The educational programmes of the Jewish Museum of Greece aim at bringing children into contactwith the cultural heritage and the history of the Greek Jews, thus contributing to their developing an intercultural awareness. In order for this to happen in an interesting and enjoyable way, which will motivate their creativity and encourage critical thinking, a variety of alternative methods of presentation are used, among them experiential approaches, drama, music and crafts.
The programmes are addressed to children and teenagers up to 18 years old and vary, according to the age and previous knowledge of each group. To ensure the success of each programme, the teachers receive related visual material well in advance, so as to be better able to prepare their pupils before the visit.
The subjects of the programmes correspond to the exhibition’s thematic units, such as The synagogue, Jewish Holidays etc., while a separate education programme is created for every temporary exhibition. Each programme is self-contained, making it possible for teachers to visit the Museum repeatedly.
A special emphasis has been given on programmes designed specifically for children of Jewish Communities, outside Athens, where there are no Jewish schools. While these children attend an educational programme designed especially for them, their parents enjoy a tour of the Museum’s collection.
The J.M.G. often collaborates with other museums, for instance with the Children’s Museum on the Easter-Pesach programme. It has also published illustrated stories for children, which present aspects of the Jewish culture and tradition. The Museum also co-ordinates the activities of the Association of Young Friends of the Museum, a group of young volunteers who help carry out several educational activities.
The recommended educational programmes of the J.M.G. include the specially designed Museum-cases. These contain relevant information and visual material pertaining to either the Museum’s permanent exhibition or to temporary exhibitions. They are available to all interested parties who would like to rent them in order to help in preparing an interactive lesson in the classroom or to hold a small exhibition in a school.
