The Numismatic Collection museum kit in Heraklion, Crete

The educational museum kit “A journey through the world of money”, centred around the history of currency, travelled to the 1st Junior High School of Gazi in Heraklion, Crete, to celebrate the International Day of Education on 24 January.

An experiential journey of knowledge, history and creation

The school’s event hall was transformed into a vibrant learning environment, where all students had the opportunity to explore the world of money in an experiential and meaningful way.

The 53 students who took part in the programme learned about the means of transaction before the invention of coins, the first coin in history and the evolution of currency through different periods of Greek history, through:

• Exact replicas of ancient coins
• Rich visual material
• Narrations

This way, the students discovered how people’s need for exchange and organisation led to the creation of a system that shaped the development of societies.

Crete’s local history through coins

The experience became even more personal when students were introduced to coins originating from Crete and connected local history with the wider economic and cultural framework of the region.

Recognising symbols, themes and images depicted on the coins proved to be a small revelation, offering students the chance to narrate stories and myths of Crete.

Fundamental financial concepts in practice

Over the course of the programme, the students moved from historical exploration to the concepts of everyday financial life. Through specially designed activities, they talked about:

• Personal budgeting
• Recording of income and expenses
• Saving
• Financial decision-making and its impact on daily life

Knowledge was put into practice, and financial literacy took shape through games, cooperation and active participation.

The museum kit remained at the school. Teachers now have a valuable tool at their disposal to continue exploring financial topics across different subjects in the classroom.

Students’ original mantinades

The educational programme concluded in a way that only Crete could inspire.

Students presented their own original mantinades (traditional Cretan rhyming couplets), turning what they had learned into verses filled with humour, imagination and sensitivity. It was a moment that demonstrated how knowledge, when combined with creativity, can become a unifying experience that leaves a lasting imprint.

A few words about the International Day of Education

Today, education is a multidimensional process linked to:

• Development of skills
• Growth of cognitive abilities
• Enhancement of creativity
• Formation of a stable system of values and behaviours

These elements contribute decisively to personal empowerment, the creation of opportunities and the reduction of inequalities. Recognising the importance of equal and universal access to quality education, the UN General Assembly has designated 24 January as the International Day of Education.