A very serious incident injury to a six-year-old student from its Refugee Structure Towerduring his transfer to the 3rd primary school of the city, complains, with his announcement o Association of Primary Education Teachers of Pyrgos – Ancient Olympia.

Specifically, the Teachers’ Association states the following:

“The SEPE of Pyrgos – Ancient Olympia expresses its anger and indignation at the serious incident of injury to a student that occurred during his transportation by KTEL bus. The child, coming from the refugee accommodation structure, suffered a head injury – for unspecified reasons – and was handed over to the teachers covered in blood and clearly shocked! The child was then taken to the hospital accompanied by school teachers where he was given first aid.

Complete irresponsibility and breach of obligations by the Region of Western Greece and the carriers!

The Region of Western Greece bears serious responsibility for the incident. There is clear legislation that obliges the chartered carrier to provide an attendant on the bus for the safe transportation of students. However, it appears that this obligation is being ignored, putting children’s lives at risk. The fact that this transport did not have an escort is a flagrant violation of the signed contract. The excuses of the Region, which tries to abdicate its responsibilities, are unacceptable. When the issue concerns the safety and dignity of students, no excuse can be accepted but they are an insult to the lives of children and the educational community.

We report directly:

1. The Region of Western Greece, for its complete indifference to oversee compliance with the terms of the contracts it signs.

2. The contractor transport companies, who violate the laws and endanger the lives of students with the lack of escorts on the buses, despite the express provision in the contracts.

3. The state and its competent/involved bodies, who irresponsibly treat refugee children and teachers who are called to manage incidents like yesterday’s, without any support. Transferring students is not a simple process.

It is the state’s duty to ensure their physical integrity and dignity. We will not tolerate more excuses and more cynicism at the expense of children and teachers.

We require:

Immediate investigation of the incident by the Region of Western Greece and immediate attribution of responsibility to the carrier.
Compliance with the legislation that provides for an escort on all student itineraries.
Taking measures for the safe movement of all students, regardless of nationality or status.
Immediate notification to the educational community of how the flagrant breach of contract will be dealt with.
CLARIFICATION : The 3rd Primary School of Pyrgos has been designated as a DYEP school since June 2024. There is no excuse for the irresponsibility of the District and the carrier for the lack of organization and compliance with safety rules. We will not allow children’s lives to be played in the hands of irresponsible contractors and an uncaring District.

Yesterday’s incident must not be repeated. Children’s lives and dignity are non-negotiable. Tolerance for indifference is over.

SEPE Pyrgos – Ancient Olympia will continue to claim the self-evident: the safety and dignity of our students.

“No child alone, no teacher unprotected!”