School pupils from Ukraine visit Old Town Hall
CORFU. A special impression was created by the pupils being dressed in their traditional attire, which serves as a strong symbol of cultural identity and historical continuity.
(Central Corfu Municipality) The Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands had the honour of hosting a large delegation from Ukraine, consisting of 30 top-performing high school 3rd year pupils. Accompanied by their teachers, they made on an educational trip to Corfu.
The official welcome took place yesterday at the historic San Giacomo Old Town Hall, where they were greeted by the Deputy Mayor of Sustainable Tourism Development, Spyros Chalikopoulos, and the Deputy Mayor of Sports, Education, and Youth, Pantelis Giannoulis.
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Anastasia Chulkova, Head of International Relations and Culture of the Municipality of Odessa, conveyed the warm greetings and gratitude of Mayor Gennadiy Leonidovich Trukhanov for the hospitality and warm reception of the pupils on the island. This included guided tours and free accommodation, generously provided with the support and sponsorship of a local hotel.
During the meeting, the two Deputy Mayors congratulated the representative of the Municipality of Odessa on organising this trip, which offers pupils a valuable experiential opportunity as well as the chance to enjoy pleasant moments in a peaceful environment.
Mr. Chalikopoulos then expressed the deep solidarity of the people of Corfu towards Odessa, referring to the historical ties between the two towns, which are closely connected through the Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends) and the Greek War of Independence.
He stated: "The visit of the top pupils from the city of Odessa to Corfu is an event that embodies the values of education and cultural exchange among nations. Through the development of educational and cultural activities, pupils have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate different cultural traditions, contributing to the promotion of peace and mutual understanding among people."
The Deputy Mayor of Sports, Education and Youth also welcomed the delegation, highlighting the importance of pupils becoming acquainted with the history and the unique, multicultural character of Corfu.
A particularly striking aspect of the visit was the pupils' appearance in their traditional attire, which serves as a strong symbol of cultural identity and historical continuity. In this context, Mr. Giannoulis congratulated the young pupils on this initiative, stressing that the preservation and promotion of a nation’s cultural heritage are essential for shaping collective memory and maintaining national identity.
Finally, the two Deputy Mayors thanked the members of the delegation for their sincere feelings of friendship toward the people of Corfu, stressing the importance of maintaining and strengthening the historical and cultural ties between the two towns. They also expressed their hope for the end of the war and the continuation of this constructive collaboration through the development of initiatives in areas of common interest.
Photo: Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands Municipality
