With a name inspired by the first letter of the Greek alphabet, Generation Alpha is the first generation born entirely in the 21^st century: The generation of connectivity, social networks and streaming, which strongly experienced the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the family and in the classroom. In this context, teachers are often the first line of response when a child presents a mental health problem in the classroom.

Driven from there, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative has specially designed for the Athens Science Festival, a workshop addressed to teachers from all levels of education. Entitled “Mental Health Literacy through stories”, the aim of the workshop is to empower and enhance the skills of teachers to identify mental health difficulties in children and adolescents. Through experiential activities, participants will process case studies of children with mental health difficulties, as presented in the classroom, while through role playing, ways of communicating with children, parents/carers and colleagues will be highlighted.

Friday 19/4 | 18:00 – 18:50 |PURIFIER

Subsequently, Alexia Barrable, an academic and researcher from Queen Margaret University of Edinburgh, is coming to the Athens Science Festival to talk about the beneficial properties of contact with nature for our mental and physical health. Through her speech on “50 shades of green: Nature & health” Dr. Barrable will present us with studies and data that highlight contact with nature as a “medicine” that can lower cardiovascular pressure, boost immunity and improve mental health, reducing depression and stress. An invaluable “medicine” for teachers and children, both in and out of the classroom.

Friday 19/4 | 19:00 – 19:50 | PURIFIER

A panel discussion will follow featuring Yiannis Sotirakos, CEO EY ZHN LIFE ecosystem of companies and founder of the GENERATION ALPHA Organization, and Yiannis Efthymiou, Teacher educator at the Department of Education at Brunel University London, specializing in teacher training. Both will meet and exchange views regarding “Generation Alpha and Sustainable Education“.

Friday 19/4 | 20:00 – 20:50 | INNOVATHENS

Are you an educator? We are waiting for you at the Athens Science Festival 2024 with Tales and Workshops of Change specially designed for teachers with a focus on mental health in the classroom.

Stay updated on the full program at the festival’s website and book your tickets!

The Athens Science Festival 2024 is organized by the educational organization Science Communication – SciCo, the British Council, and the Technopolis City of Athens, in collaboration with numerous academic, research institutions, and educational organizations, as well as with the support of COSMOTE as Platinum Sponsor.