The contract for the collaboration between the Greek State and the Onassis Foundation for the 22 Public Onassis Schools was signed shortly after 10:30 AM.

As Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized, this partnership confirms that equal opportunities for all is a central choice, noting that the Onassis Foundation will contribute a total of 160 million euros over a 12-year period. He expressed confidence that these schools will become highly sought after.

On his part, Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis pointed out that this collaboration will increase the number of Model Schools in the country by 50%, announcing the 11 areas where the Public Onassis Schools will operate: Kolonos, Kypseli, Menidi, Perama, Peristeri, Kordelio, Kozani, Xanthi, Rhodes, and Heraklion, Crete.

“For us, every donation is a commitment that we honor consistently with all our strength. We are strengthening public education without altering its character. We are creating a school that will be loved by students, teachers, and parents. We hope to provide opportunities to those who are not part of the elite, the opportunities they deserve,” stated the President of the Onassis Foundation, Antonis Papadimitriou.

Mitsotakis: A Donation with Long-Term Impact

“I am particularly pleased with the Onassis Foundation’s decision to proceed with a donation of long-term impact and duration,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his opening remarks.

“The Onassis Foundation has already made significant contributions in health, education, and culture. I believe today’s donation is special because we want to create together, with the state and the Onassis Foundation, a new type of public school that builds upon the experience we have from the 42 Model schools in our country,” continued Mr. Mitsotakis.

He emphasized that “22 schools in areas facing economic and social challenges will be integrated into the Public Onassis Schools over the next 18 months, with renovated facilities and additional support for students and teachers.”

It is also crucial that these schools and their facilities will be open to students from other schools, he noted, reminding that “the strengthening of model schools was part of our pre-election program. We must have more of them.”

“We are talking about 160 million euros over a 12-year horizon for a program that will benefit almost 30,000 students,” added the Prime Minister, emphasizing that “a liberal government like ours advocates for equal opportunities, so that children from troubled areas have access to the best education the state can offer them.”

“I am confident that these schools will become highly sought after. Equal opportunities are a central choice, and this has always been at the heart of the country’s progress. The Public Onassis Schools will provide additional support to a public education system that has its challenges. Our goal is not only to provide opportunities for gifted children but also to draw lessons for the future,” concluded Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Pierrakakis: Goal to Have 6,000 Students at Launch

With this collaboration, we are increasing the number of Model and Experimental Schools by 50%, explained Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

He mentioned that the example was drawn from the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, as there is a need to increase educational innovations.

Explaining the specifics of the collaboration, he said, “We will take 22 existing public schools—11 middle schools and 11 high schools—and there will be a 9-member governing committee, with the donor’s participation, as happens with the Onassis Foundation. We hope to reach 6,000 students when we launch. The goal is to start with 6 schools in September, with plans to open all 22 by September 2026, with a donation of up to 1 million euros per school.”

According to the Minister of Education, “The admission of students will take place every September, as with Model Schools, while those already attending will graduate as usual.”

Finally, he announced that “the 11 selected areas are: Kolonos, Kypseli, Menidi, Perama, Peristeri, Kordelio, Kozani, Xanthi, Rhodes, and Heraklion, Crete.”

Antonis Papadimitriou: Strengthening Public Education Without Altering Its Character

“This year marks significant anniversaries, as it has been 50 years since the Onassis Foundation’s establishment, 30 years since the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, and 15 years since the Onassis Foundation’s Stegi. At the Onassis Foundation, we believe that the best way to honor the past is to act in the present and help shape the future,” said Onassis Foundation President Antonis Papadimitriou.

“Our collaboration has been flawless, and we are now ready,” added Mr. Papadimitriou, thanking the Prime Minister for his interest.

Over the next 12 years, 12,000 students will graduate, and the foundation will spend 160 million euros, ensuring the smooth operation of the schools in the future. “For us, every donation is a commitment that we honor consistently with all our strength. We are strengthening public education without altering its character. We are building a school that will be loved by students, teachers, and parents. We hope to provide opportunities to those who are not part of the elite, the opportunities they deserve.”

“We do not replace the state but are present as supporters, taking on our share of the responsibility,” concluded Mr. Papadimitriou.