eduquest – Eduquest

European Project CAPaware: Your Voice Shapes the Future of the Agri-Food Sector!

eduquest — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:11:15 +0000

No one knows the agri-food sector better than the people who live and work in it every day.

Built on this principle, the European CAPaware project gives agri-food professionals and citizens alike the opportunity to share their views, needs, and ideas about agriculture, rural development, and the future of rural communities.

We invite you to participate in a short survey on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), rural development, and the conditions currently affecting rural communities. Whether you are a farmer, educator, young person, or an active member of your local community, your opinion matters.

The survey is one of the first activities of the CAPaware project and aims to capture the challenges, experiences, and perspectives of people involved in agriculture, food production, and rural development. It can be completed quickly and easily using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Your responses will help shape the next phases of the CAPaware project, including public discussions and awareness-raising activities. They will also serve as the basis for developing recommendations that reflect the needs and priorities of local communities and will be shared with relevant stakeholders and policymakers.

Your participation is invaluable. By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, you can become part of the effort to build a stronger and more sustainable future for rural areas.

Complete the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEWT9EaU_W1mOS0VQCdOscULH8gHmyr2s6Q6nGzmLb2sENlw/viewform

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the European Union’s policy framework that supports agriculture, protects the environment, and promotes the sustainable development of rural areas. The decisions made under the CAP have a direct impact on the daily lives of people living and working in rural communities. That is why it is essential that the experiences, needs, and perspectives of local communities are heard.

For more information about the CAPaware project, visit: www.cap-aware.com/

European Project EITIC-EU: EduQuest in Romania for students from Naoussa

eduquest — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:12:11 +0000

On June 9 and 10, EduQuest traveled to the city of Focșani, Romania, to participate in a meeting of the European EITIC-EU project, which has been active since 2025. The meeting took place at the “Edmond Nicolau” Technical College with the project’s five partner organizations (schools and institutions) from Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania, and Belgium.

The meeting discussed the activities carried out so far in the five countries by the partner organizations, which include student training sessions, idea contests for teenagers, the production of educational materials, and other related activities. For Greece, EduQuest highlighted the ideas developed by participating students during the ideas competition in Naoussa, showcasing ways in which technology can contribute to their local community.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the partner organizations from the five countries committed to providing all the educational materials produced as part of the project free of charge, so that every school and every teacher in Europe can make use of them in their respective regions.

The European initiative EITIC-EU aims to inspire and educate students, especially girls aged 10–16, about the importance of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). By highlighting female role models and creating innovative educational resources, the initiative aims to promote equality, challenge stereotypes, and empower young girls to forge their own paths in STEAM fields.

Learn more here: https://eduquest.gr/el/eitic-eu

European CAPaware Project: First Stakeholder Meeting “Mapping the Needs of the Agri-Food Sector” Successfully Held

eduquest — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:49:46 +0000

On Monday, 22 June, we held the first open dialogue meeting of the CAPaware European project at the VIVON Wine Library, with the aim of identifying the needs and challenges of the local agri-food sector and strengthening the participation of professionals in shaping the future of agricultural policy.

Participants were introduced to the project’s vision, which addresses both agri-food professionals and citizens, as it is closely connected to the food we consume and the environment we live in. CAPaware seeks to bring these two groups closer together by encouraging broader participation in the development of a fairer and more effective Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

During the meeting, environmental scientist Dr. Christos Karkanias presented the key principles of the Common Agricultural Policy, explaining its institutional framework, priorities, and practical impact on farmers’ everyday activities in a clear and accessible way. He also highlighted actions already implemented through the CAPaware project in Katerini, one of the project’s pilot regions.

The presentation was followed by a structured discussion, during which participants shared their experiences and identified the most pressing challenges currently facing the sector, while jointly prioritizing the needs requiring immediate attention.

The dialogue revealed that, although many farmers are aware of the existence of the CAP, there is still a strong need for more practical and accessible information about the available tools and opportunities it offers, particularly for small-scale producers in rural areas.

Among the most significant challenges identified were the rising cost of production, labour shortages, and limited access to funding opportunities that support the development of agricultural businesses.

Participants expressed strong interest in continuing the dialogue and contributing to the formulation of recommendations for the future of rural development. CAPaware will continue to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the voices of rural communities are heard and play a meaningful role in shaping the policies that affect their future.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to reconvene for the next series of meetings, which will take place from October onwards.

The CAPaware European project aims to strengthen the participation of both citizens and agri-food professionals in shaping the future of the Common Agricultural Policy.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cap-aware.com/

EduQuest brings innovative heritage tools from Slovenia to Naoussa

eduquest — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:28:15 +0000

A simple strawberry can instantly transport us back to our childhood, evoking powerful feelings of home, identity, and belonging. This profound connection between human emotion and the past is at the heart of a new effort to bring the youth of Naoussa closer to their local history. Recently, the EduQuest team traveled to Šentjur, Slovenia, to join partners from five countries for the first in-person gathering of the HUP Hackathon, a pan-European initiative designed to transform how young people experience cultural heritage.

