Interview with real Heroes

Interview with a doctor
Mr. Pavlos Sklavounos is a family physician who works at a nearby medical center.

Q: Why did you choose to become a doctor?
A: I became a doctor because I wanted to help people. For me being a doctor is a noble calling.
Q: Apart from studies what other qualities should a doctor have?
A: It is important for a doctor to communicate with his patients, to be able to explain to them their condition, to tell them what they must do in order to be healthy and to persuade them.
Q: What are the difficulties of your profession?
A: The long working hours even at weekends or holidays is an issue. In addition a doctor should study a lot in order to keep up with the latest developments in medicine. Doctors also need to know their limitations, which also means acknowledging what they don’t know.
Q: How do you feel if you can’t help a sick person?
A: I feel very bad. I feel sorry and I try to find a way to help them. I will recommend another doctor who is specialized on this case.
Q: How many hours do you work every day?
A: Usually 14 hours but when I am on call, Ι work for 36 hours.
Q: When you get back home after work do you feel tired?
A: Yes I am tired but I also feel satisfied and fulfilled because I have helped my patients.
Q: Do you diagnose and treat yourself if you get sick?
A: To tell the truth a doctor can never be a good doctor for his/herself and the main reason for that is because they usually don’t remain objective.
Q: If you had the chance, would you change your job?
A: No way. But Ι would like to combine medicine with teaching.
Q: Do you know when the COVID19 vaccine will be ready?
A: The best hope is not to get a vaccine but to get a safe vaccine. We hope that this will be very soon.

3rd Primary School of Voula

Interview with a volunteer.
Mrs. Linda Tsolka is a volunteer for children with special needs.

Q: When and how did you decide to become a volunteer?
A: I decided to be a volunteer when my daughter graduated from high school and went abroad to study in 2007. It was then that I discovered I had plenty of time in my hands to give to these children.
Q: Could you tell us a few things about the organization where you offer your services?
A: The RCCD (Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disabilities) is home to about 105 children, most of which have severe disabilities. The department I have been working in for many years has kids with problems such as mental retardation or autism. Most of them, if placed to another environment, could be easily integrated, despite their problems. Instead, they have been institutionalized, copying each other’s weaknesses. In contrast, the children who have been adopted are doing so well that it’s hard to tell if there is something wrong with them. Volunteers help them become more sociable any way we can.
Q: How much time do you spend with the children per week? What do you do together?
A: I meet with them twice a week for four hours, Mondays and Wednesdays. I take them to sports practice in the area for one hour and then to the playground to have fun. Later, we have lunch in a local restaurant and on summer days I take them for a swim. At Christmas and Easter we attend theatre plays and go to the cinema or shopping.
Q: How many kids are in your care? Could you tell us about them?
A: This year we haven’t made contact with the children yet due to Covid 19. For the time being, volunteers are not allowed on the premises.
Q: Which has been your biggest contribution so far?
A: Firstly, it is very important for them to have a ‘mom’ to talk to and hug. Twice a year my good friend and I have a Christmas and Easter bazaar with things we make ourselves. We buy all the materials we need and sell our creations to friends and acquaintances. With the proceeds we are able to provide them with clothes, shoes, toys and anything else they need. Last year, we partially subsidized the replacement of the tartan track of the organization, offering 4,500€.
Q: How do you feel being a volunteer?
A: I feel a lot of responsibility but I also receive so much love from the children, so it feels great! It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling experience! I’m really looking forward to being with them again, as soon as the pandemic is over!

3rd Primary school of Voula

Interview with a volunteer fire firefighter.
Mr. Nikolaos Sklavenitis is a teacher in 3rd Primary School of Voula and also a volunteer firefighter.

Q: When and why did you decide to become a volunteer firefighter?
A: Fifteen years ago I decided to join the Fire Department of Greece and I took this decision because I wanted to contribute to our community.
Q: What kind of training did you receive?
A: Volunteer Firefighters before undertaking their duties receive theoretical and practical training in the following fields: Fire protection , Fire prevention , Firefighting, Rescue, First aid, Operation of machines , devices and pumps.
Q: What exactly are your duties?
A: Extinguishing fires, taking and imposing precautionary measures against the danger caused by their expansion and providing assistance to rescue those at risk from them. The application of precautionary measures to deal with the risks and damages resulting from floods, collapses, natural disasters and generally from any natural or chemical causes. The provision of first aid to patients suffering from the above causes and their immediate transport to hospitals or clinics. The provision of assistance in rescuing people and animals as well as in road accidents.
Q: Have you ever been in danger?
A: The Firefighter's job is difficult, and demanding. Firefighters work under difficult conditions and often risk their own lives. Their working conditions are considered dangerous and unhealthy, as there are flames, smoke, high temperatures, chemical fumes, debris, etc. in the areas where they are operating, resulting in the risk of injury, burns or even their lives. But I , personally, haven't been in real danger.
Q: Can you tell us the most difficult situation you have ever been to?
A: A difficult situation was in July 2015 while we were operating on a large forest fire. There were very strong winds and the load of fire was extremely big.
Q:What qualifications does one need to become a volunteer firefighter?
A: Volunteer Firefighter men or women who are 18-55 years old, are in good health and hold a high school diploma. They offer their services at the nearest Fire Department or Voluntary Fire Station of their place of residence.
The work of Volunteer Firefighters is honorary and without payment!