€650 Million for Schools: When Public and Private Sectors Collaborate

The Greek government, in close collaboration with the four systemic banks, announced a major boost to the public school renovation and upgrade program, known as “Marietta Giannakou”. The total budget for the program now reaches €650 million, with the private sector contributing €400 million and public funds accounting for €250 million.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during a meeting at the Maximos Mansion with the President of the Hellenic Bank Association Gikas Hardouvelis and the banks’ CEOs, emphasized:

“This program is an outstanding example of public-private partnership. Each school is a ‘cell’ of joy and knowledge for the local community, and we must treat it as such.”

Immediate Impact and Efficiency

The first phase of the renovation works involves 431 schools and is scheduled to be completed before the start of the new academic year, providing:

• New restrooms and hygiene facilities
• Upgraded playgrounds and sports facilities
• Full accessibility for students and educators with disabilities

As the Prime Minister highlighted:

“New basketball, volleyball, and football facilities, renovated playgrounds, and full accessibility for all. This is a landmark intervention that will bring joy and safety to tens of thousands of students.”

Private Sector and Social Responsibility

The contribution of the banks surpasses all previous efforts:

• €100 million initial donation
• €300 million additional for the next three years
• Total contribution €400 million, plus €250 million from the public sector

The President of the Hellenic Bank Association, Gikas Hardouvelis, stated:

“Investing in education is investing in the foundation of progress for the entire country. Greek banks always stand by society’s needs, with effective, large-scale actions.”

This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private collaboration, as projects are executed rapidly across Greece with consistent standards of quality and safety.

Strategic Investment in Education

School renovations are not merely infrastructure projects—they are an investment in social cohesion and the future of the country. Once the program is completed, over 2,500 schools will have new facilities that meet the needs of students, teachers, and local communities.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis concluded:

“By combining our strengths, the state and private sector can achieve remarkable results. The ‘Marietta Giannakou’ program is an emblematic example of this.”

With the program’s expansion, Greece sends a strong message that education and social responsibility can go hand in hand for the common good, creating a model public-private partnership for the future.

Source: pagenews.gr