In smaller, rural communities with rich histories, there is a growing challenge: younger generations often feel disconnected from their local heritage, viewing it as a collection of static facts rather than a living part of their identity. This disconnection contributes to the broader exodus of youth from provincial towns. To address this, the HUP Hackathon initiative brings together seven partner organizations from Greece, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal to co-design new, deeply human-centered solutions.

During the two-day gathering in Slovenia, the EduQuest team participated in intensive training on Value-Based Heritage Interpretation and the Designathon method. These creative approaches shift the focus away from simply memorizing historical dates. Instead, they ask how historical spaces and artifacts can speak directly to a young person’s core values and modern life. By learning to interpret history through the lens of shared human experiences, the team explored how to make local heritage sites feel relevant, engaging, and emotionally powerful for the next generation.

EduQuest is now working to adapt these innovative tools for the local community in Naoussa. By providing educators, youth workers, and local cultural sites with these new methodologies, the goal is to create interactive and deeply personal experiences for the youth of the region. We believe that when young people discover the living magic in their own roots, they build a stronger foundation for their future and help our entire community thrive.

European Project PLAYFOOD: “Growing adventures: The food treasure hunt” activity successfully concluded

eduquest — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:09:50 +0000

Students from the 3rd Primary School of Naoussa “Galakeia” recently enjoyed a unique educational experience by participating in the activity “Growing Adventures: The Food Treasure Hunt”, organized at the American Farm School as part of the European PLAYFOOD project and the initiative “Responsible Consumers of Tomorrow”.

Through a large-scale treasure hunt filled with riddles, challenges, and exploration activities, children discovered the world of agriculture and food production in a fun and engaging way. During their visit, participants explored different areas of the farm, learned about various crops and production units, and gained first-hand insight into how food reaches our tables.

Working in teams, students solved clues, completed missions, and followed a series of challenges that ultimately led them to the final food treasure. Through this playful learning experience, they strengthened their connection with nature, developed a better understanding of the value of food, and discovered the effort and care required to produce the products we consume every day.

The activity provided children with a valuable opportunity to learn through experience, collaborate with their classmates, and connect knowledge with practice in a real farming environment. By exploring the farm and participating in hands-on activities, students gained a deeper appreciation of agriculture, food production, and sustainable consumption.

EduQuest would like to warmly thank the American Farm School for its hospitality and for providing an outstanding educational experience for the students, as well as everyone who contributed to the successful implementation of the activity.

Through initiatives such as this, PLAYFOOD continues to bring children closer to healthy eating, sustainable consumption, and food literacy through creative, interactive, and experiential learning opportunities.

For more information regarding PLAYFOOD: www.playfood-eu.com

A healthy masterclass successfully concluded in Naoussa for the European Project PLAYFOOD

eduquest — Tue, 26 May 2026 10:03:07 +0000

The interactive “Healthy Masterclass” event was successfully held on May 13 2026 at the 3rd Primary School of Naoussa “Galakeia”, attracting enthusiastic participation from both children and parents. The activity was organized within the framework of the European PLAYFOOD project initiative “Responsible Consumers of Tomorrow”.

EduQuest warmly thanks all participants for their remarkable presence, positive energy, and enthusiasm, which turned the event into a special celebration dedicated to healthy nutrition, collaboration, and sustainable consumption.

During the event, PLAYFOOD collaborator and nutritionist, co-founder of RHEA, Eirini Tsirimokou, spoke about the importance of consuming local and seasonal products for both children and adults, highlighting how everyday food choices can contribute to healthier and more sustainable habits.

Following the presentation, children and parents actively participated in a creative and experiential “Healthy Masterclass”, where, under the guidance of chef Angelos Chatzistylis, teams prepared sweet and savory recipes with a healthy, local, and seasonal character.

All teams successfully completed their recipes, presenting particularly creative and high-quality efforts that received excellent evaluations from the jury, which included international PLAYFOOD partners from Belgium and Portugal. Two teams stood out, one from the sweet category and one from the savory category and received symbolic gifts featuring local and healthy products.

EduQuest would also like to thank the 3rd Primary School of Naoussa “Galakeia”, the teachers, volunteers, the international PLAYFOOD partners, chef Angelos Chatzistylis and his assistant, as well as everyone who contributed to the successful implementation of the event.

For more information about the PLAYFOOD project, visit our websites:

European project BEE: The youth of Naoussa city pave the way for the “green” businesses of the future

eduquest — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:52:28 +0000

A special event by EduQuest took place in Naoussa on 12^th May 2026, bringing youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development to the forefront.

Citizens, educators, and representatives of European organizations gathered to discover the innovative business ideas jointly developed by the students of the 1st General Lyceum (GEL) of Naoussa and the RHIZO school from Belgium. The aim of the event was to highlight how the new generation can provide solutions to contemporary environmental and economic challenges in rural areas.

The interest of the meeting was focused on the practical business projects presented by the teenager students, which presented solutions around a fundamental issue: how agricultural waste or a material we used to throw away can be transformed into raw material for a new, profitable product.

