.
Within the scope of the project, volunteers from all over the world, many from different countries, came together. In this event, where each participant brought different skills and experiences, they showed their sensitivity to the environment by working towards their common goals. I had the pleasure of being a part of this team as a Turkish participant. In environmental cleaning, which is the most important part of the project, we contributed to Kryoneri's protection of magnificent natural beauties.
During the cleaning works carried out along the paths, great importance was also attached to the protection of the natural vegetation where waste was collected. I showed off my energy within the team and we entered into solidarity with the local people. In addition, intercultural communication was increased and friendships were established with the intercultural night event organized within the scope of the project. I introduced Turkey with the presentation I prepared for participants from other countries who want to get to know Turkey and its rich culture.
After participating in this unforgettable experience full of culture, I am grateful to my sending organization, System and Generation, for I contributing to leaving a more livable world for future generations.
Article from Slovak volunteers
During our first day we completed on arrival training and the following days were filled with useful work for the local community. We enjoyed the following weekend in Nafplio. This picturesque historical town won our hearts and it was hard for us to go back. However, we were happy to return and the following days we continued to build a trail to the local spring.
The work was not difficult, but sometimes it physically exhausted us. We also enjoyed the local beaches, which are very nice and full of local tourists. We spent the last weekend in Athens, we visited local monuments such as the Acropolis or other ancient monuments. We take away beautiful experiences from Greece and recommend them to all other interested people
Article from Georgian volunteer
Hi! I'm Irina. I spent two weeks in the Greek village of Krioneri with the EU ESC volunteering program. This experience and the two weeks I spent there are one of the most unforgettable things I have ever done for myself. I have participated in an exchange program before, but this was different because I was alone, it was a solo trip. Solo travel and adventure can really bring out the best in us and help us discover who we really are. In short, along with sweet memories and travel, I acquired new, extraordinary people, necessary and useful skills for life, knowledge of foreign cultures and languages, and most importantly, I discovered delicious cuisine. As I will turn 31 years old, this was my last opportunity to participate and I’m very grateful for that, thank you Filoxenia and EU programs for this opportunity
This project was supported by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union.
