The award ceremony of the 2nd National Student Creativity Competition "Leaders of Integrity for Tomorrow", on the theme "No to violence, yes to friendship", Block bullying, organized by the Greek Parliament and the National Transparency Authority, was successfully completed.
A total of 12 children's works were awarded (10 from Primary and 2 from Secondary Education)
It is noted that 176 schools from all over the country were represented with the participation of 1,975 students and the creation of 1,184 works, both group and individual.
Mr. Vassilios Yogiakas, President of the Committee of the Library of the Hellenic Parliament noted that "Apart from being a means of expression, painting becomes a learning tool. Social learning, emotional learning. With messages from students to students. We have here material that can inspire communication campaigns on the issue of bullying. A painting exhibition that, while being itself an information and awareness-raising action, also brings the primary material for other actions with similar aims!"
Mrs. Maria Kamilaki, Linguist and Deputy Head of the General Directorate of Digital Administration, Library & Publications of the Hellenic Parliament said "Today's event is the culmination of the cooperation between two emblematic institutions, the Hellenic Parliament and the National Transparency Authority, which are inspired in their mission by the same values, such as openness, inclusion, transparency, integrity and credibility. To this end, the Library of Parliament has in recent years maintained strong cohesive links with the school community through educational programs such as "Words that Hurt, Words that Smile", on verbal bullying in the school environment. We are an 'old' Library, founded in 1846, but with the flexibility to respond to modern demands of society."
Mrs. Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Social Cohesion & Family noted that "We are present on this very important day and to honor the children whose works have sent out great messages against bullying and violence. Thanks to their works, we learn this great strength that is drawn from their experiences, and that we can now discuss whatever arises in the classroom and in the school environment.
All the children deserve congratulations for this life lesson that they teach us every day, to the teachers, principals, and headmasters who have actively stood by their side and participated in this effort, as well as to the Greek Parliament, the National Transparency Authority and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Religious Affairs, who joined forces, and of course the National Human Rights Commission and Educational Television for their great contribution.
I invite us all to come and see the children's innovative works, through which they reflect, question, and ultimately, through expression and artistic creation, declare their own "will" on how they deal with the issue of bullying, and threat, which often takes on the dimensions of physical threat and violence.
These are issues that we in the newly established Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family have also made a priority, putting in place an inter-ministerial initiative in the form of a Commission, so that we can produce effective measures in cooperation with our scientific community and civil society actors. The goal is a society that embraces and protects the child.
We support this institution with all our strength and we warmly congratulate all participants for their strength to become the voice of their peers."
Mrs. Domna Michailidou, Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs & Sport said "In the fight against bullying, not everyone is alone. In order to succeed, we must all be together. And we are. Pupils, parents, teachers, the State, and all those who actively care for children. To fight bullying we must not be afraid of fear. To fight fear, we need to talk about what causes it. We break the silence by talking and creating. With multidisciplinary and multistakeholder actions such as this one that best promotes concepts such as freedom, respect, trust, and diversity."
Mr. George Mavrotas, Secretary General of Sports of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, after congratulating the NTA for the excellent initiative, addressing the students, teachers, and their parents, said among other things " Sport attracts the interest and attention of the world because it has the competition, the spectacle, the titles, the medals and cups, which often make us proud when our team or our athletes win them. But what would all this be if it were not based on values and principles? They would collapse like a house of cards along with our standards, as has happened in the past. That is why I say that integrity must be our compass, not only in sports but in every aspect of our lives. When in doubt about whether something is right or wrong we should weigh not self-interest or our relationships with others but morality and fairness."
Ms. Alexandra Rogakou, Deputy Governor of the National Transparency Authority stressed that "at the National Transparency Authority we believe in children! That is why we are trying to raise their awareness through a series of actions so that the next generation of citizens, professionals, and parents, who will form our society in the future, will be better than our generation. A society with zero tolerance for corruption and fraud. Through the wonderful creations of children we can hope that this society, this change in our culture and mindset can exist! We can do it! As other countries have already achieved it, having as a valuable "vehicle" the education, culture, and training of young people. Today's event and the Exhibition is dedicated to the approximately 2,000 children who took part in the 2nd National Competition of Student Creativity".
The art exhibition which hosts all the works of the students who scored high marks, recognizing the talent, creativity, and great effort of the children will run from 20.11.2023 to 31.08.2024.
The exhibition takes place at the Library of the Parliament (former Public Smokehouse, 218 Lenorman, Athens) and admission is free to the public.
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 14:00