Summer Adventures at IMMA!
Summer Creative Workshops for children aged 5–11

“Summer Adventures at IMMA!”

With great success and dozens of participating children aged 5–11, the summer educational and entertainment workshops of the Foundation of the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle and Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) concluded on Friday, June 27, 2025!

The workshop program was based on the principles of experiential and exploratory learning, creative and interdisciplinary approaches to History and Art, self-regulation and autonomy, through the use of technology, observation, educational walks, creative writing, and reflection.

Thematically, it aligns with IMMA’s new educational policy axis aimed at informing, raising awareness, and encouraging action among children, youth, parents, and educators regarding the promotion and adoption of healthy eating habits and physical activity for the whole family.

Within this framework, the program’s diverse activities were carried out by the Museum’s scientific staff, along with the contribution of external collaborators, university professors, and specialized professionals from the fields of Pedagogy, History, Geology, Health, Graphic Design, Sports, and the Arts.

Children participating in the summer program had the opportunity to explore the “Still Life” artworks of famous painters and experiment with various artistic techniques, such as painting, collage, and sculpture, themed around local European products. This was offered through four art and visual expression workshops led by Professor Stavroula Mavrogeni (Art History of the Balkan region, University of Macedonia – Director of KEMIT at IMMA) and artist Zephi Tiftiktsoglou.

Through nutrition games, relay races, and sports activities led by Physical Education Professor and tennis coach Mr. Thomas Dimos and Nutritionist-Dietitian Mr. Aristidis Patrinos, in collaboration with Lions Club HYPATIA, the children practically applied the guidance they received on physical health and exercise, developing teamwork and coordination skills through outdoor play.

The children were also thrilled to meet and interview Olympic medalist Ms. Tasoula Kelesidou as junior reporters. She shared the secrets of champion training and explained her technique in the discus throw!

Additionally, as part of the nutrition theme, children created their own original and humorous comics featuring fruit, vegetables, chocolate, and cupcakes as characters, with guidance from graphic designer–illustrator Mr. Dimitris Trakosas and educator–author Ms. Afroditi Rizou.

Two educational field trips were held — one to the Royal Theater of the National Theatre of Northern Greece (NTNG) and another to the Aristotle Museum of Natural History of Thessaloniki (AMFITH). These aimed to familiarize children with the Museum’s urban neighborhood, its buildings, institutions, and their cultural significance in Thessaloniki’s history and museum landscape.

The history of theater and NTNG’s most iconic performances came to life through storytelling and a workshop by theater educator Ms. Maria Chatziangelidou, while at AMFITH, children were surprised by the permanent Natural History collection and rare animals, guided by Zoology Professor Ms. Alexandra Staikou (School of Biology, AUTH) and AMFITH President and Geology Professor Mr. Spyros Pavlidis (AUTH).

Throughout the program, a visual arts workshop using recycled materials and a digital games workshop operated at IMMA’s Research Center. Children engaged with art puzzles, interactive Olympic sports games, and evaluated the workshops through digital obstacle and achievement courses. A creative writing and expression workshop was also held by Educator MSc–Author Ms. Katerina Tzavara.

As every year, the workshop program concluded with a music-theater performance, where the children themselves presented their activities to their parents and Museum friends!

Warm thanks to the parents and children for their trust in IMMA’s educational mission and their steadily growing participation in our activities, as well as to all IMMA collaborators for the original and engaging actions that enriched the program and children’s knowledge. Special thanks go to Ms. Despina Seremeti, Principal of the 43rd Primary School of Thessaloniki, for providing the schoolyard and for our excellent long-standing collaboration.

Our educational program continues with the autumn workshops for children, which will take place September 1–5, 2025, at the Museum!

The Scientific Team of the Workshops:

• Scientific Supervision: Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor of Art History in the Balkan Region, University of Macedonia – Director of KEMIT, IMMA

• Program Coordination: Athina Pavlidou, Philologist – Museologist, Director of IMMA

• Educational Activities Design & Implementation: Katerina Tzavara, Educator MSc – Author, IMMA Educational Programs

• Administrative Support: Kalypso Tryfonaki, IMMA

• Technical Support & Museum Materials Organization: Eleni Mavridou, Historian, IMMA

• Facilitation of Historical & Digital Activities: Vaggelis Kansizoglou, Historian – Researcher, IMMA

Participating Interns in IMMA’s Practical Training Program:

• Maria Kaidari Ravani, Erasmus traineeship, Arts, Museology and Curatorship, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna

• Ani Galianidou, Department of Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies, University of Macedonia

• Erietta Spyridoula Grammenou, School of Fine Arts, Department of Visual and Applied Arts, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Special thanks to our valuable sponsors who significantly contributed to the workshop meals:
Koukakis Farm S.A. and Albeta Mediterranean Bakery.