Local stakeholders of the city of Patras (metropolitan centre of Western Greece) joined forces to celebrate the “European Week Against Racism 2016” from 16th to 21st March 2016.
On that occasion, the “Park of Educational Activities (PEA) of the Municipality of Patras”, with the support of the Municipal Enterprise for Planning & Development (ADEP SA), coordinated a series of events entitled “Synergy for Diversity benefiting Democratic values”. The initiative is the outcome of a participatory design involving various stakeholders from the sectors of education, sports, culture, civil society, creative industry, local government.
The events where inscribed in Patras’ action within the “Intercultural Cities-ICC” programme and took place in PEA’s premises which now serve as a “hub” hosting the city’s educational and civil society actions.
The programme of the week included several events, concerts and theatre performances, interpreted by the participating organisations, local youth (disabled included), pupils and students. The associations of migrants presented their culture and heritage, their music and dances, their tasteful food and spirits, the whole in the PEA exceptional location, close to the seaside and within a pleasant green environment. The activities also included a workshop on creative writing by pupils, as well as a workshop of poetry reading (in Albanian and Greek language), both emphasising on refugees and migrants stories. In parallel, the citizens enjoyed photo and posters exhibitions, as well as a symbolic sea contest organised by the regional sailing clubs.
On 21st March, being the International Day of Poetry, a high-scale event took place at the premises of “APOLLON” main theatre at the city centre, organized by Patras Cultural Organisation in cooperation with the orchestra of Patras Municipal Conservatory. The event, entitled “The foreigner of water”, perfectly matched music with poems red by well-known actors, addressing the themes of refugees and uprooting.
“Synergy for Diversity benefiting Democratic values” initiative was also linked to the UNITED network through the participation of secondary schools in a poster competition. This was possible thanks to the network of schools set up by the Directorate of Secondary Education of Achaia - Dpt. of “Cultural Projects”, through a protocol of cooperation with ADEP SA, tackling matters related to interculturalism. The posters created by the students can be found in the gallery hosted online by UNITED network.
All activities were embraced by the Municipality of Patras through a statement of the Mayor, Mr Kostas PELETIDES emphasizing on the need for multifaceted action to combat exclusion and all forms of discrimination based on nationality, color, sex, religion, disability, and living standards.
Patras promises to continue working together for the benefit of democracy, equality, human rights and solidarity, inclusive society being a trustful partner for all those wishing to act for this common goal.
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