Strengthening Collaboration and Vision: Highlights from the Second Partner Meeting of “Your Language Counts!” in Athens
The second partner meeting of the “Your Language Counts!” project took place in the dynamic and historic city of Athens, bringing together partners from across Europe for three days of intensive collaboration, reflection, and planning.Agenda Highlights
The meeting focused on advancing the project’s three main outcomes:
- The Roadmap for heritage language education
- The Handbook for educators and stakeholders
- The “Your Language Counts!” Conference, scheduled for January 2026.
Working in groups on the main outcomes
Collaborative working sessions formed the core of the meeting. Teams refined the structure and content of the Handbook, shared feedback on the Roadmap drafts, and brainstormed ideas for the upcoming conference. These sessions allowed for deep dives into content development, ensuring that each output reflects the diverse linguistic and cultural perspectives of the project partners.
Teambuilding
Beyond the formal agenda, the meeting offered valuable opportunities for teambuilding. Through structured activities (like the “Common Ground Mixer” or “Colorful Windows” illustrated by students) and informal exchanges, participants strengthened their working relationships, built trust, and fostered a shared sense of purpose. These connections are essential for maintaining momentum and cohesion in the months ahead.
Getting to Know Athens & Local Projects
Thanks to the warm hospitality of our hosts, ELIX , participants had the chance to explore Athens and engage with the local initiative We Need Books | Multilingual Library & Cultural Center supporting language education and youth empowerment. These encounters enriched the group’s understanding of the local context and provided inspiration for integrating community-based approaches into the project.
We spoke with Galina Altouchova (Head of the Independent Department for Monitoring and Coordination of Refugee Education at the Greek Ministry of Education), Gelly Aroni (Head of the Department for Integration and Support of Unaccompanied Minors at the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum), and Alexandra Kamaretsou (Greek language teacher in formal and non-formal education settings and former colleague at ELIX), who worked together with Emma from the multilingual library We Need Books, as well as with Giorgos Simopoulos (Education Officer at the UNICEF Greece Country Office) and Sofia Tsioli (educator and postdoctoral researcher in the field of language rights and language education policies).
These encounters enriched the group’s understanding of the local context, provided insights into non-formal education in Athens, and offered inspiration for integrating community-based approaches into the project.
Meeting in Person
Meeting face-to-face after months of online collaboration was a highlight. The in-person setting allowed for more dynamic discussions, spontaneous idea-sharing, and a renewed sense of energy and commitment. It also reinforced the importance of human connection in international partnerships.
Conclusion: What Do we take into Our Project Work Online?
As the team returns to online collaboration, we carry forward:
- A clearer shared vision for our project outcomes
- Stronger interpersonal connections and trust
- Practical insights from local initiatives in Athens
The Athens meeting marked a pivotal moment in the “Your Language Counts!” journey—one that will shape the quality and impact of our work in the months to come.
