Private sector support for Greek educational infrastructure

Educational infrastructure in Greece is receiving significant private sector support through large-scale donations and renovation projects.

In Ioannina, the National Bank of Greece has agreed to donate and fully fund the renovation of three historic school buildings—the Pavlidou, Elisavetou, and Valaneiou schools. This agreement, described by Mayor Thomas Begas as a “historic development,” aims to secure the continued educational use of the facilities for approximately 700 students and resolve previous financial uncertainties regarding the properties.

Simultaneously, the Public Onassis Schools project is expanding its reach. Supported by a 160 million euro donation from the Onassis Foundation, the initiative is adding eight new units, bringing the total to 20 participating locations across areas such as Aegaleo, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Pyrgos. The project functions as a laboratory for educational innovation within the public system, with the goal of disseminating successful teaching methods throughout Greece.

Following a pilot year focused on student collaboration through specialized clubs, the program is moving into a consolidation phase. The expansion includes the opening of new middle and high schools, facilitating infrastructure upgrades with modern teaching tools and high-quality materials. During a visit to Heraklion, Crete, to inaugurate the 9th Daily Gymnasium and the 10th Daily General Lyceum, Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki and Onassis Foundation President Antonis S. Papadimitriou met with students, parents, and educators to observe the renovated facilities.