In 1909, the “Kythira Association” was founded on Kythira, with Dr. Dionysios Kaloutsis serving as its first president. This association still exists today and is likely the oldest one still in existence on the island.
The Association’s first project in 1910 was the establishment of a School of Handicrafts for girls, which at the time required 3,000 drachmas to operate. To secure this amount, the Association took out a loan, which was repaid in a very short time.
This school had 50 female students, who studied and worked with great enthusiasm.
Similar schools in Greece were called the Greek Royal Schools of Handicrafts, and in Athens there was a council chaired by Princess Helen, daughter of Nicholas. In 1911, this council sent 4,600 drachmas to be distributed among the female students.
The dean of the school was Chrysoula Manousaki.
Initially, the School was housed in the Castle. Later, the Kythira Association built a suitable building at the entrance to Chora, which we still call the “School” today and which houses the Archaeological Museum.
This school was a breeding ground for great embroiderers, who created entire dowries and adorned churches and homes with countless works of art. Such was the progress and skill of the students that they received orders from Athens.
Many of these skilled women we met during our childhood, and we were amazed by their needlework and the masterpieces that emerged from their hands under the dim light of the oil lamp and thekerosene lamp.
