Mergers as an Economy Measure
One of the main points criticized by parents and teachers is the logic of merging departments and schools as a measure of economy. The Federation of Parents & Guardians of the Peloponnese Region publicly expressed its opposition to the Ministry’s decision to merge school classes, resulting in the creation of classes of 25 students, in rooms that often do not meet the necessary specifications. As parents point out, such decisions are made with the aim of reducing costs, but degrading the quality of education and turning students into “numbers” in a financial budget.
Parents complain that the government treats children as a cost, ignoring their educational needs. The logic of crowded classes is considered counter-pedagogical, as the quality of teaching is significantly reduced when teachers have to manage large numbers of students, especially when in these classes there are children with special educational needs, who need special attention and support.
The Effects on Local Societies and the Abolition of Schools
The government’s decision to abolish school units in small communities, such as in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, has also generated serious backlash. In this region, the Independent Union Initiative submitted a proposal to the Regional Council, expressing its strong opposition to mergers and the abolition of schools, underlining that such actions harm the social cohesion and development prospects of these areas. Education, as the local actors emphasize, is not just a process of imparting knowledge, but a pillar of development and progress for every community.
Local communities, particularly in rural and remote areas, depend on the functioning of their schools for their social stability and cohesion. When a school closes, families are forced to move their children to distant schools, which creates additional hardships for both students and their families. In addition, the change of school environment, especially for young children, can have negative effects on their psychological state and their educational progress.
The Problem of Student Transportation in Island Areas
In the island regions of Greece, such as the Cyclades, the problem of transporting students also arises. The South Aegean Region recently informed that despite the efforts to ensure the transportation of students to the school units for the school year 2024-2025, in many areas there has been no interest from the transporters. In Syros, KTEL has not responded to the relevant invitations, while in other islands the transportation of students remains uncertain, as there is no interest from taxis or private buses.
If the transport problem is not solved, students and their families will have to rely on the Parental Care Allowance to cover travel costs, which puts extra strain on family budgets. This problem highlights the lack of planning and coordination by the competent authorities and the need for more support in the remote and island regions of the country.
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