Over 1200 students attended the first Online Anti-Bullying Festival in Greece, organised by the QLS Network of Language Centres.
To mark the 5th anniversary of its multi-award-winning Anti-Bullying Campaign, QLS organised its inaugural Online Anti-Bullying Festival on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November - two days of inspirational talks, music, raffles and Anti-Bullying training.
- On the first day, 14-year-old English-Cypriot activist Nicholas Nikiforou, who has received awards from the British Palace and the British Prime Minister, gave a motivational speech on the meaning of "hope".
- Next, Nancy Silberkleit, the American co-owner and co-CEO of the legendary Archie Comics, talked to the attendees, live from New York, about bullying, the hit TV show Riverdale and, of course, Archie Comics.
- The first day wrapped up with popular music band Kulamacus which also addressed the burning issue of bullying, answering many of the attending students' questions.
- On the same day, a total of 80 QLS students and teaching staff received Anti-Bullying training over 2 sessions provided by long-time QLS collaborator, The Diana Award royal charity.
- On day 2 of the Festival, esteemed psychologist and neurolinguist, Dr Theodora Papadopoulou-Chamouza, talked about violence and bullying in the Covid-19 pandemic and gave useful tips on bullying prevention and management.
- The Festival ended musically with acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor, Dimitris Samolis, who performed 3 songs live, followed by a Q & A session on bullying.
Twelve of the students attending the 2-day event won special prizes in raffles kindly sponsored by QLS, Express Publishing and MM Publications.
Having taken into account the safety measures implemented as a result of the pandemic, QLS has organised yet another online event to end the year on a high note. On 12th December, QLS will host a festive online event under the title "Christmas Tea with Lucinda Dickens Hawksley". The great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, celebrated author and broadcaster, Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, will talk to QLS students about her ancestor, Victorian Christmas and the true story behind “A Christmas Carol”!