Paixnidagogeio Primary School: Creativity, Expression & Growth
In 2021, a creative and expressive program called Express Yourself was born at Paixnidagogeio Primary School. What began as a small-scale initiative for 6th graders soon flourished into a whole-school journey. Over a six-month period, students explored foundational Positive Psychology concepts such as resilience, self-expression, self-care, and character strengths—through the language of art, movement, and emotional reflection.
With the Human Flourishing Movement’s material and vision integrated into their curriculum, students were gently guided to discover their own inner strengths, recognise what makes them unique, and connect more meaningfully with themselves and those around them. The project culminated in a powerful collective creation: Life from A to Z—a vibrant group poster filled with life mottos, one for each letter of the alphabet, imagined and illustrated by the children. It was a joyful celebration of voice, identity, and shared purpose.
Two other creative projects, also stood out for their impact:
Breathe With Me: A Mindful Drawing Experience
As part of a global mindfulness initiative, Breathe With Me was brought to life in the classrooms of Paixnidagogeio. Children were invited to pause and draw the shape of their own exhale—turning something as invisible as a breath into something real, visible, and unique.
This simple yet profound activity helped children understand the power of staying in the present moment, learning to observe rather than react. The act of drawing one’s breath became a gateway to mindfulness, calm, and self-awareness. Through art, students discovered how breath can be a grounding force—always available when life feels overwhelming.
The Fly Project: From Self-Care to Self-Knowledge
Everything began with a butterfly. A small, beautiful symbol sent to the school’s imbox digitally – sparking curiosity and imagination. This moment launched The Fly Project, a journey centered around the theme First Love Yourself.
Through a series of creative prompts and discussions, children reflected on what self-care truly means and how it connects to knowing and accepting oneself. Each child created their own butterfly, uniquely decorated and infused with personal meaning. As the project evolved, the concept deepened—from First Love Yourself to First Learn Yourself—inviting students to explore their identities with care, curiosity, and creativity.
Explore the beauty of well-being in action
Athens College: The Gratitude Corner – Sparking Curiosity and Kindness
Meanwhile, at Athens College, a beautiful and playful intervention was created to bring the virtue of gratitude into the students’ everyday environment. Together with HFM, the school introduced The Gratitude Corner—a physical installation of professionally designed stickers featuring a lovable character named “Charis” (meaning grace in Greek).
Each sticker shows Charis expressing gratitude in a different way. These thoughtful illustrations are placed around the school—inviting children to observe, reflect, and connect with their own reasons to be grateful.
“I’m grateful I go to school… because when I grow up, I’ll study something I enjoy.”
“I’m grateful I can be myself… because my friends love me as I am!”
“Animals want love just like we do… we have to take care of them.”
The Gratitude Corner acts like a game—a hidden invitation to look around, notice beauty, and start meaningful conversations. Teachers are encouraged to ask students if they’ve spotted a sticker, how it made them feel, and whether they share that sense of appreciation. It’s a gentle nudge to see the world with more awareness and warmth.
The Path Forward: Building a Flourishing Community
These two examples mark just the beginning. They reflect our belief that education can—and should—go beyond academics. It can nurture hearts, build strengths, and empower young people to live with intention.
As IPEN Greece, and as an official Innovation Hub, we are proud to co-create these experiences with pioneering educators who dare to ask: What if schools could be places where wellbeing grows?
Together, we are planting the seeds of Positive Education in Greece—one school, one classroom, one child at a time.
