EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The modern way of life features hectic paces, urbanization models and consumption patterns that remove man from his primal source of rejuvenation, leaving him off balance. On the contrary, nature generously offers us its beauty, teaches us balance, harmony and wisdom. It gives us the feeling of freedom and completeness. Staying in touch with our history and tradition ties us to our roots and thus caters for a need inherent to human beings and contributes to our mental empowerment.
In order to effectively reconnect the young people with the natural environment, to help them develop their social, emotional and especially environmental intelligence in a natural way, we have created student-centered educational programs that promote learning acquisition through meaningful contact with the nature, history and tradition of our country. These programs are implemented with the care of Mrs Despina Mathioudaki and Mrs Emmanouela Koutantou
From the oil to the soap
An educational program where the child learns how natural soap is made from olive oil and herbs, enhancing the philosophy of recycling, hygiene and economy. The colors and scents of Cretan land blend harmoniously with the history and origins of soap, the nutritional...
From wheat to bread
An educational program to re-discover the old authentic tastes. It is a hands-on workshop where children learn about wheat, sift the flour, knead their bread with a homemade sourdough, and later enjoy the mouth filling aroma of the freshly baked bread. It also...
The festive wedding bread
"... When a girl met a young man and fell in love with him, she would" knit” a bird, usually a pigeon or a swallow on the bread. If the bread baked well, then she had hope of marrying her loved one. " An educational program with a mainly folkloric character, where...
When the locust bean met the chocolate
An educational program where the child comes into contact with this unknown fruit of Crete and of the whole Mediterranean. In an experiential way and through storytelling (depending on the age group), children learn about the alternative chocolate of Crete and its...
When the peel met the soil – Composting
An educational program where the child learns that the cycle of nature does not stop at our table. They learn concepts such as organic fertilizer, organic farming, disruptors, and food recycling. The experiential workshop involves a series of activities and games,...
Seed rescue
Seed rescue is an environmental educational program aimed at understanding the seed life circle, the variety of seeds (color, size, shape), the association of seeds with our diet, the importance of preserving varieties, but also the importance of eating seasonally....
Macaroni Carnival
"Macaroni Carnival" is a creative experiential workshop for children. It aims to facilitate understanding of the folklore and nutritional habits of Cretan people and their connection to the ancient Greek celebration of Anthestiria and the consumption of spaghetti as a...
Koutsounes or koukounares. Easter bread rolls
The "Koutsounes or koukounares" program is an experiential workshop for the creation of the small Easter bread decorated with a red egg that was made by the housewives and was an Easter gift for young children. The shapes of this bread were inspired by the flora and...
Easter egg painting in a natural way
The program is a creative workshop where the children are taught the old traditional way of dying eggs, as well as the folklore stories around the whole process such as the egg, the red color, etc. which are beautifully unfolded during the workshop. It also promotes...
The melomacarono – Christmas traditional recipe
The colors and aromas of Christmas enter into an experiential program for children. Children are mentally transferred to earlier times. Through play, active participation, illustrated and schematized presentation of the recipe, they are educated on both nutritional...
Wild Greens Collection – Herbs Recognition
Walk through the estate, looking for and collecting edible greens and herbs with expert guidance. It is an experiential, hands-on activity where the child touches, explores and learns. Children develop their sensory organs through direct contact with nature. They...
Green Scientist
Set in an appropriately designed, semi-open air workshop, the Green Scientist is a program where children experiment with simple and smart constructions that facilitate understanding of basic concepts such as power, speed, acceleration, gravity, torque, etc. Children...
Walkthrough to Agios Thomas
Hike from “Agroikies” to the village of Agios Thomas. Stop first at the Panagia Kardiotissa, the 12th century chapel, with the ancient oak trees, the old stone bridge, the water mill and the fragments of frescoes that testify to the original building’s 10th century...
Walk to the Minoan stone-carved winepresses and Panagia Kardiotissa
Hike through the estate towards the first Minoan stone-carved winepresses located amongst ancient oaks in an environment of incredible natural beauty. Change direction towards the chapel of Agios Antonios with elements of Venetian architecture, carved graves on the...
