In a transformative collaboration, The American College of Greece (ACG) partnered with George Mason University (GMU) and ACS Athens, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Athens, to advocate for inclusive education in Greece through the Athens Inclusive Education Project. This two-day event, held on September 27 and 28, 2024, at the ACG Events Hall and moderated by Haris Daskalothanasis, Executive Director of Outreach at ACG, served as a pivotal milestone in the collaborative effort of these institutions to transform the educational landscape in Greece and showcased their commitment to fostering innovative learning practices and comprehensive support programs. Day One celebrated the progress achieved in promoting inclusive education, featuring inspiring addresses from key leaders. Day Two focused on equipping educators with practical strategies and tools to foster inclusive learning environments. These initiatives underscore a shared vision for a more equitable and inclusive educational system that recognizes and nurtures the potential of every student.
Day 1: September 27 – A Celebration of Commitment
The first day of the event was a vibrant celebration attended by educators, advocates, and community members who gathered at ACG’s Aghia Paraskevi campus to recognize the progress made in promoting inclusive education. ACG President David G. Horner opened the evening with an inspiring address, emphasizing the power of collaboration in shaping an educational environment that nurtures every student’s potential. He noted that this project is about creating a supportive community where learning is a shared journey.
U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis, captivated the audience with his remarks, reinforcing the belief that education is the cornerstone of every child’s success. He passionately advocated for equitable opportunities, declaring, “Every student deserves a chance to receive a great education.” His words set a hopeful tone for the evening, inspiring attendees to commit to fostering inclusivity within their classrooms and communities.
Dr. Panos Vlachopoulos, VP of Academic Affairs at ACG, highlighted that over 7 million children in the EU are denied an education, posing the key question: Can we effect change in every school? He suggested that by transforming learning environments and implementing innovative lesson plans, we can create meaningful opportunities for all students. Vlachopoulos stressed the importance of collaboration, sharing insights from his work with teachers and academics. He believes that if inclusive attitudes become the norm, the project can sustainably expand across Greece.
Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens, took the stage and emphasized the need for growth and resilience in education, using a plant as a metaphor for each student’s potential. She noted that, like a plant seeking light, individuals naturally strive for growth. Pelonis warned that inadequate resources could lead to feelings of helplessness among students and underscored the vital role of teachers in transforming education and advocating for their professional development to address diverse student needs.
The event featured testimonies from remarkable speakers, including Eleftheria Bernidaki-Aldous, who shared her personal experience as a blind student at Pierce. She highlighted the necessity of early education in promoting understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities. From George Mason University, Dr. Joan Kang Shin followed with a discussion on the importance of making educational content accessible for all learners, urging educators to connect deeply with their students’ unique experiences. Other notable speakers from GMU included Dr. Anna (Anya) S. Evmenova, who championed the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), emphasizing the value of flexibility and choice in education, and Dr. Jered Borup, who encouraged the use of technology to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
The day culminated with a panel discussion that provided valuable insights into the state of inclusive education in Greece, highlighting a more progressive outlook than previously assumed while acknowledging that significant work remains. Kristin Roberts from the U.S. Embassy emphasized the positive momentum in the educational community, noting the commitment of remarkable teachers to meet the diverse needs of their students. She stressed the importance of involving caregivers and parents in this journey, advocating for early education about differences and promoting exposure to diverse perspectives as essential steps toward fostering inclusivity. The conversation underscored the need for continuous professional development among educators by pointing out that effective systems and tools are still lacking in many classrooms. Shin raised critical questions about societal inclusivity and the responsibilities educators have in preparing students for a diverse world. The panelists collectively recognized the challenges posed by diverse cultures and languages, emphasizing the necessity of creating an environment where all students feel valued and empowered. Ioannis Kalaitzidis called for a collective effort to inspire change within communities, reinforcing the idea that everyone—children, educators, and parents—must be included in the quest for a more inclusive future.
Day 2: September 28 – Workshop on Inclusive Practices
The second day transitioned into a hands-on workshop that provided educators with the tools and strategies to implement inclusive practices effectively. This workshop brought together educators from ACG and ACS Athens, creating a collaborative atmosphere where knowledge and experiences could be shared.
Participants engaged in dynamic discussions led by a distinguished lineup of educators: Dr. Gerasimos Hatzidamianos, Dr. Yannis Mygdanis, Dr. Katingo Giannoulis, Jake Delatolas-Saveris, Lucy Hudson-Christidis, and Antigoni Georgara from ACG. They were joined by ACS Athens presenters Venie Gaki, Persefoni Georgiou, Androniki Manoli, Michela Martines, and Aristotelis Thymianos, each contributing valuable insights into the principles of inclusion.
The workshop focused on inclusive learning methodologies, special education strategies, and the implementation of UDL in classrooms. Educators participated in collaborative exercises that allowed them to explore innovative approaches to teaching, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. A lively panel discussion provided an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in implementing inclusive practices. The conversation emphasized the critical need for ongoing support and resources, with many educators expressing their commitment to creating environments where every student can thrive.
Looking Ahead
The success of this event was underscored by the unwavering support from the U.S. Embassy in Athens, which emphasized the universal significance of inclusive education in shaping a more equitable and understanding world. The collaborative efforts of ACG, GMU, and ACS Athens have set a precedent for transformative change, affirming their dedication to advancing inclusive education and empowering educators to embrace diversity. This event not only marked a celebration of our achievements but also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and progress in pursuing an inclusive educational system in Greece.
