# Educational and cultural initiatives in Crete > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/educational-and-cultural-initiatives-in-crete > Updated: 2026-09-30T13:15:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Crete Region has introduced new educational initiatives aimed at community and school engagement. In early September 2026, the region launched a new cycle of ‘Parent Schools’ in Heraklion. This program, developed through collaboration between regional authorities, educational directorates, and various research and innovation groups, provides free in-person and remote meetings for parents, guardians, and caregivers. The initiative also includes specific actions for educators and officials to strengthen social and educational engagement. By late September 2026, efforts expanded toward specialized curricula with the establishment of the ‘Sustainable Greek School: Cretan Dietary Culture Network’. This program seeks to create a network of school communities using gastronomy and local dietary culture as tools for learning. Linked to the ‘Crete European Gastronomy Region 2026’ initiative, the project involves cooperation between the Regional Directorate of Education of Crete and various environmental and educational organizations to provide pedagogical and scientific support to participating schools. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Crete schools to launch Cretan Dietary Culture Network Schools in Crete are establishing a ‘Cretan Dietary Culture Network’ to integrate gastronomy and local food traditions into a sustainable educational framework for school communities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crete-schools-to-launch-cretan-dietary-culture-network ### 2026-09-09: Crete Region launches new cycle of Parent Schools The Region of Crete is launching a new cycle of free ‘Parent Schools,’ offering in-person and remote educational sessions for parents, guardians, and educators in the Heraklion area. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crete-region-launches-new-cycle-of-parent-schools --- Cite as: Educational and cultural initiatives in Crete. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/educational-and-cultural-initiatives-in-crete