The students proved that protecting the environment is not a hurdle, but an opportunity for the local economy. At the same time, a free digital platform was introduced, open to both students and adults who want to learn the steps of green entrepreneurship. A standout feature of this platform is the “BEE-bot,” an artificial intelligence assistant that acts as a learning “co-pilot,” offering advice and guidance to every user.

This successful initiative is part of the European BEE (Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship Education) project. Through this program, students are equipped with modern skills and learn to think “systemically” and understand how a single business decision creates a chain reaction that affects the farmer, the consumer, the society, and the soil.

The event concluded with a hopeful message: that with the right tools and a shift in mindset, rural communities can create high-quality opportunities, giving young people meaningful reasons to stay and innovate in their hometowns.

Follow our activities and stay up to date on all our initiatives:

EduQuest

European Project BEE (Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship Education)

European Project BEE: From farm to innovation, with students redesigning local products from their territory

eduquest — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:11:27 +0000

In the classrooms of the 1st General Lyceum of Naoussa, a group of students is proving that unemployment and labor migration are not the only options for young people.
Through the European Project BEE, students aged 15–18 put their books aside for a while and got their hands on the real economy of our region to design their own business proposals. With the support of their teachers and representatives from EduQuest, the students participated in an interactive series of training sessions on green entrepreneurship.

Through hands-on workshops, students learned how to identify business opportunities where others see problems, how to develop a comprehensive plan to turn an idea into reality, and how to present their proposals to an audience with confidence and persuasiveness.

As a result of the entire training process, the students developed specific proposals that could be turned into real businesses in our city, such as:
● Waste management: Producing cosmetics from peach pits and heating pellets from tree prunings.
● New life for clothes: A platform that transforms old fabrics into new, useful products, reducing waste.
● Less plastic in the fields: Replacing plastic crates with eco-friendly materials and recycling old irrigation pipes.
● Recycling: Organized collection and conversion of city waste into useful items for the community.

The students’ best business ideas, as well as the entire European Project BEE, will be presented at a public event to be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the “VIVON” Wine Library.
It will be an opportunity to see together how the new generation of Naoussa envisions and plans the future of our region.
More information about the event will follow.

Follow our activities and stay up to date on all our initiatives:

EduQuest

European Project BEE (Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship Education)

BEE project: High-school students design their own “green” businesses through the BEE Project

eduquest — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:26:58 +0000

As part of the European initiative BEE (Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship Education), EduQuest successfully completed a series of educational activities at the 1st General High School of Naoussa, aiming to foster youth entrepreneurship and promote environmental awareness.

Students had the opportunity to explore the concept of bioeconomy, namely the creation of value through the use of renewable resources, and to understand how local materials and residues can be transformed into business opportunities.

Through interactive methods and modern tools (such as Donella Meadows’ Leverage Points, the Impact Gaps Canvas and the Business Model Canvas), participants gained insight into how meaningful change requires intervention at multiple levels of a system, from practices and relationships to deeper mindsets. Then the students developed their own business ideas, addressing real needs within their local community.

The ideas presented included:

Sustainable fashion, with a focus on second-hand platforms and creative reuse (upcycling) of old clothing
Valorization of agricultural residues, including the production of cosmetics, fertilizers, and biofuels from natural materials
Reduction of plastic use in agriculture, through innovative reuse practices and alternative materials
Creative reuse of urban waste, transforming it into functional objects or works of art

The initiative concluded with pitching sessions, during which the teams presented their ideas, highlighting both their sustainability and social impact.

The BEE project showcased the potential of young people to actively contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy through education, creativity, and innovation.

Because the future of entrepreneurship is sustainable and it starts with education.

Read more about the BEE project here: https://eduquest.gr

“Nothing goes to waste: the secret of compost!”: Educational event successfully held at the 3rd Primary School of Naoussa

eduquest — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:54:18 +0000

The interactive event titled “Nothing Goes to Waste! The Secret of Compost – Saving Food, Caring for the Earth!” was successfully held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the 3rd Primary School of Naoussa “Galakeia.”

The activity was organized within the framework of the “Responsible Consumers of Tomorrow” initiative of the PLAYFOOD project, implemented by the EduQuest Non-Profit Organization in collaboration with the 3rd Primary School of Naoussa “Galakeia.”

The event aimed to raise awareness among students and educators about food waste and the importance of composting, promoting sustainable consumption practices and environmental responsibility.

The guest speaker of the event was Anastasia Rizopoulou, an agronomist specializing in Environmental Management and Environmental Education, who presented in a clear and engaging way the basic principles of composting and its environmental benefits.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to learn:

what composting is and why it is an important tool for reducing organic waste,
which materials can be used to produce compost,
how a composting system works in practice,
and the environmental and social benefits of composting.

A particularly engaging part of the event was the hands-on demonstration, during which participants observed the composting process in practice, explored how a compost bin operates, asked questions, and discussed the challenges and solutions related to applying composting in everyday life.

The event concluded with an open discussion and exchange of ideas, highlighting the importance of educating younger generations on sustainability and responsible consumption, as well as the role students can play as agents of positive change within their families and communities.

The activity is part of the PLAYFOOD project, which aims to raise awareness and promote education on reducing food waste and encouraging sustainable food practices.