Although slightly smaller than most of our previous events, we soon learned that a deeper connection can be made with fewer people, as all participants instantly engaged with activities and each other, as we started the week with a celebration of peace and culture through games, dance and the much-loved Cultural Market – the chance for all participants to share a small taste of their own country and culture.
After these connections were made, our focus switched to raising awareness of local issues and working together to make an impact. Being located on the Aegean Sea, and with a strong local tradition of conservation, our hosts took us to a nearby beach that they had adopted and committed to care for, so that we could work together to clean and protect it.
Although the natural beauty was clear on arrival, after a closer inspection and a collaborative effort to find and clear any unwanted garbage, participants were surprised to find just how much gets washed up on the shores. From plastic bottles and discarded clothes, to a full-size, deflated, rubber boat, we collected more than we were able to carry with us in one day.
The necessity to clean our beaches became even more apparent as we got closer to the water and learned more about the destruction of marine ecosystems. Guided by local artist and conservationist, Senna, the activities grew in relevance, as students worked to protect local wildlife and the habitats in which they live. They re-purposed old clay pottery to create artificial coral reefs, which they then placed in the shallow waters in the hope that we may have left a lasting impact on the area.
The Wednesday was much more relaxed, as the morning activities were centred around health and wellness. After some warm-up dances, stretches and a little yoga at the school, the whole group went for a slow walk in the nearby hills to take in the beautiful scenery, as well as the fresh air. After some collaborative games, we returned to the beach for some fun in the sun, playing games in the sea, and of course, removed the garbage that we couldn’t carry the previous day.
The next day, we took a deep dive into history, as well as the ocean, as we visited the village of Ildırı and the ancient ruins of the Greek city of Erythrai. Participants explored the amphitheatre, the acropolis, with its Temple of Athena Polias and Byzantine church, and learned about thecity’s prominence during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, as well as its importance to regional trade – spreading as far as Cyprus and Egypt.
The fifth and final day was spent touring the sites of the city of Izmir, offering the chance for participants to experience local culture and explore the bazaars – again, some of the biggest and oldest in the region. After some souvenir shopping, we all returned to the school for the closing ceremony and the chance to make some lasting memories. As well as more games and dance, there was a unique opportunity to join a local sculpture artist and create artwork to represent what we have learned or experienced during the week. Participants placed their clay tiles together to be made into a Mosaic of Memories, that when finished, will be erected at the school as a reminder of this amazing event.
PEACE,
Global Association of Montessori Education and Sport
