Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki, in an interview on ERTnews’ “Newsroom” show, made a call to students to seek help and speak up when they feel pressure or psychological burden, on the occasion of the debate on the mental health of young people and in view of the Panelladikes Examinations.
The Minister stressed that the Ministry has significantly strengthened the network of psychological support in schools in recent years, noting that “the number of psychologists and social workers in the public school since 2019”, although he admitted “they are not yet sufficient for all schools”.
As he said, the aim is to gradually expand their presence so that there is regular support in school units, while he stressed that in case of identification of serious issues, a referral process to specialized structures is activated in cooperation with the family.
At the same time, he sent a message to students to make use of existing support structures, such as psychologists, helplines and the digital tutorial, stressing that the Ministry is attempting to create a network of educational and psychological support.
“There are many paths after school”
Referring to the Panhellenic exams, Sophia Zacharaki called for calm and discharge, noting that entering higher education is important, but not the only route.
As she stressed, “there are many paths after school”, referring among others to vocational education and training, as well as the possibility of re-entry through new options.
The minister also appealed for calm in public discourse ahead of exams, noting that the next few days are particularly demanding for tens of thousands of students.
In the context of the broader debate on the National Baccalaureate and the reform of the Lyceum, the Minister noted that she has advocated the abolition of the Panhellenic Examinations as the only system of admission to higher education, stressing, however, that any change must come about through institutional dialogue, without surprises and with guaranteed reliability of the system.
Panhellenic Examinations: Extensive preparation and digital tutorial
Ms. Zacharaki assured that the whole mechanism of the Panhellenic Examinations is ready, noting that preparation begins months in advance and involves hundreds of cadres across the country.
He also referred to the Ministry of Education’s digital tutorial, which he said is constantly being enhanced with additional material, simulation tests and revision exercises, and announced that from September, live online courses will be expanded and digital support for students will be further enhanced.
Lyceum and National Baccalaureate Reform
On the front of changes in education, the Minister referred to the national dialogue on the Lyceum and National Baccalaureate, stressing that this is a long and institutional process that is not linked to the current situation.
He said that scenarios are being considered that include strengthening the role of grades in all classes of the Lyceum, not just the third grade, with the aim of restoring the educational value of all three grades.
The minister noted that the relevant committee, headed by the rector of the University of Piraeus, is examining international models and best practices, while final recommendations are expected after an exhaustive consultation.
At the same time, she clarified that any changes would not affect students already in Lyceum and Gymnasium.
Universities and security – “Protection plans and electronic access control”
Ms. Zacharaki also referred to the issue of security at universities, on the occasion of recent incidents of violence, stressing that a strict institutional framework is already in place that provides for sanctions, even loss of student status in case of serious offences.
He said a plan to strengthen security at universities is moving forward, which includes certification of security plans, installation of electronic entry systems and cameras in public areas, with respect for personal data.
The plan, he said, will be piloted in the largest and most vulnerable universities, with the aim of improving security and the operation of the institutions.
Infrastructure, housing and student care
The minister also made reference to important university infrastructure upgrading programmes, noting that more than 100 million euros have already been allocated for regular funding and additional funds for renovation projects through the Public Investment Programme and European funds.
At the same time, projects for student residences are being implemented through PPPs, aiming to create thousands of new beds, while student food and care are also being strengthened.
Political context and New Democracy conference
Referring to the political aspect, the minister described the New Democracy conference as a “conference of stocktaking and target setting”, stressing that the government is coming with the aim of accountability and planning for the next period until 2027.
