Panos + Mary

Political map of Greece. As the economical recession was deepening, political instability emerged, reflecting the growing contradictions within the Greek society. The crisis hit harder the lower economic class. Many were left unemployed and desperate, especially those who were undereducated. This school can offer a chance to these people, helping them to remain a vital part of the society.

Teacher in front of a projector. In the second chance school, the teachers have in mind that students are adults, who in many cases are older and possibly more experienced in real life, than them. In this school, with the exception of strictly teaching or administrative subjects, the authority lines are blurred.

Flowers in a makeshift vase from the principal’s office. The schools of second chance are struggling to provide quality education making the most out of the available resources.

The return to school is a difficult decision. Finishing is even more difficult, as it needs considerable determination and support from the student’s family and close ones. Maria was taking care of the family sheep flock. She quitted school for the second time.  Maria left the island and found a different job, far away.

Maria loves mathematics. Sometimes, she feels she wants "more" than this school can provide.

Many of the students are immigrants who are permanently staying in Greece. 

Kristo was born in Albania and lives in Greece. He has his own family and works at a meat market. He promised to his late father, he would get his high school diploma.

A person’s coming back to school is not always about improving his/her life status or have better job opportunities. For some students, the returning to school fulfills the wish of a loved one.

Eleni feels that it’s never too late to grab the chances that she is given. New doors are opened in life, which can actually help in these difficult years. 

A children's project: a handmade house. The second chance school operates in the afternoon, until early at night.  In the morning, the building houses a regular children’s school. It is peculiar to see adults within a school environment intended for youngsters.

In this school, there is a wide range of student personalities, with different needs and diverse life goals. Mihalis works as a deejay in a local club.

“I finished primary school and then I stopped. Now, that I am older, maybe too old, I returned to finish high school. The school changed me and I really like that.”

Teaching in the school of second chance is, most of the time, a balancing exercise between the students needs and the essential lesson goals.

"Pythagorean theorem".

Second chance school students are not the only ones dreaming about a better life. Most of the personnel are hourly wage overqualified teachers, working on a few months contract. Every year the hiring procedures for these schools are getting more and more belated, and these people stay unemployed for months, as jobs are scarce.

Physics teacher holding a model of crystal salt. A large part of the school environment has been formed by people deeply devoted to their profession, almost like having a love affair with their job.

Blerina is a mother working as a housecleaner. Trying to balance the family and work obligations, while attending school classes, can be demanding. Under stress, people can become fragile.

Mytilene's School of Second Chance operates during the late afternoon hours. In winter time  classrooms are either dark or illuminated by harsh artificial lite. This contrasts to our childhood school memories.

Greeks were harsh hit by the economic recession. As unemployment sky rocked, people of all ages, under the burden of financial distress and the resulting social alienation, decide to go to Second Chance School, in order to obtain a basic degree. This way, they try to win back the lost opportunity in an attempt to redefine themselves.

Teacher's desk detail.

Ioannis is a former student. There are students that have specific perceptions about life and its values.  For those people gaining knowledge can be a self-indulgent experience. 

 misfortune in a person’s life may destroy any prospects of wellbeing. It all boils down to one’s character.  Evrikomi (former student) turned calamity into success. She finished her MSc studies and she is considering embarking on a PhD

Cover skin from artificial part

Niki was a graduate of the Second chance school of Mytilene. She continues her studies at the university, fulfilling a childhood dream and she is the oldest student there.