I got to know the island many years ago, when I was still a schoolgirl and initially only for holidays, which I loved! This made me return every summer making it a place «ideal». Life, luck and finally my choice made things happen and I have been living permanently in Kythera since 2016. Admittedly, in the first time my excitement was great since the island has incredible beauty, villages and beaches.
Unfortunately, I quickly realized that this alone was not enough! There are many «unresolved» issues in the country. Focusing on my own area and having now 15 years of experience, I was surprised to see, in the first instance, a primary school divided in two. More specifically, the first three classes of the primary school are located in Karvunada and the other three, 8km away. A situation that, after having existed for so many years, «seems» normal while it is completely absurd, dragging parents, children and teachers into its absurdity, making their lives incredibly difficult!
In second place on the pedestal of absurdities, I would dare to place the situation of the River School with the containers. These containers have been arbitrarily placed for so many years in the yard, next to our neoclassical main school building, «adorning» it with plenty of bad taste. And that's not all! .Of course, whether the lesson will take place, in these substitute buildings, depends on the weather! Hail, rain, heat waves, due to the tin for a roof, make things very difficult. In the midst of it all, one question I have is this: in September 2024 when our small class (only 9 kids) goes to high school and a larger one arrives that will not fit the small class, I wonder what solution will be found? Will another container be added «that is so convenient»?;
The main building of our school is not left out of it. Its maintenance has taken a back seat, at least as many years as I have been in place. Windows are waterlogged, tiles torn off where children stumble, damaged frames with sharp nails sticking out. In addition, the classrooms are also warehouses because there is no provision for storage space outside. Those responsible for this situation should be aware that the environment in which children are educated should first of all be safe and then tasteful and organised. This situation can only be justified in third world societies. Fortunately, remarkable equipment in our school exists, but it is often densely sponsored.
Moving on, the unsuitability of the courtyard is worth highlighting. The whole yard is layered: steps, flowerbeds here and there and steps problematic for play of such ages. There are floors irregularly paved either with concrete which has been «opened up» in many places with roots and rocks sticking out or with dirt. There are also peg walls and walkways in the floor made of sharp stones which are smooth and slippery.
A major problem is the fact that the entrance and exit of our school is on the main road of the island. The absence of safety measures, signage and a school traffic warden from the municipality put children, parents and teachers in danger every day.
Many vital changes will therefore have to be made. It would certainly be very useful to have a more direct contact between the Municipality and the PTAs and the Teachers« Associations. It is essential to have frequent meetings, updates on the funds available for schools and presentations of the actions to be developed in each school. It is clear that it is through dialogue that the »unresolved« issues of the country will begin to be resolved. Of course, in the long run it would be necessary to create school buildings from the bottom up so that they are built to the right standards without having to constantly »patch" holes.
By winning these, we will stop feeling like second-class citizens. Finally, the safety of our children will start to be the most important motivator and we will be able to feel proud and not «quaint» for making our family on the island. All of this is what will inspire other young people to choose to experience the magic of Kythera as permanent residents now and not just as tourists!
Despina Papadopoulou, teacher
For the faction «Free Kythera»
