Mission “PENELOPE GANDHI”
Two symbols, one common vision.
Penelope Gandhi is not a person, but an idea that unites two worlds.
Penelope of the Odyssey, the weaver of faith and creation, symbolizes the woman who persists, waits and weaves her future with patience.
Mahatma Gandhi, through his loom, weaved the act of freedom, autonomy, and dignity.
From the synthesis of these two figures was born the Penelope Gandhi Mission—an initiative that revives the art of weaving as a tool for culture, education, and peace.
The mission is not only about art, but also about people: the right to knowledge, equality, cooperation and the preservation of our cultural identity.
We weave knowledge, relationships and hopes.
We weave knowledge, relationships and hopes.
The Penelope Gandhi Mission was born with the aim of bringing the art of weaving back into people’s lives — not just as a tradition, but as a source of knowledge, self-confidence and collective progress. Each of its actions serves a common goal: to unite tradition with the future.
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.
Identity
Since 2008, a community of people has been uniting knowledge with action, bringing hope to the mountains and villages of Crete.
Philosophy
Highlighting cultural heritage, reviving arts and connecting young people with their roots.
Volunteering
Every contribution — small or large — weaves a piece of our common work.He has a willingness to contribute, knowledge, skills and love for the place.
Actions
Medical missions, telemedicine and support for residents in remote areas.
Letters
We have been supporting the residents of the mountainous areas of Crete and local communities since 2016.
Letter from EDEEK
University of Applied Sciences in Germany
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.