School books available only in electronic form

Students will start the year without books, but with photocopies and DVDs which will be included in textbooks.

This unprecedented move comes as the Education Ministry’s last-minute solution to the problem of book distribution delays.

Thus, from the beginning of the school year onwards, all students of elementary, junior high and high schools will receive a DVD in which the textbooks are included. Also, all textbooks for Primary and Secondary Education will be posted on the “digital school” initiative platform.

According to the Ministry’s announcement, heads of schools as well as teachers will have to provide for the timely printing, reproduction and distribution of necessary educational materials to students during the few days of delay.

"We have already sent the relevant memos to all school groups in the country and thus, it will be the responsibility and initiative of the school principal and teachers who will handle and manage the issue according to their relevant needs."

“No parent or student is required to understand the phenomena of bureaucracy and neglect, of persons either competent or incompetent, which led to this delay. The division of responsibilities will be done in an equitable manner. Now, it’s time to act responsibly and provide solutions”, stated Minister of Education Anna Diamantopoulou.

“I want to assure parents and students alike that teachers in classrooms will have the whole curriculum so that lessons can begin smoothly. The serious investments made in the digital school initiative will pay off, since every student will have access to all the necessary books and literature. All necessary precautionary measures are being taken, in close collaboration with the teaching staff so that this delay in the distribution of books will have no impact on pupils or students”, she added.