His 159 students have been locked up since March 17th. Greek school of Kestecides in Brussels and their families. The day before, according to his document, Greek Ministry of Education informed them that the building on rue Joseph Claes in Saint-Gilles had serious security problems and should remain closed for an indefinite period while classes continued online. The decision fell like lightning on Greek Community of Brussels. Most parents work to tight schedules. Distance education is not something the modern family can adapt to overnight.

But what was so convincing that it demanded the immediate removal of children from school?

Problems

The building in Saint-Gilles, which has housed the Kestekeidio for several years, indeed had many problems – the Greek community of Brussels itself pointed out this in a document sent to the Ministry of Education in October last year. “In addition, the building of the Greek school in Kestekidei has huge problems that make it non-functional and dangerous for students and teachers,” they wrote. Last autumn, a group of technical experts, commissioned by the leadership of the Ministry of Education, visited a purely Greek school in Brussels to carry out the necessary control in this ancient building, which is many decades old from the date of construction. The find arrived at the ministry in mid-March, but its contents have not yet been reported. However, it was decided that drastic measures were needed. “We pointed it out, but the issue was taken down and we ended up where we are.” says “K” President of the Association of Parents and Guardians of Kestekidei Vassilis Mirkopoulos. According to him, they reported that the boiler was located next to the classroom, that old wiring needed to be changed, etc. The fire department also closed the 3rd floor of the building due to the lack of an evacuation staircase. “There were problems, but they were not insurmountable,” he says, meaning that they could be solved gradually and by no means by closing the school for the night in the middle of the school year.

Initially, a temporary solution was given to a kindergarten and primary school in a different building, far from the old one, where the only Greek school in Brussels is located.

But the first shock was followed by wariness. It was necessary to find a new building, even a temporary solution, and quickly. As soon as the Greek Embassy received the school closure document, it began consultations on the matter with the Holy Metropolis of Brussels, the Greek Community of Brussels, the Greek Mayor of Ixelles, Christos Doulkeridis, but also with other municipalities of Brussels, to find a place (preferably a school building) so that lessons can be continued throughout life. The day before yesterday, Mr. Mirkopoulos’ phone rang with good news. He was the general secretary of the Ministry of Education. Alexander Koptsis who informed him that the place had been found. This is a school-licensed building that houses part of the Brussels International School.

“It is far…”

“At first, we will be given several premises for a kindergarten and an elementary school, and after some adjustments, premises for a gymnasium and a gymnasium will be allocated,” he estimates. “However, it is difficult for me to foresee the end of the school year,” he adds. This is a solution, but not ideal. “The new building is quite far from the old school, which raises different questions. Most families have shaped their daily lives around the school.” Many parents have rented or bought accommodation given the importance of easy access to the school from Midi and Port de Hal stations by train or metro.

At the same time, a group of technicians is already in the old building doing work. The aim is to complete the renovation as soon as possible so that the building can be put back into service. It is estimated, however, that the school should remain closed for the next school year.

The Kestekide Greek School in Brussels is a testament from the family of chocolate maker Leonidas Kestekides of the Diocese of Belgium and the Netherlands from the 70s to facilitate the study of the Greek language and culture for the Greek children of Brussels. The metropolis, in turn, transferred it to the Ministry of Education, which used it until 2010 as the Department for the Study of the Greek Language (TEG). From then until today it has functioned as a purely Greek school. It is visited by children from families who have moved to Brussels to work mainly in the services of the European Union, NATO or in the private sector.