The map of education is changing with the new bill, while distance education leaves a valuable “dowry” in the education system. Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Ms Niki Kerameos confesses her vision for politics, declares her optimism for a return to normality and reveals her favourite destination.

1. What was your vision when you decided to enter politics?

My vision was – and still is – to put Greece on a full development path, with the modernisation and consolidation of the public administration, the upgrading of schools and universities, the swift administration of justice, a favourable business and entrepreneurial environment, and organised and effective social services. A reality that we have started to achieve.

2. How heavy did you feel the responsibility when you were offered to take over such a crucial Ministry?

It was with a sense of honour, but also with great responsibility indeed, that I took up the key and crucial position of leadership of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, which was proposed to me by the Prime Minister in July 2019. And the responsibility is great, given that one of the most important investments, with real long-term benefits, is investment in education. It determines the present and the future of the country.

 

3. The new law on education changes the map of education. Which brings innovations?

The law, with the central aim of upgrading schools, innovates with regulations in three main areas: reform of school curricula, targeted interventions to strengthen the educational work in schools and organisational and improvement regulations in higher education. Skills workshops are piloted in primary and secondary education. The inclusion of new themes such as volunteering, road safety, prevention of addictions, mutual respect and diversity, robotics, sexual education, aim at a broader cultivation and education of students. The teaching of information technology, classics, physical education and foreign languages is strengthened. A coherent framework for the evaluation of the school unit and the educational work is established. The institution of model and experimental schools is strengthened and expanded. Regulations for more effective staffing of school units are implemented, such as double grading for hard-to-reach areas, reduction of the duration of the tables, priority in filling functional gaps in the teaching of nationally examined courses, as well as additional regulations concerning the extroversion of the university, such as the possibility of establishing foreign-language undergraduate programmes autonomously by each HEI and without requiring Ministerial approval, the establishment of joint and double programmes of study between Greek and foreign HEIs as well as summer programmes, and the introduction of an academic criterion in transcripts.

 

4. How difficult was the decision to close schools because of the coronavirus? How critical were the meetings to get students back in the classrooms?

The decision to temporarily suspend the in-person operation of the educational structures was taken on the basis of the instructions of the EODY experts. It was admittedly a difficult decision, as it disrupted school and family planning. However, our priority was to safeguard individual and public health. All the relevant bodies of the Government had an excellent cooperation and took decisions in the public interest. The gradual return to the new normal is an equally big challenge, to which we are responding in the same way.

5. The successful operation of distance learning is an achievement. Are there any thoughts on its future use?

There are three aspects of the distance learning acquis that we must exploit for the benefit of the educational community as a whole:

First, in terms of digital skills. We must use our experience to further cultivate the digital skills of the entire educational community, which has proven to be highly adaptable, flexible and ready to meet the challenges of the digital age. In this direction, the new law passed a few days ago provides, on the one hand, for the strengthening of the IT course and, on the other hand, for the introduction of subjects such as new technologies, robotics, STEM, etc. in the compulsory timetable through skills workshops.

Secondly, as regards equipment. When we took over the leadership of the Ministry of Education, schools were equipped with 4,500 laptops and tablets. Responding to the crisis, we raised another 20,000 devices from donors in less than 2 months, and we have applied, through NSRF, for another 48,000 devices for 2020. These devices will be extremely useful for any distance learning needs, and in the longer term to deepen the digital skills of our students.

Thirdly, as regards the mentality. The most important thing is to capitalise on the philosophical change that is taking place. Digital tools are an important ally of education, both in terms of process (e.g. online student enrolment) and in terms of pure educational work (e.g. asynchronous tele-education can serve as a useful complementary educational tool to face-to-face teaching).

 

6. Did Greece win the bet of a serious and responsible response to the pandemic?

The Government responded swiftly to the pandemic, implementing difficult measures that were universally respected, avoiding its rapid development and the dramatic consequences we have seen in other countries. The individual, responsible attitude of citizens was a decisive factor in the effort to combat the virus. Based on the positive course of the pandemic in Greece, the restrictions are being gradually lifted and we are returning to the new reality with responsibility, optimism, but also with protection and prevention measures, always following the instructions of the infectious disease specialists.

 

7. What is your favourite habit that relaxes you after a long day?

After a long day full of commitments, what relaxes me is quality time with my kids and husband, playing, discussing how we spent our day. This is what discharges me and recharges my energy for the next day.

 

8. Your two favorite destinations in Greece and abroad?

Greece hides wonderful landscapes in every corner, for all seasons of the year. In the summer I often choose the Cyclades, with a particular fondness for Sifnos. The picturesque alleys and the magnificent beaches are a win-win for every visitor. Among foreign destinations, I am always fascinated by Paris, where I lived for several years and with which I have a wealth of experiences.