Geo Routes introduces China’s “Future Leaders” to Greek Cultural Heritage

Early February 2015 the first part of the most talented youngsters aged of 7 to 12 y.o. from Model Youth China, had the chance to visit Greece through a specially designed educational and cultural journey delivered by Geo Routes Cultural Institute.

Scope of the journey was the “future leaders of China” to become acquainted with the history, the philosophy and the cultural heritage of Greece, provided a discovery of major cultural and historical destinations as well as the experiences of local traditions.

The intercultural dialogue expedition organized by Geo Routes Cultural Institute, was held under the Auspices of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO and in cooperation with the Model Youth China Program and the China Cultural Heritage Protection Center (Ministry of Culture of China).

Model Youth program aims at enhancing the most talented young people of China, who the in future will be contributing to the development of the country, the preservation of cultural values, the prosperity of the nation and the promotion of peace and Chinese culture.

The 8-days educational cultural journey in Greece revealed to the young visitors Ancient Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Ancient Nemea and Nafplion, Dimitsana traditional settlement, Ancient Olympia, and the Navel of the Earth in the archaeological site of Delphi.

Intercultural actions took place in Dimitsana at the Open Air Water-Power Museum, in Olympia by the Association of Traditional Dances “Orpheus” and in Athens at Geitonas Unesco Associated School.

The farewell ceremony at Geitonas School greeted by Mrs. Ekaterini Tzitzikosta-President of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Giannis Balakakis-President of Geo Routes Cultural Institute, Mr. Eleftherios Geitonas & Mr. Vasilis Papalymperis-President & Director of Comm. of Geitonas School, and Mr. Jing Yan-Director General of the Model Youth China program.

The farewell event also included a master class painting themes at which Greek and Chinese students were invited in mixed groups to portraying various cultural expressions. The ceremony was concluded in a series of artistic music and dance show performance given both by Model Youth and Geitonas School children.

Geo Routes Cultural Institute provides Geo & Aegean Routes experiential, cultural & environmental journeys which held under the auspices of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO and the support of the European Commission Representation in Greece. Scope of those journeys is at highlighting the ‘other side’ of Greece, promoting our cultural heritage and contributing to the development of the local society through Corporate Social Responsibility programs. As of 2015, Geo Routes Cultural Institute constitutes the official partner of the ‘Model Youth China’ program for Greece and Europe