Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sophia Zacharaki has marked the official start of the 2026-2027 academic year with a nationwide message urging school communities to work together to make Greek schools better every day.
Speaking as students returned to classrooms across the country, Zacharaki stressed that every child deserves equal opportunities to learn and succeed, regardless of whether they live on a small island, in a remote mountain village, or in the center of a major city.
The annual address coincided with the traditional agiasmos blessing ceremonies conducted in schoolyards across Greece, which formally launch the new educational calendar following the summer recess.
Call for student inclusion and peer support
Addressing pupils directly, Zacharaki emphasized that Greek schools must remain open and welcoming environments where there is space for every student's questions, ideas, talents, and personal difficulties.
She encouraged children to ask questions whenever they do not understand a topic, to keep trying even when fearing errors, and to seek assistance from teachers or classmates when facing obstacles.
The minister added that no student should feel required to manage challenges entirely alone, noting that mistakes should never cause a child to give up on their educational efforts.
Zacharaki also called on students to actively support one another through small acts of inclusion, such as inviting peers to join games or offering words of encouragement during the school day.
She stated that fostering respect for diversity ensures every student feels safe, accepted, and important within their educational community.
Support for teachers and auxiliary staff
Turning to educational personnel, the minister expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication, daily preparation, patience, and ongoing care for student well-being.
She noted that a teacher's welcoming words can provide a child with needed courage, while steady encouragement can help pupils discover capabilities they did not realize they possessed.
Zacharaki extended specific thanks to special education teachers and auxiliary support staff, highlighting their daily work alongside students who require additional learning or accessibility assistance.
Reflecting on her own background as an educator, the minister said she continues to share the deep emotion, expectation, and inevitable anxiety that accompany the first day of a new school term.
Partnership with families and educational equity
Addressing parents and guardians, Zacharaki acknowledged that families carry their own hopes and concerns as they send their children through the school doors each autumn.
She called for strong trust and close cooperation between families and educators, emphasizing that schools and parents share the unified goal of helping children advance with knowledge, confidence, and security.
The minister asserted that the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports holds the core responsibility to support educational staff, listen to local needs, and create expanding opportunities for all children.
She emphasized that educational access must never be limited by a child's birthplace, family financial circumstances, or initial starting point in life.
Wishes for the 2026-2027 school year
Zacharaki concluded her statement by wishing students, educators, and parents a school year filled with health, safety, creativity, joy, and new knowledge.
She expressed hope that pupils would build strong friendships and lasting memories while achieving small daily milestones that ultimately lead to major accomplishments by the end of the term.
