On the Greek Island of Kalamos Kids Travel by Boat to School

As the sun begins to rise over the Ionian water, young people from the small Greek island of Kalamos gather in a water taxi with backpacks slung over their shoulders. They are about to embark on the journey that will take them half an hour to reach the mainland. Although they are on their way to school, the predawn drive provides a glimpse of a more widespread issue that is affecting the majority of Europe. Fewer children are filling schools, and distant communities, such as those on islands, often feel the effects first.

Only two students are still enrolled in the primary school on Kalamos. After they leave to attend middle school on the mainland the following year, the island’s last functioning school will close. There are around 80 people that live on the island throughout the year, seven of them are teenagers. 

On days with strong winds, the sea may be too stormy for the ferry to cross, resulting in pupils missing school. Antonis Aivaliotis, a senior in high school who is responsible for making the crossing and who expects to leave after graduation, said there were many youngsters on Kalamos in the past. We had a wonderful time. Every day, we played together as a group. 

We were required to attend (primary) school each and every morning.”Of course, I would like to remain in this location,” he stated. My heart belongs to Kalamos; it is my home. But there has been absolutely no progress made.” Chryssa Ntalaka, the island’s principal schoolteacher, has spent twenty years working in isolated Greek schools, often as the only teacher. She has combined grades and taught a wide range of subjects, including Greek and mathematics, as well as history, science, and physical education.

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