Τhe Ionian Environment Foundation launched a new environmental education initiative in Sami, marking an important step in IEF’s expansion across Kefalonia. Led by Dr. Emily Stefanatou, postdoctoral at the University of the Aegean and Sofia Chanioti, environmental consultant, the project brought together students and members of the local community through interactive workshops, outdoor experiences, and community-led actions, all focused on building awareness, responsibility, and connection with the environment. participation.

We deeply appreciate the participation and support of the local cultural association in Sami – Aigialos for helping make this happen.

Project Outcomes

🔹 Creative Reuse Workshop
Students and members of the local community collaborated to turn waste into inspiration, learning how to give materials a second life through art and creativity.

🔹 “The Story of a T-Shirt” Educational Session
An interactive session exploring the lifecycle of a cotton t-shirt—from the field to the shop shelf. Students discussed water and energy consumption, transportation, and global supply chains.

🔹 Charity Bazaar for the Sami Orphanage
In partnership with the local cultural association Aigialos, a vibrant charity bazaar was held, raising €500 through the sale of handmade items, donated books, and vintage jewelry. All proceeds supported the local orphanage.

🔹 Oil Spill Simulation Workshop
Students built a seafloor model and experimented with cleaning up mock oil spills, gaining hands-on experience and understanding the challenges of marine pollution.

🔹 Biodiversity Hike in Agioi Fanentes
During a guided nature walk, students used Google Lens to identify native plants and engaged in discussions about biodiversity and its vital role in ecosystem health.

🔹 Beach Cleanup Initiative
A student-led beach cleanup further demonstrated the power of community action and care for the marine environment.

🔹 Group Reflection on Marine Pollution
The final session brought everyone together to share reflections, questions, and realizations about the state of our seas and the importance of both personal and collective responsibility.

 

Educational Guide

A key legacy of the project is the creation of a practical educational guide for teachers and parents, distributed to over 200 schools and educators in Kefalonia, Corfu and Lefkada. Designed to support hands-on environmental learning, the guide includes a series of easy-to-implement activities that help children explore complex environmental issues through play and experimentation.

These include building small artificial wetlands to learn about water systems, becoming “microplastic detectives”, discovering the life of bees, simulating oil spills, and participating in creative reuse workshops that promote circular thinking and waste reduction.

View Educational Guide Here