Greek Island’s Only 2 Students Joined by Athens Kids for Parade

Parents and students from a primary school in the metropolitan area of Athens traveled to Agathonisi, a small island in Greece’s Aegean Sea, to participate in the island’s Greek Independence Day parade alongside the only two students from the local school of Agathonisi.

This commendable initiative showcased solidarity and unity among different student communities. This fosters the creation of new friendships and the exchange of experiences as part of the “Where Angels Exist” initiative.

Greek island Agathonisi’s only two students parade together with children from Athens

The excursion was organized with the kind cooperation of the Municipality of Kos, which had planned an official reception for the young visitors and their families. The itinerary included visits to Agathonisi’s historical landmarks, such as the ancient Asclepieion. The children attained exceptional educational and experiential opportunities.

Initiated in 2019, “Where Angels Exist” aims to enrich children’s experiences by cultivating compassion and community spirit. Through such endeavors, students not only gain practical skills in assisting and supporting one another but also internalize the values of solidarity and humanity.

This emotionally resonant initiative garners support from local businesses as well as media attention. It underscores the potency of community engagement and widespread backing for such endeavors. The excursion to Agathonisi became an unforgettable experience for the children, augmenting their educational journey with hands-on learning and fostering new connections.

As the day unfolded, participants reflected on the poignant backdrop of Agathonisi’s demographic challenges. With only 150 inhabitants and just two students on the island, the Athens students’ presence in the parade was profoundly significant.

Greece’s problem of low birth rates

In recent years, Greece has witnessed a decline in its population, reaching 10,413,982 as of January 1, 2023. This reflects a 0.5 percent decrease from 2022. Notably, only 13.4 percent of the population is composed of individuals aged zero to fourteen years old. This highlights the repercussions of the nation’s low birth rate. Furthermore, those between the ages of fifteen and sixty-four comprise 63.7 percent of the population. People who are sixty-five and older constitute 22.9 percent of the nation’s residents.

Moreover, many island residents have relocated to major cities. This is due to inadequate infrastructure and limited opportunities, exacerbating the demographic strain on areas like Agathonisi.

Agathonisi

Agathonisi is a small island located at the northernmost point of the Dodecanese archipelago in Greece. In ancient times, Agathonisi was known as Psetoussa (Ancient Greek: Ψετούσσα). During the summer season, many people visit the island to explore the secluded beaches and the two quaint villages, Megalo Chorio, or “Big Village,” and Mikro Chorio, meaning “Small Village.” The Municipality of Agathonisi includes an archipelago of uninhabited offshore islets, including Glaros, Kouneli, Nera, and Psathonisio.