“The world exists only when you share it”, wrote Tasos Livaditis. Someone took this phrase, turning his words into actions and his pen into a ladle, which stirs a pot full of love. That’s how I imagine the idea behind “The Other Human” (which is known as “Allos Anhtropos” in Greek) was born. And their actions now have the beneficial effects that are enclosed in this phrase.
In 2011, “The Other Human”, an organization based in Athens, spread throughout Greece. Their actions constitute a social solidarity initiative, providing meals to those in need. All meals are prepared and distributed in public places. Drawing strength and love from the voluntary contribution of citizens- whether this consists of direct help or offering products or even some type of financial support, in order for the group to cover its operating costs- the established vision becomes a reality.
In Thessaloniki, you can find “The Other Human” every Sunday in Aristotelous Square. From early in the morning, the members of the group and volunteers gather and start preparing the meals, with the turnout being immense. Many people, gradually, join in the action during breakfast. After all, Sundays are meant for trips and “The Other Human” is a trip into the profound feelings that volunteering has to offer, filling your soul with love, humanity and empathy.
TEDxAUTH, on the second Sunday of January, was there, contributing to this very important cause. Members of our team were there for “The Other Human” to help and share the pure joy of offering. They were able to assist in the preparation of the food, alongside people full of passion and desire to offer.
Children drawing on top of lids the image of a girl’s dog who is no longer with us, parents being touched to see children drawing the image of their daughter’s dog, teachers who are teaching their young students the value of volunteering and its benefits, are merely some of the people that every Sunday are there and “share”. The names of loved ones who have passed away are also written on the lids of the meals, as a form of tribute. Every meal that is given, without exceptions, has a brief wish on its lid, which indicates precisely the feeling of human closeness that “The Other Human” hopes to bring out through their actions.
The most important achievement of this action lies in the human contact and interaction that unfolds during it. It is a meeting between humanity and sharing. You share your experiences and your ideas with people who are there for the exact same reason as you. Giving can take on immense proportions and give countless smiles and love to those that need it most.
Solidarity, mutual understanding, mutual help. Every one of these words entails the sense of the “other person”, the person next to us, the human being. “The Other Human” includes the humanity that is now hidden somewhere. Because indeed the world truly exists when you share and give a piece of yourself knowing you leave it is in good hands!
