In 1993, the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Albanians of Greek Descent (IAOA) established a Training Centre and Boarding House to provide knowledge in practical trades to Albanians of Greek Descent. The Centre is located in Pogoniani, 64 km. from Ioannina and about 5 km. from the Albanian border. It is housed in a building with a total area of 3,000 sq.m. owned by the National Youth Foundation.
It opened its doors in the academic year 1992-1993 and despite the fact that it is not part of the Greek public education system, it has nonetheless adopted the operating principles of analogous state technical and vocational schools, with the main emphasis being placed on practical training. The education of students in the Centre’s departments, their accommodation and meals at the residence are provided free of charge by the Foundation.
Every year, more than 100 children are accommodated and educated, and up to the present time, the School has hosted a total of about 1,000 students.
Candidates who wish to register at the Centre must be at least graduates of the first nine-year cycle of elementary education in Albania. During their first year of studies at the Centre, they attend classes at the 3rd Junior High School of Pogoniani. Those who pass the examinations are promoted to a two-year course of vocational training at the Centre. Special emphasis is placed on learning the Greek language and mathematics, with tutoring either at the Centre or at the Pogoniani High School in special tutorial classes.
The Centre has athletic and recreational facilities for the students, who during their stay take part in activities intended to foster their sociability and team spirit. Also, educational excursions are arranged every year to give the students an opportunity to visit workplaces that are related to their vocational training.
INSTRUCTORS:
- Liokati Euterpe, Agronomist, graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUT), Director of Studies and the Secretariat
- Kotsinas Anastassios, Dipl. Engineer, Technical College (TEI), instructor of technical specialisations
- Tzaferis Vassilis, instructor of Mathematics, graduate of the University of Tirana, supervisor
- Dakas Evangelos, graduate of the M. Velas Ecclesiastical School, supervisor
- Kloudas Alexandros, workshop instructor
- Mantzios Dimitrios, workshop instructor
- Papadopoulou Ioanna, workshop instructor
- Pappas Cleomenis, workshop instructor
The Principal of the School is Mr Theologos Ganos, member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.