The "PROTEKTA" aka "protecting myself and others" program, which at first glance might not seem to relate to the theme of Crystal Light, has in fact a direct relevancy as it promotes teamwork, the spirit of solidarity and volunteerism, risk and panic management as well as other very important elements that we consider our duty to spread by promoting this program.

Especially for those of us who are engaged in the holistic / complementary therapies, it is our opinion that we ought to have a deeper education both in the field of Health (at least in First Aid) and in providing any support we can offer (on a voluntary basis, ie without the requirement of financial or other remuneration) to those people around us who need us or generally in situations that require our awareness.

"PROTEKTA" is an educational program for risk management and crisis administration, it lasts 100 hours, it is free and leads to:
•    to obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning (useful element to CV)
•    the registration (of the learner) to the volunteers list of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (optional)

uring the program the participants attend theoretical and practical lessons to be ready in cases of earthquakes – Fires – Heat waves – frost – Marine and technological accidents. They are also trained in teamwork, first aid, the organization of camps, dealing with panic attacks, etc.
The extremely important and useful education given to civilians through this program, not only leads us to strongly recommend you to attend, but also to believe that this program should be an integral part of the educational process at an institutional level so that all citizens - especially young people - have basic knowledge of First Aid and self-protection to natural and / or technological disasters.
Indicatively, some of the contributing authorities / organizations participating in the program are:
•    Disaster Response Special Unit (EMAK)
•    Fire Department
•    Hellenic Red Cross
•    Hellenic Coast Guard
•    The Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP)
•    Mobile Disaster Response Team (KOMAK)
•    Projects of Development, Social Support and Medical Cooperation (PRAKSIS)
•    Volunteer Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguard Corps

This program is usually organized by various municipalities, it currently (until July 8) takes place in the 7th Municipal Community of the Municipality of Athens and it is expected to be organized in the other Municipal Communities from September on. Of course the participation is open to residents of other municipalities as well. You can sign up for the next PROTEKTA program by completing the registration form and sending it either via e-mail to the email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via fax to the numbers: 210-5221140 and 210-5233421.

Part of the training material used as well as other useful information can be found here.
The Registration form of the program can be downloaded from here.

Other useful links:

•    Hellenic Red Cross
•    anthropomania.gr
•    "PROTEKTA" page on Facebook
•    Free Electronic Library of the Hellenic Red Cross
•    The Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization
•    General Secretariat for Civil Protection
•    Projects of Development, Social Support and Medical Cooperation