Presentation of the Educational Action
“A Multilingual Story at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle”

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the results of the first specially designed action at the Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) were presented. The initiative aimed to promote accessibility and inclusion in culture under the title “A Multilingual Story at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.” Launched in November 2024, its goal was to foster a creative approach to and understanding of the modern history of Macedonia by a mixed group of hearing and deaf/hard-of-hearing children—inside the Museum!

The inclusive educational initiative included guided tours and hands-on workshops in Greek Sign Language, with the assistance of interpreters, specialized collaborators, and the use of exhibits and museum and archival materials. Through observation, games, drawing, and theatrical activities, the children engaged with history in an interactive way! The project was implemented with financial support and under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the Greek Sign Language Center and Inclusive Lines, which specializes in designing accessible educational programs.

At the event, an innovative accessible storytelling video was presented for the first time. This video was collectively created by the participating children and will serve as an educational and entertaining tool for all visitors to IMMA, young and old, without exclusions! After the speeches, a guided tour of the Museum took place with simultaneous interpretation in Greek Sign Language (GSL).

In their addresses, ND Member of Parliament Maria-Nefeli Chatziioannidou emphasized the importance of inclusive initiatives for all families and assured that she would support their expansion to other institutions. The Deputy Regional Governor for Health & Social Solidarity of Central Macedonia, Melina Dermetzopoulou, congratulated IMMA on its valuable initiative, which highlights Thessaloniki’s human capital in inclusive cultural and historical policies while also providing an opportunity for local government to contribute.

In her speech, the Director of IMMA, Athina Pavlidou, referred to the core mission of the Foundation’s social and educational role—ensuring universal and equal access to culture. She specifically noted that this action marked the completion of a first journey toward making the Museum more accessible to all children. It was realized despite many challenges but also with moments of emotion and joy for everyone involved.

Dr. Anastasia Samara, Architect & Founder of Inclusive Lines, detailed the philosophy behind accessibility-focused educational programs and explained the design and implementation stages of this particular action, accompanied by photos of the children’s collaborative games. The images captivated the audience, conveying the creative atmosphere of the activities. George Gkidikas, Founder of the Greek Sign Language Center (GSL Center) and Interpreter Trainer, highlighted both the joys and challenges of the project, along with its numerous benefits for all children. He and his team undertook the complex task of mediation and interpretation at all stages of the program.

In the same spirit, Grigoris Petropoulos, Deputy Head of the Special Primary School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Panorama, and Dr. Paris Kourtis, the responsible educator of the hearing students’ group from the 43rd Primary School of Thessaloniki, shared their experiences. They discussed the initial communication challenges but ultimately expressed their positive assessment of the collaboration and the children’s enthusiasm. A common takeaway from the final speakers was the pleasant surprise and realization that a Museum can be a place of entertainment, knowledge, and safety.

The event was attended by the Deputy Regional Governor for Culture and Sports, Christos Mittas; the Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity and Health of Pavlos Melas Municipality, Sylvana Karassavidou; the Reverend Protopresbyter Father Spyridon Kalaitzoglou, representing the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, His Eminence Philotheos; Regional Councilor of Central Macedonia, Olia Vasilaki-Karozi; Stella Bazakogianni, Head of Cultural Programs for Primary Education in Western Thessaloniki; the Principal of the 43rd Primary School of Thessaloniki, Despina Seremeti; educators, parents, and students who participated in the program; GSL interpreters; journalists; and friends and partners of IMMA.

The project was implemented with the support and auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, within the framework of the Ministry’s Call for Expressions of Interest for funding or sponsorship of Museum and Modern Cultural Collection initiatives for the year 2024.