In the Principle's Office
Here’s a phrase that scares everyone…
In the principle’s office, where everyone assumes they will either go to complain, or to be reprimanded!
But so many beautiful things happen in this office!
We’re going to launch this new blog column with one of them!
In the office we have the opportunity to discuss above all, what we are worried about, what we are thinking about, what we are looking for a solution for!
So come with us to discover a series of these beautiful discussions!
This week’s guest is Mrs. Eleni Potamianou, General Manager of Together for Children.
Lina Exarchou
Operations Manager
LE: Dear Mrs.Potamianou, it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you, both about the Together for Children Association and about the concept of philanthropy. Tell us about the work of the Association and your own role!
EP: Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to talk about “Together for Children” which has been active in Greece since 1996 and is a group of associations working for the protection of thousands of children in our country. The main objective of the association is to offer all forms of assistance to children, families and young people who are faced with poverty, disability, abuse and illness.
The Association is composed by 9 members and has developed a network of cooperation with more than 200 child protection agencies and helps more than 30.000 children and families annually.
As the General Manager of “Together for Children” I am fortunate to be part of an excellent team consisting of amazing and experienced members who each brings to the cause their unique skills and experience making all of us so much more effective.
LE: Would you like to share with us an action that has made in impact in you and why?
OP: Yesterday, a group of elementary school students came to “Together for Children” warehouse to help us with counting and sorting donations in kind. The donations came from an activity that took place on December 3 in a supermarket in Athens where consumers were invited to donate food for the institutions we support. The response was great and so the work the students had to do was significant. I was touched by the enthusiasm of the children to help in a meaningful way by donating their time.
LE: At a time when the concept of charity and volunteering are dealt with scepticism, what is your message to all of us who want to actively continue to contribute in whatever way we can?
EP: It is important to know where the help we give will go and how it will be used. There are many needs and there are also many ways that one can help. We can choose the way that suits us to offer our help, whether it is an in-kind or volunteer contribution or a monetary contribution. The transparency of an organisation’s operations and actions are essential elements that help to build trust in its work.
LE: How do you think we can explain the concept of philanthropy to children, especially pre-school ones?
EP: For very young children it is important to stress the importance of solidarity and of helping others when we can and in the way we can with examples that are familiar to them. A child learns when he or she is involved in an action. For example, we can ask our children to donate a toy or a piece of clothing in good condition to a child in need. Or draw a card to accompany a gift that parents will give to a charity. It is important that the donation is made with respect for the person who will accept it.
LE: In closing, and before thanking you for your time, we would like to let the parents of our school know that we will be delighted to have you join us at our Christmas Bazaar this year, on December 16, 2022, for a festive afternoon whose proceeds will lovingly support Together for Children actions.
