In the presence of Attica’s regional governor Nikos Hardalias the inauguration of two brand new schools funded in their entirety with funds from the Attica Region – the 1st primary school of Nea Erythraia and the 21st primary school of Acharnon – took place today. The inauguration was followed by the consecration of the new school year, with Mr. Hardalias stressing the importance of a modern environment for students and teachers.

“Our children and teachers deserve the best. We are proud to have contributed as a regional authority to the creation of a safe and functional environment for their learning. Especially for the 21st Elementary School in Acharnon, we are solving a chronic problem that has plagued the region. After 25 years, and especially since 1999, we managed with a lot of effort, through delays and setbacks, to deliver a brand new school here in Menidi. It is a beautiful school, which shows our respect to the teachers and especially to our children who were piled up in containers all these years, an insulting image that is in no way appropriate in modern Greece. The Attica Region, in cooperation with the municipalities, will strive daily for the best. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the creation of these two brand new school units and wish them a good school year” said Mr. Hardialias.

The regional governor added that “investing in educational infrastructure is an investment in the future of our society, as schools are not just buildings, but the foundation stones of development and progress” and referred extensively to the financial tools of the Region of Attica, announcing a holistic program for upgrading the building infrastructure of school units in areas of the basin where the greatest needs are observed.

“Through the Attica 2021-2027 Operational Program, we are implementing an extensive program of funding and support for educational infrastructure. We are financing a total of 20 projects for the construction and upgrading of school units, with a total public expenditure amounting to 52,260,000 euros. At the same time, we are preparing studies and preparing the necessary approvals for the construction of 23 new school units, with a budget of 3,964,000 euros, while we are supporting the purchase and equipping of our schools with modern teaching aids, investing 7,145,000 euros for general education and 8,526,000 euros for vocational education. I want to assure you that the Region of Attica, structured and methodically, without communication fanfare, is trying to finalize its overall program for the next five years, “he said.

And concluded: “Our goal is to ensure that every child in Attica has access to modern, safe and functional facilities, whether it is general or vocational education. We continue to dynamically support education and our students, so that they have all the necessary skills for a better tomorrow, at the same time as the government starts implementing the Marietta Giannakou Program for the renovation of hundreds of schools across Greece.”

At the end of the ceremonies, the regional governor toured the two new educational units together with the school principals, where he talked to students, teachers and parents, was informed about the educational activities that will take place in the coming period, and exchanged views on the importance of a modern and safe school environment.

Mr. Chardalias was accompanied to the schools by the deputy governors An. Attica Vicky Kavallari, Lucia Kefalogianni of the North Sector and Errika Przerakou of Education, the mayor of Acharnon Spyros Vrettos, Kifissia Vassilis Xypolytas, representatives of the educational community and local authorities, while the Deputy Minister of the National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, the independent MP B1 of the Northern Sector of Athens, Athina Linou and the chairman of the Metropolitan Committee for Tourism Promotion and Development, Nikos Hiotakis, were also present.

Note that work on the two new school units is as follows:

* At the 1st Primary School of Nea Erythraia, the Region financed the renovation of the building complex and the construction of a new, structurally independent building to serve the needs of the 12-seat school unit. The work included the reconfiguration of 8 classrooms in the existing buildings, as well as special use and multipurpose rooms, laboratories, library, offices, restrooms and storage areas. The new building has 8 additional classrooms, a canteen, kitchen and dining hall, ensuring the necessary infrastructure for a comprehensive educational experience. This project was included in the Operational Program “Attica 2021-2027” with a total eligible expenditure of 2,018,000 euros.

* At the 21st primary school of Acharnon, a brand new two-storey building was constructed, which includes 12 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a library, a science laboratory, a computer room, a computer room, a cosmetic education room, a foreign language room, teachers’ offices and an office for student communities. The project was also funded by the Operational Program “Attica 2021-2027” with a total eligible expenditure of 2,124,000 euros, ensuring the creation of modern and safe facilities for the students of the area.