University of Mountains
FAITH, TRADITION AND COMMUNITIES IN HARMONY WITH NATURE.
Actions
Mission “Penelope Gandhi”
The art of weaving as a bridge between culture and freedom.
17+ Years of History
Since 2008, a community of people has been uniting knowledge with action, bringing hope to the mountains and villages of Crete.
Local communities throughout Greece are reviving the art of weaving through Cosmetology Workshops that connect tradition, education and creation.
Students learn the power of tradition through experiential programs that bring the loom to the classroom and knowledge into practice.
Penelope Gandhi travels to Greece and abroad, promoting weaving as a bridge of culture, peace and freedom.
The University of the Mountains through its action
Since 2008, the University of the Mountains has been uniting scientists, students and residents of mountainous areas. Through educational, health and cultural activities, it proves that knowledge can change lives — even in the most remote parts of Crete.
Areas of action and learning
Through experiential actions and programs throughout Crete, the University of the Mountains connects knowledge with people, strengthening education, health, culture and social cohesion.
With collaboration, solidarity and knowledge, we change lives in practice.
The University of the Mountains is not a “theoretical” university. It is a community of people who share the desire to give — through actions that combine science, culture, and people.
A community that learns, teaches and creates.
We have been supporting the residents of the mountainous areas of Crete and local communities since 2016.
From coding workshops to weaving workshops and cultural heritage programs
From weaving workshops to augmented reality applications and online communities.
From health applications to educational platforms, we develop human-centric solutions.
All actions are based on transparency, joint effort and the trust built within local communities.
All together — without discrimination, without borders. A community built on love and solidarity.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about the work, philosophy and actions of the University of the Mountains. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about our participation, operation and mission.
The University of the Mountains is a voluntary, non-profit organization based in Crete. Since 2008, it has been uniting universities, researchers and residents of mountainous areas to bring university knowledge closer to society and support life in the countryside.
It is not a "normal" university. It is a community that operates on the basis of mutual teaching, everyone has something to learn and something to teach (scientists, students, farmers and craftsmen meet, share knowledge and "build" bonds).
You can participate in the actions of the University of the Mountains as a volunteer, offering your time, knowledge and skills — either by physically being present at missions and actions, or by supporting educational programs, speeches, workshops and mentoring, or by helping to organize and provide material support to communities. To express your interest and be informed about the next actions, you can contact: Email: panoreon@panoreon.gr Phone: 2810 394644
The University of the Mountains is funded exclusively by voluntary contributions and the support of people who believe in its work. It does not receive state, EU (European) or other public funding. Every contribution—small or large—goes directly to the implementation of the actions (research & documentation, materials and expedition travel, educational programs/workshops, and support for volunteer groups and tools).
The Penelope Gandhi Mission is a pioneering initiative of the University of the Mountains, inspired by the Penelope of antiquity and Mahatma Gandhi. Its goal is to revive and highlight the divine art of weaving, not only as a tradition but also as a tool for culture, education and sustainable development.