In the School of Nature
The educational programs offered by the Philodassiki Society of Athens are celebrating 12 consecutive years of environmental education, featuring 15 experiential programs tailored for preschool and primary school children, as well as 4 programs designed for all middle school grades.
These programs aim to foster an eco-conscious mindset in students through hands-on engagement with the natural world. The initiative began in 2012, inspired by the remarkable story of the creation of the Mt. Hymettus Aesthetic Forest after World War II. Spearheaded by Philodassiki and led by Kaiti Argyropoulo, this project stands as an outstanding example of positive human intervention in nature, inspiring both students and educators alike.
Each year, approximately 2,700 students from public, private, and special education schools participate in these programs. Increasingly, these children express concerns about global environmental issues and share extensive knowledge about the natural world. However, many children also show hesitance in directly engaging with nature—they might be reluctant to touch soil, fear small insects, or hesitate to approach earthworms. Even when encountering a terrestrial tortoise, they might ask, “Is it real?”
In the context of environmental education, there is often an emphasis on the negative impacts of human activities on the environment, sometimes at the expense of showcasing positive practices. While advancements in science and technology expand theoretical understanding of the natural world, they simultaneously reduce opportunities for direct, experiential interaction with nature. In recent years, artificial intelligence and virtual reality increasingly replace real-world experiences, distancing people further from authentic engagement with the environment.
Children learn best through activating their senses, emotions, and physical actions—through movement, imitation, and experiences that engage their bodies, minds, and hearts. To cultivate an environmental conscience and ensure a sustainable future for both the Earth and humanity, children need regular opportunities to connect with nature, positive role models to emulate, and real-life experiences. Virtual reality, no matter how enticing, remains a sterile substitute for the vibrant, living world.
Philodassiki’s programs bring environmental education to life through:
- Tailored program design, adapted to the ages, needs, and abilities of each group.
- Outdoor implementation, throughout all seasons of the year.
- Active participation by all group members in hands-on activities.
- Encouragement of movement, observation, exploration, and discovery.
- Direct contact with natural materials.
- Integration of theoretical knowledge from school curricula with real-world experiences in the “great school of nature.”
By the end of their participation, students earn the title of “True Friends of Nature,” symbolizing their role as advocates for a sustainable future. Feedback from participants and educators highlights the programs as enjoyable and creative experiences, offering a wealth of stimuli for learning and reflection.
To deepen the educational impact, schools are encouraged to participate in regular workshops throughout the academic year, strengthening the connection between education and nature.
Roza Triantafyllidi | Educator - Forest School Leader, Head of Educational Programs at Philodassiki
For more information about the educational programs:
