Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the 2nd Primary School of Karpenisi on Wednesday morning—one of the 430 schools across Greece being renovated this summer as part of the “Marietta Giannakou” program.
The Prime Minister was briefed by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, as well as the school principal Giannis Efthymiou, on the ongoing works in the classrooms, common areas, and the schoolyard, aiming for students to return in September to upgraded facilities.
“The ‘Marietta Giannakou’ program is spreading throughout the Greek regions, and I am very pleased to be in Karpenisi today, at the 2nd Primary School, one of the 430 schools benefiting from significant interventions taking place during the summer so that the school will be ready in September to welcome its students. I want to emphasize that the program includes upgrades to hygiene facilities, accessibility improvements, beautification efforts, and especially renovations to schoolyards and the reconstruction of old sports fields so that our children can enjoy physical activity in pleasant and, above all, safe conditions,” said the Prime Minister.
He added,
“This is the first step in a broader effort to overhaul the country’s school infrastructure. And I want to repeat that this first phase of the program must be completed by September. That is the main challenge—we only have a few months to implement the improvements. So I want to thank all the contractors across the country who are working hard to meet the deadlines.”
Mr. Mitsotakis expressed his gratitude to the school principal and
“all the education staff who, even during the summer, are supervising the works to ensure everything is ready in early September to welcome our children—especially our first graders. From what I understand, you are expecting 20 new first graders at the 2nd Primary.”
He also revealed that the Minister of Education has a special connection to this school, as her uncle used to be its principal. Zacharaki noted,
“I didn’t choose it—it had already been selected,” with the Prime Minister adding,
“It wasn’t chosen for that reason; it was selected based on other criteria.”
He concluded by saying,
“So, I wish everyone good work, and by September, our children will return to 430 fully renovated schools—more modern, more accessible, and much safer.”
Regional Officials Present
The Prime Minister was also welcomed by the Regional Director of Education of Central Greece, Eleni Beniata, and the Director of Primary Education of Evrytania, Vasilis Stavropoulos.
Zacharaki: Huge Thanks to the Donors Who Made the €100 Million for the 430 Schools a Reality
From her side, Minister Zacharaki said:
“We are here in Karpenisi, at the historic 2nd Primary School of Karpenisi, which is currently undergoing major renovations. The outdoor area will be refurbished and painted, it will become accessible for people with disabilities, and the toilets will also be reconstructed. All this is being done through the ‘Marietta Giannakou’ program. We are deeply thankful to the donors who made this €100 million investment across 430 schools possible. One of them, Mr. Prime Minister, is this very school. We welcome you today.”
The Prime Minister’s Meeting with Sotiris Kyrgiakos
Earlier, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the Karpenisi Sports Center, where he was given a tour by the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, and the Mayor of Karpenisi, Christos Kakavas. He was updated on the progress of ongoing renovation works.
He also had the opportunity to speak with team manager Sotiris Kyrgiakos, players, and coaches of the “Athlitiki Enosi Kifisias” football team, which is holding its training camp in Karpenisi.
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