It was published 26/04/2024 17:36
With a nostalgic return to the periphery, Irini Matsaka, a teacher who served for years in big cities, found a new meaning in her life in the small village of Korakovouni, south of Astros Kynourias, in Arcadia. Leaving behind the impersonal everyday life of big cities, she lives in the calm and socially connected village, discovering the power to make her dreams come true.
As a member of the local Cultural Association, Irini is the driving force behind preserving traditions and strengthening the culture of the village. Through a multitude of activities, from sports teams and dance parties to excursions, exhibitions and cultural events, the Association keeps the village alive, attracting locals and visitors. She works as a teacher in Astros and recognizes the advantages of country life, such as the freedom and independence of children, as opposed to the insecurity and stress of big cities. By shaping a quality everyday life for children and their families, Irini discovers true happiness.
Despite the initial difficulties of adaptation, her creative engagement with the Association and the warm embrace of the local community turned Korakovouni into a refuge, providing her with peace and human interest. Now, the mere thought of leaving this peaceful paradise causes them insecurity and anxiety. We met her in the village square and took a short walk, talking about all this.
When did you leave Korakovouni?
At 18. I left to study in Volos and for the next 20 years I lived in different cities depending on the needs of my work. I always preferred to work in small provincial cities, such as Argos, Nafplio, Sparta, Corinth, Loutraki. Large populated cities seemed very impersonal and scary to me.
How did things turn out and you came back?
My husband is from Athens and he urged me to come to Korakovouni. He really wanted to live in a village. At first I didn’t want to. In the end, though, he convinced me. Believing that this temporary move would by no means be permanent, I decided to come to the village for 1-2 years.
What was the first weather like?
At first, it was difficult for me. Most of the friends I had here before were gone and I felt lonely. I made no efforts to open up my social circle, because as I mentioned before, this move was temporary for me. But, we have been here for 8 years already and, at this stage, just the thought of leaving here gives me immense insecurity and anxiety.
What else do you find here?
The Korakovuni it gives me strength and the love I receive and give to the people here, helps me to dream of a very beautiful future. Life here flows at a calm pace, human relationships are indeed human and I have not locked my children in an apartment. Instead, they are free and enjoy the organic, pure and fresh produce that we grow ourselves in our garden, eat clean meat from the animals raised by their grandmother and enjoy playing in nature and in the fresh air.
What differences do you see in general and in the children at school?
I also see this through my work. All the children who live in our villages are lucky because every afternoon, after their studies, they meet in the neighborhoods and in the squares and play until nightfall. They are more autonomous and independent than children in big cities and develop social skills faster and easier. I think they will certainly be the last ones to need electronic addiction, since the hours in front of a screen are reduced by definition when the challenges of nature are so many. Especially in the summer, they enjoy the sea on a daily basis and for many hours since they have it so close to them.
And your involvement with the club?
The fact that I decided to get involved with the Korakovouuni Sports and Cultural Education Association (A.E.E.S.K.) I believe became the driving force for my development, my dreams and the satisfaction of my needs and desires. I believe that each area has its own uniqueness and, as a member of our Association, I envision that we will highlight the uniqueness of our village to as many people as possible who wish to get to know us and have a good time with us.
What are the club’s activities?
In order to keep our place alive, we strengthen our actions through our Association in every possible way. We have a wide range of activities, which includes organizing local events. We have the football sports team where the children and young people of our village can participate. We organize dance parties and festivals with traditional food and traditional music, as well as a carnival with a parade of carnival performers and floats, where the other clubs of the area also participate. We also have a rich library of 15,000 Greek and foreign language books.
Did you tell us earlier that various courses are also held?
Yes sure. There is a yoga section for the women of our village, a traditional dance section for adults and two children’s sections. There is a theater group for children and adults and we put on plays. Computer seminars are held for the elderly, while children’s films are shown in the summer and at Christmas.
For the summer, are you planning anything in particular?
We are on the verge of establishing one Museum of School Life. At the same time, as every summer, we organize rich events, such as a short story competition, a visit and speech by the historical Maria Efthymiou, a climbing wall, museum nights, art workshops for children, environmental events and first aid seminars.
As we say goodbye to her Irene, it is evident that she evaluates her return to Korakovouni as a very positive decision for her life. Far from the anonymity and stress of big cities, he found new vitality in the quiet and warm environment of the village. Her active participation in the local Cultural Association helped her to play a leading role in highlighting and preserving local traditions, while her work at the school fills her with enthusiasm seeing the children enjoying a quality everyday life. Irini and her family found a new home in Korakovouni, where they live in harmony and with true concern for their fellow human beings. A return that filled them with happiness and peace.
Source: travel.gr
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