The President of the Republic, Constantine An. Tasoulas received the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, who briefed him on issues within her competence and, in particular, on preparations for the start of the new school year.

Mrs. Zacharaki referred to the changes being promoted in all levels of education, with emphasis on Primary Education. The public school is being strengthened this year, she noted, with even more permanent staff. She expressed optimism that the needs of schools across the country will be met, and stressed the major challenge of the demographic issue.

The Minister of Education highlighted the upgrading and modernization of school infrastructure through the Marietta Giannakou programme, which is being extended with the increase of 400 million euros in bank donations over the next four years. He also referred to initiatives such as the strengthening of the Digital School with interactive whiteboards, the operation of the Digital Tutoring Centre for the second year, the opportunity provided to teachers with the multiple textbooks for each lesson, and the replacement and upgrading of musical instruments and equipment of the country’s Music Schools.

The President of the Republic, Constantine An. Tasoulas thanked the Minister for the information and expressed his wish for a good and creative school year for all.

“The modernization and strengthening of public education,” Mr. Tasoulas said, “is a social demand. We must offer all students, without exception, equal access to education, providing them with the tools and skills to secure a better future. By empowering students, we support and empower their families. As far as the educational community is concerned, it is certainly called upon to carry out a national mission in preparing the youth of Greece for the challenges of a rapidly changing world, where adaptability and the ability to respond to the demands of the times will be crucial.”