Middle School Community Service
For the last ten years, the Middle School 8th grade students have been fundraising and providing community service to the Hatzipaterion Rehabilitation Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Athens.
Last May, the NESA (Near East South Asia) Council of Overseas schools recognized ACS Athens’ contribution and awarded a $750 grant to the Middle School. The check was then delivered to Hatzipatereion in order to support their speech therapy and psychology departments.
Reflections from our class visit in November 2010
By Jason Panagiotou
I felt very proud of myself and so sad for the poor children, in what they are going through and how they feel when they see kids like us. We are perfect and sometimes we are still not happy. Then you look at them and they are happy the way they are and they do not want thousands of material things like us.
Every minute that we stay, play and observe what these children do, it is worth it because it makes them happy. We have thousands of ideas in our pockets, but do we use them? Unfortunately not therefore it is time to use them to help these children that need every idea that floats through our minds.
By Christina Maxouris
So far in my thoughts, people with special needs were always adults. I never thought of them as children. After our visit, I felt very thankful for everything, for being healthy and being able to understand and do everything I can do.
I believe that our field trip was worthwhile, but I think that we could have made it a little longer and we should have spent more time with the children.
I think that to help the Hatzipaterion Center we could donate more and stay there longer to help them more.
By Aris Adam
I believe that these children were loved and happy where they were. They had teachers who care a lot about them and treat them well. I think that the field trip could have been longer so we could spend more time with the kids. The 8th grade could raise money and donate it to the Hatzipaterion Center to buy more toys for the kids. I liked the field trip, and I am looking forward to the next one.
By Ioanna Rigas
I felt very happy for the children at this center. I understand how difficult it is for them, their parents and the faculty. One child that I specifically “visited” would not answer or even look at us. However, this student showed affection by petting my hand. I was very touched by this and impressed by this enormous amount of strength he kept inside him. The boy was about six years old, looked like he was ten and thought like he was one.
Our visit was definitely worthwhile. I learned and saw the advantage that I have as I am able to move every single muscle in my body. I wish I could have stayed for longer so I could appreciate and meet more children.
By Achilleas Vriniotis
When we walked in they all had a smile on their faces. It is nice to brighten up another's day. I felt sorry though that they can't live a "normal" life, especially since you only live once, and this isn't their fault.
Also, I think that they face discrimination from people. I like to think that most of the time. I believe they will be treated nicely. Another problem is how to get around. Not every stairwell, not every place is made for wheelchairs. How can we help them?