On September 6th, we welcomed the Cadets of the newly established T.E.E.N.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The Director of Studies, Captain Konstantinos Mennis, Merchant Marine Captain, in the presence of Mrs. Venetia Kallipolitou, Tsakos Group Cross-Departmental HR and Training Manager and Mr. Anastasios Kartsimadakis, Group Vetting and Inspections Manager, welcomed the students and elaborated on the unique opportunity and prospects they have as members of the Tsakos family. This was followed by a presentation of the Academy’s instructors and the Cadets’ familiarization with the classrooms and facilities of the Academy.

On September 7th, the “T.E.E.N.S.” Merchant Marine Academy was inaugurated. It was a great honor for us to welcome His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to our facilities. The Academy has been certified by the Ministry of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus. Ms. Marina Chatzimanoli, Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, spoke about the collaboration and the evaluation process of this noteworthy educational initiative by Tsakos Group during her speech and emphasized the importance the Cypriot government places on enhancing maritime education.

Following the inauguration ceremony, a blessing for the new academic year was held for both educational institutions the Lyceum and the Merchant Marine Academy. These ceremonies were also graced by the presence of the Metropolitans of Smyrna, Reverend Barthlomew of Mexico, Reverend Iakovos of Chios, Psara and Oinousses, and Reverend Markos. Distinguished guests from the shipping community and the local authorities of Chios were present, along with Tsakos Group executives, the entire student youth and teaching staff of “T.E.E.N.S.”, the Academy, and Maria’s Home.

Οn September 16th, we were pleased to welcome back Professor Nik. Philippas, from the University of Piraeus, who analyzed the current economic situation both in Greece and globally, the challenges and opportunities for the future, as well as the importance of the proper management of financial resources.

With the start of the school year, we were visited by Mr. Giorgos Kallianis, HELMEPA’S Special Secretary. The students of the 2nd High School had the opportunity to discuss the climate crisis and environmental education with him, and to update themselves on the Chios Climate Chance program (‘’CCC”) of which our students are Ambassadors for Awareness.