Abandoning our roots is one of the reasons for the economic, social and value crisis that Greece is experiencing. We forgot where we are coming from; we overlooked our starting point; we left our villages to their fate. Nothing can survive without physical existence and nothing can be revived without human presence. Life in the village is by itself a challenge. We could call it a social experiment. There is no doubt that it takes strength to create the right conditions; but our vision is to keep moving forward, believing in a new Greece with improved rural life. Our desire is to make Vamvakou an example, a role model for similar projects across the country.
The connection of Anargyros, Takis, Tasos and Haris with Vamvakou is the typical relationship that a Greek young man develops with his village: spending summertime there with grandparents, bike rides, playing in the square, injured knees, ice creams and unforgettable moments. On the other hand, it was a love story that brought Eleni to Vamvakou. She has spent beautiful summers there and found in Vamvakou the village she was missing when she was a child.
For each one of us, Vamvakou holds a special place in our hearts. For Anargyros, Vamvakou means “shelter”; for Eleni, it means “love”; for Takis, “roots”; for Tasos, “care”, and for Haris, “a place of expression”. However, for all of us, our village is what we call our “reference point”.
Strange beings the young ones… They have a unique gift, that when used properly can help them turn things upside down. An intuition, a feeling… Perhaps this was what urged us to start working on the revival of Vamvakou. Sometimes, you don’t have to look too deep within you in order to take action; all it takes is the willingness for work, the passion for change and the dissatisfaction for a situation around you that you are eager to reshape. You want to be part of something new, fresh and different. For us, Vamvakou is like an open road, calling us to run along it. The village has been tested by history, has been hit by emigration and the recession and is now asking for our participation for a new chapter to begin. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation gives us the pen and paper… The next day depends on us… We need to fill the blank pages of a “new” story…
So, when voices of children are heard all over the place again, when the bell of the school rings again for the first time, then we can be talking about a new Vamvakou and a revival plan with measurable results! Until then… work… work… work…
Vamvakou Revival Team
