“The Panhellenic exams are a reliable system, but it has reached its limits. We are the political leadership that opened – and not now and because of timeliness – the chapter with the National Dialogue on the new high school. The national dialogue began months ago and will end months later. I am interested in this debate having broader characteristics and that is why the committee under Rector Sfakianakis was formed with the participation of several working groups. We are not focusing on the end of the road and what the alternative – if proposed – will be for the Panhellenic exams. I have expressed myself in favour of abolishing the Panhellenic examinations. It is a reliable system that has been with us for years, it has been tried and tested, but on the other hand it is reaching its limits.” This was stated by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sophia Zacharaki, speaking this morning on ERT television, when she was asked about the institution of the Panhellenic exams and the National Dialogue on the character of the high school, which is currently underway.
The Minister reiterated that any changes proposed by the committee would not affect current high school and middle school students and expressed the belief that there can and should be a broader political consensus. He further noted that everything is ready for the start of this year’s Panhellenic Examinations, as the preparation process began many months ago.
On the occasion of the tragic loss of the two schoolgirls in Heliopolis, the Minister again sent a message of support to the students, their families and the educational community. She stressed that the mental health of children is a constant priority and not a consequence of any tragic circumstances. He noted that since 2019 to date, the number of psychologists and social workers in public schools has quadrupled.
“I’m not saying there are enough or that they cover all schools every day. But we are trying year by year to increase daily coverage. However, in every need, the additional psychological support structures of the CEDS are activated. Finally, I would like to assure the children and as a teacher that our support is not ad hoc. We are there to listen to them, and I urge them to speak up. To address teachers, psychologists, their families,” Zacharaki stressed.
