Unprecedented heat waves, devastating fires and floods, heavy rainfall, rapid climate crisis, air and sea pollution, the greenhouse effect causing global temperature rise, are triggering a series of problems and population movements as well as desertification in many parts of the world.

The environmental destruction that is taking place is the theme of the “Book Walks 2023”, the largest institution of student love of reading in Greece, Cyprus and Greek diaspora. For the 25th year in a row, they are being organized this year by the Neighbors Schools in Vari, on Friday May 12, 2023, with the approval of the Ministries of Education of Greece and Cyprus.

It concerns 4th, 5th and 6th grade students who, through the reading and literary journeys, will acquire knowledge and become aware of our natural environment, at the same time cultivating the individual responsibility we have for our “home”.
“The Book Races that have been established by Geitona Schools are an institution that really deserves to be imitated throughout education,” emphasizes Angelos Syrigos, Deputy Minister of Education and Religion. “The undeniably pedagogical character of literature works through the Book Fairs, cultivating both the linguistic sensibility and the general culture of young students while at the same time developing the noble rivalry”.

“The purpose of Book Walks” emphasizes the founder of the institution, Mr. Eleftherios Geitonas, general director of Geitonas Schools, “is to cultivate and strengthen the relationship of children and teenagers with books, especially literary reading, through the reading of whole books and not passages. Establishing the habit of reading books benefits students in many ways, as it develops reading and spelling skills, cultivates imagination and critical thinking, supports creativity and communication, especially when combined with discussion and group activities in school. The competition consists of reading three (3) books, belonging to a specific thematic section, throughout the school year at the pace the children wish, individually or in small groups, with optional guidance from the teacher of the class and with the possibility of interconnection with other academic subjects, e.g. History, Studies the Environment, Social and Political Education, Skills Workshops. The competition concludes with the participation of students in the competition process, which is done by completing questionnaires with comprehension, information focus, critical and comparative approach questions.

It is important to point out that during the competition phase the students can have the books with them so that they do not cause anxiety and insecurity, but enjoy the process by participating happily. It is a game, an activity that unleashes children’s creative powers and leads them to joy and enjoyment.

For more information on participating in the “Book Races 2023”, call 2109656200 and visit the website geitonas.edu.gr.