From November 27th to 29th, a pivotal meeting convened in Athens as a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the European Wergeland Centre (EWC) and SolidarityNow, building upon the foundations laid during the Oslo Study Trip in October 2023. This gathering marked an important continuation of efforts within the ‘Classrooms Against Bullying’ project, fostering a diverse exchange of insights and initiatives to combat bullying across communities.
From November 27th to 29th, a pivotal meeting convened in Athens as a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the European Wergeland Centre (EWC) and SolidarityNow, building upon the foundations laid during the Oslo Study Trip in October 2023. This gathering marked an important continuation of efforts within the ‘Classrooms Against Bullying’ project, fostering a diverse exchange of insights and initiatives to combat bullying across communities.
Expertise on Greek Grounds related to Anti-Bullying Practices and Initiatives
On Monday, the Ombudswoman of the Child, Ms. Koufonikolakou, Ms. Charalampidou as a representative of the IEP (Institution of Educational Policy) in Greece, and representatives of Civil Society Organizations such as Ms. Torrens and Ms. Bofylatou from KMOP, Ms. Panagou from the Network for Children’s Rights, Mr. Govas and Mr. Bekiaris from the Hellenic Theatre/ Drama in Education Network relevant to anti-bullying practices and violence, united the inaugural day, which was brought together as a cohort of esteemed experts and individuals representing diverse backgrounds, uniting under a shared mission: addressing and tackling bullying. Their discussions illuminated an array of innovative initiatives, showcasing a mosaic of approaches from various sectors and experiences. The wealth of perspectives provided a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of bullying and the diverse strategies employed globally to mitigate its impact.
Building on Oslo Insights that could be relatable to the Greek Context
On Tuesday, we focused further on the insights garnered from the Expert Team that had previously visited Oslo which consisted of Ms. Pantazi and Vogiatzoglou from the Department for the Coordination and Monitoring of Refugee Education at the Ministry of Education, Ms. Bafe from the Greek Ombudsman, Ms. Charalampidou from the Institution of Educational Policy and Ms. Aroni from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. This team, having explored successful practices, deliberated on adapting and modifying these strategies to align with the unique needs and cultural nuances of the Greek landscape. Their discussions centered on identifying adaptable best practices that could be seamlessly integrated into the guidebook currently under development.
Planning for the Future On the concluding day
Finally, on Wednesday, partners from SolidarityNow Ms. Koutzoukou, Ms. Varthalami, and Ms. Mellou, along with Mr. Vallianatos, Ms. Leganger-Bronder, Ms. Zaichko, and Ms. Antoniou from the European Wergeland Centre reconvened to delve into a strategic discussion, brainstorming session, and meticulous planning for the future trajectory of the ‘Classrooms Against Bullying’ project. This day was dedicated to synthesizing the collective wisdom accumulated over the conference, fostering deeper connections among partners, and charting a clear roadmap for the forthcoming steps. This pivotal day encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking as the partners envisioned the project’s evolution. Discussions revolved around sustained engagement, innovative approaches, and the necessary actions to ensure the project’s continued impact.
Charting the path forward, the Athens meeting served as a crucial stepping stone toward the comprehensive Guidebook envisioned within the ‘Classrooms Against Bullying’ project. This Guidebook aims to amalgamate the best global practices, contextualizing them for effective implementation within Greek educational settings. The insights gleaned from this meeting not only bolster the ongoing efforts in combating bullying but also reinforce the commitment to a collective vision: creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all.
As the project continues to evolve, the collaborative spirit exhibited in Athens sets a strong precedent for future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge, adaptation, and unity in the global fight against bullying. Stay tuned for further developments as we march forward in our collective journey toward eradicating bullying from our classrooms and communities. The ‘Classrooms Against Bullying’ project remains committed to fostering safe educational spaces through collaboration, innovation, and solidarity.
𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗖𝗔𝗕) is implemented by SolidarityNow and the European Wergeland Centre and is financed by EEA and Norway Grants, with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as fund operators.