Although the image of the specially designed truck that was parked outside the “Peace and Friendship” stadium yesterday was impressive in any case, the biggest surprise awaited anyone who entered its interior and saw equipment that has nothing to envy from the best technology laboratory – such as computers, tablets, smartphones, cameras and “smart” TVs. This truck is called “Odysseas” and is the 1st mobile information, education & technology unit, which was created by “The Smile of the Child” with the sponsorship and support of 18 Greek companies.
As explained by the organization's president, Mr. Costas Giannopoulos, during yesterday's presentation of the unit, "thanks to "Odysseas" we will be able to have a physical presence in areas of Greece where we do not have offices". There, students and parents will have the opportunity to be trained in the safe use of electronic devices and the Internet. At the same time, all this equipment will be utilized in informational actions, but also as a "tool" of expression by children and adolescents, for example through the YouSmile platform.
“In addition, through the unit we will offer social support services, such as support for children with living and health problems or psychological support for families,” he added. In fact, the “Odysseas” call center will have the ability to connect to the SOS Line 1065 and the European Missing Children Hotline 116 000 and manage incidents of child abuse and disappearances.
“The response we received from the sponsoring companies, to make our vision a reality, I think is an antidote to the gloom of the times,” he added. “Odysseus” actions are also under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, which was represented at the event by Deputy Minister Alexandros Dermentzopoulos, who signed a memorandum of cooperation with the organization. “Given that we share the common goal of benefiting children, I want to believe that our actions will be able to be combined,” he said.
The unit's "journey" begins in Athens and the Helexpo exhibition (November 7-10), continues in Thessaloniki on November 19, and from there in the same month in Larissa. Over the next year, it will visit Patras, Tripoli, Chania, Heraklion, Chalkida and Ithaca. "Odysseas" will also be used as a mobile blood donation unit, while in addition to the 35 fully equipped workplaces, which can be used by more than one child, it has satellite Internet and can operate off the power grid, covering part of its energy needs with photovoltaics. Thus, it can also be used as a natural disaster management center.
Source: kathimerini.gr
