Project Lavrio 2024-2025

    “Memory is the foundation of consciousness. And culture is the foundation of memory.”

    – Mikis Theodorakis

    When Teaching Meets Cultural Heritage

    With the conclusion of the 2024–2025 academic year, the innovative educational initiative “Entrepreneurship, Education and Culture” also came to an end. The initiative was implemented as part of the curriculum of the Teacher Education Program of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), in collaboration with the association “DIAZOMA”, the AUEB's ACE IN – Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the journal “Xenophon”.

    The initiative is carried out under the supervision, organizational support, and inspiring presence of the Scientific Director of the Program, Dr. Vasiliki Brinia, who brings pedagogical and cultural depth to the project. She works in collaboration with Ms. Maria Belogianni, Head of Educational Programs at DIAZOMA, Ms. Georgia Manolopoulou, Head of Communication and Educational Activities, Exhibitions and Cultural Routes at the Archaeological Museum of Patras and archaeological sites in Achaia, volunteer and Board Member of DIAZOMA, and Mr. Georgios Tziros, economist and educator at the American College of Greece – Pierce, and representative of the economic education journal “Xenophon.”

    The action brings together, in addition to AUEB's Teacher Education Program, the association DIAZOMA, the ACE IN Center, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Eastern Attica, the Lavrio Technological and Cultural Park of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), the Municipality of Lavreotiki, the Region of Attica, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Destination Management Organization “New Metropolitan Attica” and the cultural body “Ano DIAZOMA.”

    As part of group projects, students were invited to design and propose innovative ideas for utilizing the cultural assets of Lavrio, starting from the Cultural Route “The Trilogy of Attica: Eleusis – Athens – Lavrio.” The main objective was to develop a comprehensive cultural strategic plan that highlights the region’s cultural identity by creatively connecting the past with the present and shaping visions for the future. This approach encouraged interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge in practice, with an emphasis on sustainable cultural development.

    During the Spring Semester of 2024–2025, students participated in a series of training sessions that combined theoretical instruction, experiential learning, and creative interaction with experts. The program of lectures included:

    1st Meeting – Friday, March 7, 2025 (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m)

    Topic: What is a holistic cultural strategic plan, and how is it designed? – The day after

    Speakers:

    • Maria Sofikitou, Archaeologist, Director of DIAZOMA
    • Thomas Greve, Architect-Urban Planner
    • Elina Aggeli, Architect-Engineer, MSc in Monument Preservation
    • Christos Chiotis, Visual Communication Designer, Head of Digital Applications Design and Development at DIAZOMA
    • Fotis Maragos, Head of Strategic Planning and Communication

    2nd Meeting – Inspiration for the Action “Entrepreneurship, Education and Culture: Lavrio”

    Friday, March 21, 2025 (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m)

    Speakers:

    • Elpida Skerlou, Archaeologist, Ephorate of Antiquities of Eastern Attica
    • Asimakis Chadoumellis, Director of the Lavrio Technological and Cultural Park

    A series of online meetings followed, during which students received guidance on structuring and developing a complete business plan. Speakers included Mr. Tziros, Mr. Eleftherios Skarpinakis, Dr. Karagiannaki, and Mr. Athanasiou, members of the ACE IN team.

    A milestone of the educational initiative was the on-site visit to Lavrio on Friday, March 21, 2025, by the student groups, accompanied by Mr. Tziros. Students had the opportunity to explore firsthand the locations that would form the core of their project proposals, enriching their ideas with elements of local history and culture.

    The initiative culminated on May 30, 2025, with the presentation and feedback of the business plans, concluding a cycle of collaboration, creativity, and applied learning.

    The project places particular emphasis on teamwork, field research, interdisciplinarity, and the social awareness of participants. The submission of group projects is expected to culminate in a special award ceremony organized by Ano DIAZOMA in the fall of 2025, with the participation of scientific supervisors and collaborating institutions. The Teacher Education Program of the Athens University of Economics and Business once again demonstrates through Project Lavrio that university education can generate not only knowledge but also a lasting social impact.

    Congratulations to all the teams for their efforts!

    The successful action “Entrepreneurship, Education and Culture” will continue in the 2025–2026 academic year in collaboration with DIAZOMA, AUEB’s ACE IN, and the journal Xenophon.

    Have a great summer!