Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), Grant Thornton and Attica Group, continuing their successful strategic partnership, welcomed pupils from Greece’s remote islands to Athens for the fourth consecutive year. The initiative is part of the organisations’ Social Responsibility and Contribution Programme, reaffirming their commitment to promoting and supporting equal access to education and providing young people in the country’s remote areas with equal opportunities.
According to a statement, on Thursday 22 October 2026, pupils in the second and third years of upper secondary school from Fourni, Psara, Oinousses and Halki, accompanied by their teachers, visited AUEB’s premises.
The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, attended the welcome event and addressed the pupils. Also present were AUEB Rector Professor Vassilis Vasdekis, Grant Thornton Chief Executive Vassilis Kazas, Attica Group Chief Administration, Transformation and Sustainable Development Officer Panagiotis Papadodimas, and executives from both organisations.
The pupils had the opportunity to discuss career guidance and the demands of the modern labour market in depth. An executive from the University’s Internship and Careers Office introduced AUEB’s eight academic departments and discussed career prospects after graduation.
Grant Thornton also presented the company’s values, culture and philosophy, as well as its departments, giving the pupils an insight into opportunities for career development in today’s labour market.
During their stay in Athens, the pupils attended a theatre performance at a theatre in the city centre, enjoying a special experience.
Grant Thornton covered the costs of accommodation, meals and recreational activities for the pupils and their accompanying teachers, while Attica Group arranged their transport to and from their home islands.
The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, who welcomed the pupils, said, among other things: “Every child, regardless of where they grow up, should be able to dream without limits and pursue the future they deserve. That is the essence of equal opportunities in education.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Athens University of Economics and Business opened its doors to our pupils from Fourni, Psara, Oinousses and Halki, offering them much more than a visit.
It gave them the chance to experience university life first-hand, discover new prospects and broaden their horizons. I would like to thank the Athens University of Economics and Business, Grant Thornton, Attica Group and our teachers for supporting this special initiative once again this year.
Co-operation between the academic community, businesses and the education sector shows that when we join forces, we can create real opportunities that have a meaningful impact on the next generation.”
AUEB Rector, Professor Vassilis Vasdekis, said: “It is a great pleasure and honour to welcome pupils from our remote islands, together with their accompanying teachers, to the Athens University of Economics and Business for the fourth consecutive year.
This initiative, carried out in partnership with our strategic partners, is tangible proof of our shared commitment to social responsibility and ensuring equal access to education.
At AUEB, we firmly believe that geographical distance should not be a barrier to learning or career development. Through this initiative, we are opening a window for these young people onto the educational and career opportunities our country offers. We hope they will all take this experience as a source of inspiration as they shape their futures with optimism and vision.”
Grant Thornton Chief Executive Vassilis Kazas said: “At Grant Thornton, we believe that every child, regardless of where they grow up and go to school, deserves access to education and the chance to pursue their dreams.
The pupils from the remote islands remind us each year what resilience, solidarity and a bond with one’s birthplace mean. We want to show them that the distance from their island does not determine how far they can go.
We first met them at the welcome event, but our relationship does not end there. We will be by their side whenever they need us, helping them pursue their goals with confidence. We would like to thank the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, Sofia Zacharaki, for attending, as well as Rector Vassilis Vasdekis, the Athens University of Economics and Business and Attica Group for their continued support. These young people have ideas, a voice and the ability to contribute, and they deserve to be listened to carefully.”
Attica Group said: “Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to supporting island communities and the educational development of young people, Attica Group contributed through Blue Star Ferries to the initiative organised by Grant Thornton and the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), supporting travel for about 70 pupils from the remote islands of Psara, Halki, Oinousses and Fourni.
The initiative gave the pupils the opportunity to take part in an information event focused on education, academic prospects and career guidance. It highlights the importance of co-operation between the business and academic communities in widening opportunities for young people in regional areas.
Attica Group continues to provide practical support for initiatives that promote social cohesion, outward-looking engagement and equal access to education.”
Alexandra Baltouka, Partner, Head of Marketing & Client Experience at Grant Thornton, said: “Education is the foundation on which everything is built: opportunity, progress and every person’s ability to dream and create. As an organisation, we are particularly committed to supporting the country’s remote areas because we believe geographical distance should not deprive anyone of opportunities to develop and progress.
The ‘Remote Islands’ initiative reflects that priority. The children of our islands are always in our thoughts and in our care, and every time we welcome them, we are reminded that a society’s future is built when everyone has an equal opportunity to shape it.”
Finally, AUEB Vice-Rector and head of its Social Responsibility and Contribution Programme, Associate Professor Eleanna Galanaki, said: “This initiative puts into practice our commitment to supporting the next generation and helping create more opportunities for all young people, regardless of where they live.
By introducing pupils to the university community, study opportunities and modern career prospects, we aim to broaden their horizons and encourage them to plan their futures with confidence.
The continuation of this initiative shows that co-operation and a shared commitment to social contribution can create meaningful experiences with lasting value for young people and local communities. We would like to thank Grant Thornton and Attica Group for their consistent contribution to this effort.”