02/12/2002

The curtains closed on the "Daidalos" programme (2001-2002 school year) for the development and implementation of educational projects for pupils at public Technical Vocational Educational Schools (TEE) and School Laboratory Centres (SEK) with prizes awarded for the best inventions by pupils. The presentations were made at an event which took place in the exhibition area of the Municipality of Athens Technopolis, in Gazi, on 24 November 2002.

Gold was awarded to the 1st TEE in Lesvos for a tent which opens and closes automatically according to climatic conditions. The tent's mechanism is electrically driven and is based on a direct current motor in conjunction with light, rain and wind sensors.

The second prize was won by the "motion detector" from the 6th TEE in Athens. This is a remote-controlled vehicle incorporating a camera, remote thermometer and automatic headlights. The vehicle is controlled and guided by a computer.

The winners of the four bronze awards in the competition were: a) the 'First and second generation oil-gas burner test boiler' from the 5th SEK - 3rd TEE in Ilio, b) the "Model photoelectric system" from the 1st TEE in Zakynthos, c) the "Creation of printed material" project from the 1st TEE - SEK in Syros and d) the "Wind generator" from the 1st TEE in N. Ioania, Volos.

Other original projects of technological, ecological and artistic interest were also undertaken within the framework of the "Daidalos" programme. For example, pupils and teachers worked together to make an electrically driven vehicle with three wheels, a remotely guided fishing vessel, tools for the automatic control of parking areas, an experimental sports car made from second-hand spares, an automatic dry-food feeder for domestic animals, a portable ecological refrigerator, mosaics, biological cultivation projects, etc.

European support for TEEs and SEKs

The "Daidalos" programme is run by the National Youth Foundation working alongside the Directorate for Secondary School Education of the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs. It is being held on an annual basis (during the academic years 2001-02 to 2005-06 inclusive), within the framework of the 3rd Community Support Programme, and financed by the European Social Fund (75%) and national sources (25%).

The programme aims to bring the special skills and talents of pupils in the field of science, technology and the arts to the surface. Moreover, it offers an opportunity for the practical application of knowledge acquired at TEEs and SEKs through the development of creativity and ingenuity by both pupils and educators.

The first phase of the programme is conducted in all administrative districts of Greece. Inventions are judged by regional support committees and the best are selected for partial financing to cover the cost of their development. The completed projects then compete in the official exhibitions in the region and those selected finally reach the Panhellenic competition which takes place in Athens.

In addition to honorary diplomas and the provision of educational materials, competition winners will have an opportunity to participate in educational trips abroad. Many of the inventions may be exploited commercially where interest is shown in their mass production.

Source: National Youth Foundation