Mission of the University of Mountains to the Municipality of Platanias, Chania

The University of the Mountains also found a great response in Platanias, Chania, on Friday, November 28, 2014, with its volunteer groups. The love and gratitude, evident in the faces and behaviors of the excluded residents of Crete, fills the souls of all of us with strength, for the continuation of our volunteer work.

In collaboration with the clinics of PAGNI and VEMMO – Institute of Optics and Vision, of Ophthalmology, with Prof. I. Pallikaris, of Radiology with Mr. K. Psathakis, of the Neurosurgery Team with Prof. A. Vakis, they examined and supported approximately 150 resident patients, mainly elderly and children, in the village of Palaia Roumata.

In the student peer tutoring that was implemented between the schools of the 2nd High School of Rethymno, headed by the principal Mr. A. Athanasakis, and the Voukolia High School, headed by the principal G. Alygizos, the students developed the topics “Ecotourism”, “Vine-wine-philosophies”, “Venetian monuments of the old city of Chania”, “Cinema lessons”, “European paths E4”.

At the meeting at the Cafe of the Mountains of Men, in Palaia Roumata, scientists from different fields of knowledge, Professor of Ophthalmology, Mr. I. Pallikaris and Mr. G. Dimitriadis, owner of BIOLEA, discussed with the local residents issues related to the local economy, wine, oil and renewable energy sources, with anxiety and willingness to help in all the ways and means at their disposal, the people of the villages, so that they can stay and create in their place.

At the Women’s Cafe in Palaia Roumata, Mrs. Varvara Terzakis-Pallikari, Penelope Gandhi, Mr. M. Kolioradakis, school counselor, Mrs. E. Motaki, weaver and Professor of Pedagogy Mr. P. Kalogiannakis, together with weavers from all over Crete, discussed with the women of the region and local weavers, the value of handmade and weaving art in Crete, the mission of Penelope Gandhi, local techniques, the xomblia, the ethics and culture of the loom.