Dear Ikaria friends and supporters,
Thanks to a very generous donation from Bremen, the foundation stone has been laid for a donation account and thus for concrete help! In response to my article “Ikaria Supporters’ Circle”, it became clear that schools in particular should be supported with this money. Here, the austerity policy of the Athens government is making itself felt subtly and frighteningly in the fact that funds for teachers’ salaries and for the transport of students from surrounding and more distant villages have been cut, in some cases without replacement and without further prospects.
The big concern now is that the children can no longer be taught in heated rooms in winter!
Ulrich Wickert (a German journalist and author) writes in his book:
,,Time to act” ,, It’s time to act. That sounds simple, but it isn’t. In recent years, unease with the development of society has increased. Numerous papers have been published looking for the reasons for this. There is often talk of a crisis of values, and in discussions everyone nods and asks: “Who will do what now?” The one who talks about the discomfort, who explains how values can be given value again – and why that is necessary – he could do something… “We’ll support you with that too,” he is benevolently assured. But when the answer is that they should not wait for a Savior to lead them out of the valley of misery, but that everyone must lend a hand themselves, the well-intentioned are dismayed. Maybe one or the other would like to do something. But how and where?”
In Ikaria, the islanders take their fate into their own hands and act. This is reported on “Ursulas Ikaria”, e.g. at the traditional dance festival, the Panigyria, etc.
Solidarity, a term that often triggers fear of left-wing slogans in Germany, here means, in the best sense, solidarity with others and support for the ideas and activities of others. Actually an ideal that gives meaning to a community.
As Ikaria friends, dance and nature enthusiasts who have experienced the great hospitality of the Ikariotes, a time of solidarity with Ikaria is now upon us. Maybe just for this winter, maybe for next year, maybe longer… Every idea, every advertisement for this site, every comment and every donation is helpful. This exchange can take place via “Ursulas Ikaria” and it will be reported exactly where and how the donated money is used.
With this in mind, I would like to promote donations for the “Heating Oil for School” project.
Since this is a private initiative, unfortunately no donation receipts relevant to the tax office can be issued, but perhaps a transfer receipt is sufficient….
Kind regards, Kirsten Grimm, Germany
Read more on this topic:
Ikaria friends: who we are?
Ongoing projects: Heating oil for school
Ikaria Supporters Circle, an article by Kirsten Grimm
Completed projects: Oskar and the graduating class
Hope, a poem by Ingrid Heidrich-Siggelaki
Anyone who feels solidarity can contribute by making a donation!
Donation accounts