Zacharaki-Michailidou meeting on student and teacher housing and school meals expansion

The housing of students and educators, along with the school meal program, were central topics at the working meeting between Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Minister Sofia Zacharaki and Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou. The two ministers discussed extensively the lack of affordable housing affecting students, teachers, and their families. They agreed that government initiatives such as the renovation and operation of new student dormitories, construction of social housing units, student housing allowances, rental reimbursement, and housing subsidies for public servants in mountainous, island, and disadvantaged areas are key measures to alleviate housing pressure. Specifically, the Minister of Social Cohesion highlighted the European Climate Fund, which supports rent subsidies initially for public and private employees working away from their permanent residence. Emphasis was also placed on expanding the school meal program to cover more municipalities and students, and supporting youth through Erasmus+ programs, Youth Cards, and cultural collaborations. Additionally, the ministers discussed the Ministry of National Defence’s initiative to build 2,000 homes on inactive military camps, with 25% allocated to military personnel and 75% for social rent. Minister Zacharaki stated: “Together with Domna Michailidou, we discussed issues affecting thousands of students, educators, pupils, and their families. Housing, nutrition, and youth support are not just practical interventions—they are deep social policies addressing shared societal needs. Our roles in the ministries of Education and Social Cohesion allow us clear insight into the actions needed—and already underway—to deliver immediate, practical solutions: increasing student dormitories, social housing units, and school meals. Our collaboration is continuous and substantial because we share the same vision: to stand by young people, support educators, and give every child the chance to move forward.” Minister Michailidou added: “Our meeting was highly substantive. Minister Zacharaki, both in her current role and during her previous tenure as Minister of Social Cohesion, has made significant contributions to dialogue on child protection, educator empowerment, and the social dimension of schools and education. We thoroughly examined issues of shared responsibility and jurisdiction. Today, we specified joint policies on student housing, teacher housing challenges, school meals, and youth initiatives. We are strengthening cooperation between our ministries in education and social cohesion, and reaffirming our commitment to regular meetings for the best interests of children, youth, families, and educators.”