In a decisive response to urgent calls from concerned parents, Greece’s Minister of the Interior, Mr. Theodoros Livanios, has approved €5.06 million in funding for the complete restoration of a historically significant but deteriorating school complex in the heart of Rhodes.

The funding, allocated through the “Philodemos II” programme, aims to rehabilitate the school complex of the Pedagogical Academy of Rhodes—a building currently deemed unsafe despite accommodating over 650 students, teachers, and staff daily.

A Historic Building at Risk

Built in 1925, the Pedagogical Academy originally served as the Royal School for Boys. It later became the Pedagogical Academy of Rhodes from 1947 to 1990 and currently houses the 1st and 2nd Experimental Primary Schools, the 8th Primary School, the 22nd Kindergarten, and the Special Experimental School of Rhodes.

Despite its heritage, the structure has not undergone any major renovation or maintenance since it was converted to a primary education facility in 1990. Years of neglect have led to significant structural and safety concerns.

According to an article in Demokratiki, the Ministry’s funding approval was prompted by a detailed letter from the Parents and Guardians Association of the 1st Experimental Primary School. The letter highlighted numerous dangers within the building, including:

• A collapsed theatre roof in the basement.
• An antiquated electrical system that cannot support heating or cooling.
• Rotting wooden windows that allow rainwater to enter.
• Severe roof leakage, with parts of the roof having detached—luckily when the school was unoccupied.

The letter was also sent to several high-level officials, including the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Culture, urging immediate action to prevent potential tragedy.

Unified Appeal for Urgent Intervention

On April 15, 2024, a high-level meeting was held in Rhodes involving municipal officials, education authorities, school directors, and parents’ representatives. During the meeting, participants unanimously agreed on the urgent need for a comprehensive restoration plan, with clearly defined responsibilities and a fixed timeline.

The parents emphasized in their letter:

“650 children and adults are at risk every day in the center of Rhodes. We urge the Ministry not to let this reversible situation become an irreversible tragedy.”

Ministry Acts

Following this collective appeal, Mr. Livanios announced the full approval of the project, which will be funded entirely by the “Philodemos II” programme. The restoration budget totals €5,059,324 including VAT, and the project will focus on making the building structurally sound, safe, and fully functional for modern educational needs.

Photos of the building’s condition and excerpts from the parents’ letter underline the pressing nature of the repairs.

This restoration is not only a lifesaving intervention but also a cultural and educational investment—preserving a landmark building while ensuring the safety of Rhodes’ future generations.