I believed and still believe that education is key for the smooth functioning of democracy and for economic and social development. In all countries, societies progressed [...] when their educational system was aligned with the challenges of the time. Having this in mind, I feel concerned because Greek education does not meet this requirement. For decades, we have been struggling to establish an educational system that effectively takes care of our children, but we have not succeeded so far. I am saddened when I consider that due to inadequate education, our children will face more adverse conditions in the future than we did. I am saddened because we are unable to provide them with the education they need to stand on their own feet in a new competitive environment.
But why does this happen? Have we not determined what kind of education we want, or do we know where we want to go but cannot implement the necessary educational changes? Who is responsible for this? Is it the political deficit? Is this inability due to the timidity that characterizes the political system in moving forward with reforms or defending them when some dare to implement them?

Gerassimos Arsenis
(Adapted excerpt from his speech at the 1st Conference of the OPEP)