Schools shut down in Greece due to low birth rates and emigration

·

As Greece’s population continues to decline due to low birth rates and high emigration, Greek media have reported that, because of these reasons, schools and kindergartens have been closing in high numbers across the country.

The report says that because of the declining population size, between 2009 and 2014, the government closed 796 primary schools, 400 high schools, and 509 kindergartens. In addition, a further 14 kindergartens and 9 primary schools will close by the end of next year.

A survey released by the Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE) estimated that by 2035, the number of school pupils in Greece will be 29.2% lower than it was in 2008 – 1,050,000 vs 1,480,000 in 2008. The main reasons given for the closures is a lack of resources.

The 10-year economic crisis has driven over 400,000 young workers to move abroad, causing further damage to productivity and the economy. As families move elsewhere, there are far fewer children requiring education services. Greece’s new government has vowed to address this by giving incentives to young people to stay in the country.

The program, known as “Rebrain Greece”, aims to encourage young people currently working abroad to return to the country. Among the incentives proposed by the government, there will be a new minimum wage of €3,000 which will be subsidised by the state for one year. Companies will be legally obliged to keep the employees after the one-year period for another 12 months with the same wages.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Debt cleared as Hellenic Village engages new $119.5 million buyer for Austral site

The sale of Hellenic Village’s 105-acre property at Gurner Avenue in Austral has taken a turn following the withdrawal of the initial buyer.

International stars, local talent and cultural delights await at Greek Festival Darling Harbour

The highly anticipated Greek Festival Darling Harbour is set to take over Darling Harbour this February 22-23.

‘Good Samaritan’ Nick Karagiannis sentenced for fraudulent car dealings

Nick Karagiannis has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment to be served in the community after pleading guilty to fraudulent car dealings.

Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting

The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki 'Aristotelis' of NSW celebrated a milestone event on Sunday, February 9, hosting its Annual General Meeting.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis.

You May Also Like

Senator Penny Wong discusses Cyprus’ role in evacuating Australians from Lebanon

Australian Senator Penny Wong has held a press conference discussing the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flight landing on Cyprus.

John Mitroussidis: The migrant who devotes his life to the Greeks of Adelaide

This is the story of an aspiring patriotic young man from Flambouro, Greece, who immigrated to Australia, devoting his life to the Hellenes of Adelaide. 

NT judge rejects Mario Tsirbas’ bid for urgent court hearing challenging vaccine mandate

A NT Supreme Court judge has rejected a bid to hold an expedited hearing challenging the territory's COVID-19 vaccination mandate.