HERAKLION — A day of sunshine and civic engagement marked the Day of Europe on May 9, 2025, as students and teachers from the 11th General Lyceum of Heraklion, part of the EUdemos project, turned Georgiadis Park into a lively European hub with interactive activities and open dialogue about the continent’s future.
The event, organized by the Regional Directorate of Education of Crete and the School of European Education of Heraklion in partnership with Europe Direct Crete, transformed the city park into an open-air European workshop, drawing in children, teens, and curious passersby alike.
Guided by the students, visitors participated in a variety of games and activities that showcased the young team’s organizational skills, initiative, and communication talent. At the heart of the day was a clear message: understanding the European Union, its values, and its real-life impact on citizens.
The program opened with a thought-provoking brainstorming session on “What does it mean to be a European citizen?” — a seemingly simple question that sparked deep personal reflection, especially among students shaped by their experiences in European programs.
Highlights included the Bingo Icebreaker, which tested participants’ EU knowledge, and the EU Flag Recognition Game, where teams of children and adults raced to correctly match member state flags on a giant map. A digital twist came with Google Translate, as participants explored how to say “I am a European citizen” in the EU’s many official languages.
The educational dimension continued with photo cards of EU institutions, helping participants connect faces, buildings, and functions across the Union. The event culminated in a Kahoot EU Quiz, created by the EUdemos students themselves — a lively contest that blended fun and learning for all ages.
Beyond the games, the students engaged participants in interviews on key European challenges, from road safety and youth unemployment to migrant integration, access to healthcare, poverty reduction, and strengthening social cohesion.
With enthusiasm and genuine insight, these young “Ambassadors of the Future” not only informed and inspired the public — they were themselves energized by the exchange, proving that Europe is not just an abstract concept, but a living project shaped by the voices and aspirations of its next generation.
