With the approval and backing of Metropolitan Polycarpos of Italy, the Eco-School has reopened for its second session, hosted by the Orthodox Parish of Saints Menas the Great Martyr and Ephraim the New Martyr—the Miracle Workers—in Sedegliano.
On January 25, 2025, eager parents and children gathered to take part in a special educational experience focused on the exploration of electricity.
A Day of Exploration: Electricity
The second session, themed “Dear Electrons, Where Have You Ended Up?”, aimed to introduce children to the intriguing world of electrons and the significance of electricity in daily life. The atmosphere was lively, with inquisitive children engaging in interactive activities that blended education with enjoyment.
Guided by the organizing team, the children embarked on a scientific adventure through the “Young Scientists” program, involving educational games, visual aids, and hands-on experiments. Throughout the day, they learned about the generation of electricity through electron movement and explored various electronic components such as batteries, resistors, and LEDs. They also put their knowledge into practice by designing electronic circuits and constructing simple circuits using batteries, resistors, and LEDs. Using measuring tools, they tested the voltage, resistance, and functionality of their circuits, gaining a deeper understanding of the role of technology in everyday life.
The motto of the session, “Let your smile change the world,” perfectly encapsulated the positive atmosphere and the aim of instilling enduring values of responsibility and respect for God’s creation in the younger generation. The activities, conducted in a welcoming setting, struck a harmonious balance between learning and entertainment, leaving the children with valuable insights on the proper use of electricity.
Future Plans and Ongoing Projects
One of the highlights of the day was the initiation of work on the second manual in a series dedicated to ecological education, titled “From Creation to the Atom – Energy for Children.” This project, endorsed by Patriarch Bartholomew and featuring a foreword by His All-Holiness, is a collaborative effort between the teachers and children of the Eco-School. The manual will be available in Italian, Romanian, Greek, and English, with the goal of promoting ecological education within Orthodox communities and beyond.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
As the session drew to a close, Eco-School educators Presvytera Louiza Filipescu and Physics and Electronics Professor Doina Filipescu underscored the significance of the knowledge gained and the potential impact of these activities on the children’s development: “We conclude this session with hearts full of excitement for the advancements in sustainable electricity. Together, we have explored innovative solutions that not only meet current needs but also safeguard God’s creation, offering a cleaner and more responsible future. With curiosity in our eyes and open minds, we continue to seek ways to merge technology with environmental respect.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Eco-School continues to set an example in ecological education and commitment, with plans for new sessions throughout 2025. These sessions will enable children to deepen their knowledge and actively contribute to environmental preservation.
Launched in April 2024, this initiative has already demonstrated its crucial role in shaping responsible generations capable of blending technological progress with reverence for divine creation. Through this approach, the Orthodox Parish in the Province of Udine reaffirms its dedication to ecological education, making a significant contribution to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
