I would like to thank you warmly for your presence at today's press conference on the review of the work of the Independent Social Support Body.
I must admit that today is a very charged day, both for me and for my colleagues, since in the next few days we will hand over the baton of the collective effort of offering and supporting young students, which we started in 2015.
An effort for which, evaluating its results, we are able to feel proud and justified for the initiative we undertook.
First of all, however, we feel particularly happy since, as was our ambition, the success of the institutionalization of the Body enables it to continue to record even greater pages of solidarity and selfless support to our young people.
Taking a brief look back at the history of the establishment of the Independent Social Support Body, the reason for its creation was the global economic crisis that hit our country and the problems it created for young people in our country in terms of continuing or starting their studies.
Observing with concern their difficulties, I set myself the goal of providing substantial support for their demanding efforts to obtain their degree.
This is because it is my conviction that education, as an inalienable right of every human being, is a decisive factor for the course of life and his/her development.
In this context, and having as an initial core the financial support of Archbishop Demetrios of America, I proceeded, together with my associates, to plan and establish the operation of the Institution.
My aim was that all its activities should be based on the principles of full transparency and meritocracy.
My aim was that all its activities should be based on the principles of full transparency and meritocracy. We promoted its institutionalisation through the submission of a bill to the House of Representatives.
A bill which was voted for by all political parties, enabling us since then to concentrate with absolute dedication and zeal on the noble objective of its creation.
What I would like to emphasise is that, by collecting every year exclusively private and no state contributions, we have succeeded in supporting a large and growing number of students.
Since in the following there will be a detailed presentation by the General Accountant, Mrs. Rea Georgiou, of the total financial contribution of the Institution, I will suffice to note that since its creation in 2015 until today the total amount of €4.428.968,00 has been collected and distributed to 3223 students.
Apart from the successful completion of the studies of hundreds of students, it is worth mentioning another equally important aspect of the Institution's contribution. In this context, the Institution was the occasion for the solution of numerous other socio-economic issues.
In the long, successful course of the Institution's offerings, we were fortunate to have great companions by our side who contributed greatly to its reputation as a social institution.
For this reason I feel the need to thank the people who have accompanied and will continue to accompany its operation.
The Directors General of the Ministries of Labour, Education and Health who, together with the Auditor General, form the Commission of the Institution, which is chaired by the respective First Lady.
My dear colleagues, whose contribution has been invaluable to the success of our project.
The Rectors of the Universities who willingly supplement the sponsorships of the Institution where necessary, thus enabling the students in greatest need to repay their tuition fees and continue their studies unhindered.
In particular, I would like to thank the ordinary citizens who have stood by our side over the years, strengthening our efforts with their small or large financial support.
My vision of no student without a degree became reality and as Nelson Mandela said "The most powerful weapon to change the world is education".
As I mentioned at the beginning, what makes me particularly happy is that the success story that the Independent Social Support Body has recorded does not end with my departure from the Presidency, but instead is being bequeathed to the next First Lady.
And I am particularly happy that the new First Lady is with us today.
Dear Philippa, today, together with my colleagues, we entrust in your hands our own creation.
A creation that we have loved and embraced.
Knowing your love and sensibilities for your fellow man, your concern for our young people, we have no doubt that you will work with the continuation of the institution's contribution in mind.
And in this effort I want you to know that you will have us by your side.
(PM/NG/SX)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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