Bringing pride

Apollo Panou, the founder of Jolinaiko Eco Tours, about his motivations for creating the Jolinaiko Eco Village:

A double mission

" In my travels as a guide, I try to accomplish a double mission. On the one hand, I try to create the ultimate Africa experience for our travellers. On the other hand, I try to have a positive impact on the life of the local people in the rural areas we visit. The people in these areas are often confronted with everything that is missing in their eyes, which creates a lot of feelings of discontent. Many younger people are migrating to the big cities because they think life is better there. Often this leads to disappointment, because they are not well prepared. In the big African cities, for most people, life is survival, there is a lot of poverty, aggression and pollution. The next step is that they want to go to Europe, because they think in Europe life is better. In my opinion, something is missing: a feeling of pride. "

Sense of pride

" In our travels, we try to use the local services as much as we can. We try to share as much of the local life as possible, to stimulate conversation and discussion between our visitors and local people. We hope to give local people a sense of pride and selfworth, to let them see their life has value and is special. A sense of pride is important in order for people to keep investing in their village, for those who stay as well for those who migrate away. "

" As a guide, my role is limited, and that's why I have been dreaming of something bigger: the Jolinaiko Eco Village. The rural areas will only be attractive to people if there is more work, if there are more activities and services. It is important that ideas and ambitions are heard and stimulated, and that those who want to study or work in the big cities can prepare for that well. As an African, I see it as my responsibility to contribute to this cause. Also in the rural African areas there are possibilities, life has potential and we can be proud of that. "