The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. Every school visit is an opportunity for children to discover the world of sea turtles, learn firsthand about our rescue and rehabilitation work, and, most importantly, understand that protecting the Mediterranean is a responsibility we all share. After all, the rescue chain almost always begins with the awareness and care of an ordinary citizen who spots an animal in need.

Bookings for school visits for the 2026–2027 academic year open on 11 September, and the Rescue Centre in Glyfada is getting ready to once again welcome students and teachers for a unique educational experience.

A lesson unlike any other

How did an injured sea turtle arrive at the Rescue Centre? What does it take for it to be able to return to the sea? How have sea turtles evolved over millions of years, and what threats do they face today?

During a guided tour of the Rescue Centre, students meet the sea turtles currently undergoing rehabilitation, learn their stories, and discover the important contribution of the volunteers behind every rescue and recovery.

At the same time, depending on their age, students can take part in one of ARCHELON’s educational programmes:

• “Ella’s Journey” (Kindergarten) – Through play and storytelling, we meet Ella the sea turtle and follow her on her long journey through the sea!
• “From Archelon ischyros to ARCHELON” (Grades 3–6, Middle School, High School) – What did turtles look like millions of years ago? We discover the secrets of their evolution and learn about their lives today.
• “Sea Turtle Rescue Mission” (Kindergarten to High School) – First-hand rescue experiences. We become members of the rescue team and learn how to care for sea turtles in need.
• “Guardians of the Beaches” (Primary School, Middle School, High School) – Shall we take a walk along the beach? We discover how we can help protect sea turtle habitats and nests.

This year, the children once again have a very special friend: ‘Chromio’

‘Chromios’ is a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) that was found in Corfu and arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre on 14 January 2026, with injuries to his flippers caused by entanglement in fishing gear, as well as a fishing hook that he had swallowed.

'Chromio’s' story gives children the opportunity to learn, through a real-life case, about the threats a sea turtle may encounter at sea, as well as how the Rescue Network operates and the care an injured animal needs before it can return to its natural habitat.

This school year, 'Chromio' will be the sea turtle that students can symbolically adopt, connecting their experience at the Rescue Centre with their support for ARCHELON’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation work.

From Knowledge to Action

Every year, thousands of children from Greece and abroad learn about ARCHELON’s work, either by visiting the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada or through our online guided tours.

And their involvement goes beyond learning. Through initiatives, activities, and donations, students help support the care of injured and sick sea turtles, contributing towards the cost of food, medication, and essential veterinary examinations.

For ARCHELON, every child who leaves the Rescue Centre knowing a little more about the sea and wanting to play a part in protecting it represents another important step towards a better future for our planet.

Bookings for the 2026–2027 school year open on 11 September.

Come and discover the sea turtles, their stories, and the people who work every day to help them return to the sea.

Book a visit for your class here