The Sisterhood of Greek Ladies “Zoodochos Pigi”, known as the Mekeio Boarding School, was founded in 1908 and is the oldest women’s association in the city of Ioannina. For nearly 120 years, it has remained steadfastly dedicated to the education and empowerment of socially vulnerable groups, offering training programs, specialized workshops, and opportunities for volunteer service.
Mekeio is a member of the Anna Lindh Foundation and is registered in the Hellenic Ministry of Culture’s Registry of Cultural Organizations. At the same time, it is committed to preserving and showcasing the historic building that houses it, recognizing its cultural and social significance. Its emblematic spaces serve as a hub of creativity as well as a venue for cultural events, collaborations, and initiatives with institutions, organizations, and cultural foundations.
Today, Mekeio offers courses in Dressmaking, Knitting, Macramé, and Weaving. It is worth noting that it is one of the nineteen officially recognized institutions in Greece under the Weaving pillar of the Panhellenic Handicraft Revival Program of the Ministry of Culture.
In addition, Mekeio hosts art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and book presentations. It also organizes handicraft workshops and public activities designed to foster participation and cultural enrichment.
The association’s most recent step has been its collaboration with the School of Fine Arts of the University of Ioannina, aiming to develop Mekeio into a cradle of applied art.
