Greek PM praises Onassis Foundation’s large donation to fund model public schools

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the Onassis Foundation’s 160 million euro donation to establish 22 model public schools as a “lasting and long-term donation,” on Monday, January 20.

Speaking at an event at Maximos Mansion, Mitsotakis praised the Foundation’s continued support for education, culture and learning.

The new schools, which will be integrated into socially disadvantaged areas, aim to provide students with opportunities to explore subjects beyond the standard curriculum, including cultural and sports activities.

These activities will also be open to students from surrounding schools, with additional teacher compensation for their extra work.

Το Ίδρυμα Ωνάση θα διαθέσει 160 εκατομμύρια ευρώ σε βάθος 12ετίας για την αναβάθμιση των κτηριακών εγκαταστάσεων και του εξοπλισμού των επιλεγμένων σχολικών μονάδων. Τα πρώτα 6 αναβαθμισμένα σχολεία αναμένεται να λειτουργήσουν τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2025. https://t.co/E8ouhbzA22 pic.twitter.com/TiYcONEoY9

— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) January 20, 2025

Mitsotakis emphasised that the creation of model schools is a key priority for the New Democracy government.

With the addition of these 22 schools, the number of model institutions in Greece will increase by 50%, benefiting nearly 30,000 students over the next 12 years.

“A liberal government like ours advocates equal opportunities and for children from areas with economic and social problems to be able to have access to the best possible education,” Mitsotakis said.