A broad range of public education initiatives by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation

The John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation announced the specifics of two of its programs implemented at different levels of public education during the 2015-2016 academic year. Twenty one new educational initiatives at public kindergarten and primary schools were approved along with twenty five new undergraduate scholarships at Greek public universities. Each program meets different needs emerging in Greek society.

 Advancing the quality of education

Aiming to enhance the quality of public education, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation is currently implementing the “Learning Together” program at public kindergarten and primary schools throughout Greece for the third consecutive school year. This program offers kindergarten and primary school teachers an opportunity to engage children and work with them on innovative experiential activities that are not confined to the school and are either related to the local community or introduce their pupils to new worlds of knowledge.

For the 2015-2016 academic year, 21 greenlighted educational initiatives will benefit 1,073 students in 24 schools across Central and Western Greece, the Peloponnese and the island of Crete. A number of the schools funded have been classified as remote and hard-to-reach by the Greek Ministry of Education, while many of them are attended by pupils from socially vulnerable and economically disadvantaged groups (schools with Roma and immigrant students, special education schools and schools with integration classes.) This year’s programs range over a broad spectrum of subjects, including the arts and sciences, local cultural heritage and understanding the past, as well as current social issues, such as environmental sustainability and immigration. The proposed subjects rely on alternative educational approaches to take full advantage of both existing school infrastructures and new technologies, combining as many educational disciplines as possible, while overcoming geographical and other possible barriers.

 Access to education

Given the adverse socioeconomic environment, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation is doing its outmost to consistently implement the nationwide scholarship program, which offers support to more than 120 young people every year. The program’s objective is to provide aid to undergraduate students who find it difficult, if not impossible, to continue their studies due to financial and social reasons or other relevant factors (members of large families, loss of parents, health issues, etc.). The Foundation approved 25 new scholarships for first year students from around Greece who are attending educational institutions located far from their family’s place of residence and are struggling to meet the financial burden associated with their studies. To be more specific, the 25 scholarship recipients hail from Central Greece (8), the Peloponnese (8), Northern Greece and Thrace (4), Attica (3) and the island of Crete (2). The Foundation undertakes to financially support recipients until the completion of their studies.