Mission of the University of Mountains to the Municipality of Sitia

The University of the Mountains met with a great response in the Municipality of Sitia, during its visit, on Friday, February 1, 2013, to the villages of Lithines, Chandras and Ziros. The love and gratitude, evident in the faces and behaviors of the residents of Crete, who are isolated in the mountains, fills the souls of all of us with strength to continue our work.

In collaboration with the clinics of PAGNI and VEMMO – Institute of Optics and Vision, Ophthalmology, with Prof. I. Pallikaris and Assoc. Prof. M. Tsilimparis and the team of volunteer doctors, General Medicine and Primary Health Care, with Prof. Ch. Lionis and his team, Psychiatry with Prof. N. Paritsis and his team and Radiology with Mr. K. Psathakis, specialist in Molecular Imaging, examined and supported about 100 residents, patients, mainly elderly and children, in the villages of Lithines, Chandras and Ziros.

In the Mutual Teaching of the students that was implemented between the schools, the 2nd ^Gymnasium  of Sitia and the Gymnasium of Chandra, Mr. Dim. Karagiorgos, Assistant Professor of Pedagogy of the University of Crete, attended, participated and coordinated the action, with the directors and teachers of the Gymnasiums. The students developed issues related to environmental sensitivity, recycling, overconsumption, self-management of school canteens and the production of soap with olive oil. The school counselor of the regional administration of Crete, Mr. Ap. Klinakis as well as the Mayor of Sitia, Mr. Th. Paterakis, helped this entire activity with special love.

At the meeting, at the Cafe of the Mountains of Men in Chandras, scientists from different fields, Mr. I. Pallikaris, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Crete, Mr. Ch. Lionis, Professor of General Medicine at the University of Crete, Mr. Dim. Karagiorgos, Assistant Professor of Pedagogy at the University of Crete and Mr. Zach. Kypriotakis, Professor of Botany at the Technical University, discussed with the local residents issues related to the local economy, horticulture, herbs and olives, 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. Also, to all those returning from the cities, to turn to the land and the deliverables of their parents and through them, to live happily, enjoying what they themselves produce and not to live with the anxiety of easy profit, borrowing and subsidies.

At the Women’s Cafe in the village of Ziros, the excellent President of the Progressive Association of Sitia “Vitsentzos Kornaros” – Historical and Folklore Museum of Sitia, Mrs. Stefania Mylonaki and the noble ladies who make up the Board of Directors of the Association, met in excellent harmony and a spirit of cooperation, with Mrs. Varvara Terzaki-Pallikari and discussed with the women of the area and the local weavers, the value of handmade goods and the art of weaving in Crete, the Penelope Gandhi mission, local techniques, the xomblia and the culture of the loom.

The presence of Ms. Anna Takaki, writer, poet, and Ms. Kaiti Garefalaki, systemic psychology consultant, was also exceptional.

The women of the area were touching, especially Ms. Marika Orfanoudaki, who offered warm handmade honey donuts to all those present, as well as the family of Mr. Ioannis Chatzantonakis, the last traditional bell ringer of Crete, who lives in Ziros.

The contribution of Ms. Anna Manousaki, secretary of the Board of Directors of the Progressive Association of Sitia “Vitsentzos Kornaros”, was also valuable and essential in the organization and success of the meeting.

The mayor, Mr. Th. Paterakis, the deputy mayor, Mr. I. Hatzinakis and the deputy mayor, Mr. I. Drakakis, together with the presidents of the local communities of Lithina, Chandras and Ziros, continuing the ancient Cretan custom, presented rich dishes, demonstrating their pleasure and brotherhood.