Thermo - Greece

The public High School of Thermo was founded in 1898 and many distinguished graduates have graduated ever since. It is located in Western Greece, in Aitoloakarnania prefecture, in a small town called Thermo. Thermo has 2500 residents and is situated in a semi-mountainous area close to the biggest lake of Greece, Trihonida and the river Evinos. The residents' main occupation is agriculture and raising livestock. As a result of the economic crisis, there is a high unemployment rate and the residents have low earnings that derive mostly from cultivating the land. Also, in the area several immigrants live whose children attend our school. Despite the great difficulties, parents try hard to cater for their children's need for education. The school has 120 students aged 14 to 17 and 20 teachers and all subjects of theoretical and technological disciplines are taught. We have formed football and volleyball teams and a theatrical group.
Our creative students are involved in music and artistic activities, Byzantine music and making hagiographies, traditional and modern dancing and photography and have been awarded in European poetry contests and international documentary competitions. With success the programme Euruscola is organised and our students are travelling to Strasbourg with the qualification of the members of Parliament in the European Parliament of young people. Through our participation in this project we aim to promote cooperation between the European nations, tolerance and respect for the others, and exchange ideas with students and teachers from diverse cultural backgrounds, which will compensate for the social isolation that derives from the geographical and economic place of the town. It is our responsibility as teachers and European citizens to give our students this chance to overcome every exclusion and limitation.
Our School promotes a variety of different teaching methods that appeal to students: 1. Educational field trips to museums and archeological sights, so that the students get acquainted with their historical background in a practical way 2. We organize voluntary actions concerning the environmental protection, so that students be urged to engage in common affairs. 3. Takes part in Euroscola and a delegated team, aiming at creating ‘European’ consciousness. 4. Hosts athletic events and meetings dedicated to health, nutrition and training 5. Invites psychologists to have sessions with the students, during which individual collective problems are confronted. The permanent staff in our school consists of 13 teachers. Everyone is willing to provide assistance; however, eight of them will actually get involved.
Although for all of us it not the first time we have dealt with such a project, we consider it a valuable and enriching experience for both ourselves and our students. We will do everything in our power to help for the successful implementation of the project.