Twenty-five students from the Rhodes Model Vocational High School visited Rhodes City Hall as part of the educational program “Active Citizenship,” aimed at familiarizing them with the workings of local government, the democratic decision-making process, and the role of European institutions.
The students were welcomed by the President of the Rhodes City Council, Kyriakos Kasapis, the Deputy Mayor for Communications and Deputy Mayor for Culture, Giorgos Pattas, as well as the Head of the Department of Public, International Relations and Communications of the Municipality of Rhodes, Maria Agapi Karampini.
The educational visit took place in collaboration with the coordinator of Europe Direct South Aegean, Filia Papasavva, and the school’s teachers, Thomai Vergoti and Ioanna Sotiriou, who accompanied the students on this activity.
For the third consecutive school year, the Model Vocational High School of Rhodes is implementing the “Active Citizenship” curriculum, aiming to strengthen young people’s active participation in public life, foster a sense of responsibility, and highlight the importance of democratic participation in shaping social and political life.
The highlight of the visit was a simulation of a City Council meeting held in the Rhodes City Council chamber. Through this experiential learning process, the students had the opportunity to take on specific roles, familiarize themselves with the procedures of a meeting, and gain practical insight into how issues affecting the local community are discussed and decisions regarding citizens’ daily lives are made.
At the same time, they were informed about the responsibilities of elected representatives, the role of the City Council, and the importance of dialogue, the exchange of arguments, cooperation, and respect for differing opinions. Their participation in a process that simulates the functioning of a real collective body contributed to a better understanding of democratic principles and the responsibilities that come with being an active citizen.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the connection between local government and European institutions, highlighting how civic engagement, staying informed, and taking the initiative can strengthen democracy at both the local and European levels.
The Municipality of Rhodes recognizes the importance of students’ engagement with these institutions and supports educational initiatives that enable young people to gain meaningful knowledge and experiences through participation and active involvement. Familiarity with the workings of local government is an important step toward shaping citizens with critical thinking skills, social awareness, and a willingness to contribute to their community.
Finally, the visit highlighted the importance of cooperation between the educational community, local government, and European information agencies, with the shared goal of empowering the younger generation and fostering a culture of participation, dialogue, and democratic awareness.
The Municipality of Rhodes congratulates the Model Vocational High School of Rhodes, Principal Aristi Stergiadou, the teachers, the students, and Filia Papasavva for her initiative, and hopes that this experience will serve as a starting point for even more initiatives that encourage young people to take an interest, participate, and actively contribute to shaping the future of Rhodes and Europe.
