Page 205 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

N. Tsakos reflected: “Fourteen years ago, when by the Foundation. Today, TEENS stands as the
my late wife Irene, our son Nikos, and I decided sole Model Vocational Nautical high school in
to establish a Foundation in memory of our the country, with over 140 graduates.
beloved Maria, we envisioned it as a beacon for For Capt. Panagiotis, the establishment of the
advancing maritime culture, Greek seamanship, new Merchant Marine Academy marks a pivotal
maritime education, and protecting the marine achievement for both the Foundation and the
environment. Looking back, we have no regrets, Tsakos Group. The new Academy was conceived
as developments have proven us right. and launched to build upon the strong educa-
We commenced by transforming Maria’s house tional foundations created by TEENS, which
in Kardamyla into a boarding house for boys has significantly surpassed its initial success
from all over Greece, selected based on meri- expectations since its inception.
tocratic and social criteria. These children play “We envision our Academy as a pole of attrac-
a crucial role in the viability of the Livanos’ Gym- tion, a beacon for young men and women,
nasium and Lyceum of Kardamyla, as, without designed not only to support the Greek mari-
them, our schools would have faced closure time fleet but also to provide pathways for their
due to the demographic challenges our coun- professional growth and advancement, all while
try faces. More importantly, these children are serving the esteemed maritime profession – a
immersed in the values, principles, and traditions noble calling dedicated to serving the common
of our rich maritime heritage. Those who wish good, if I may say so”, said Capt. Panagiotis.
to pursue a career at sea receive our support in Addressing the Ecumenical Patriarch, Capt.
their endeavours. We take great pride in the fact Tsakos respectfully requested that His All-Ho-
that over 100 young people have passed through liness bless “the students of our Academy so
the doors of Maria’s Home to date, achieving that they reach their goals and, upon completing
excellent results and now pursuing successful their studies with us, embark on the journey of
careers, both in the maritime industry and in life and master it. Guided by integrity, honest
other fields of their choice”. effort, and Christian principles, may they navi-
Remaining committed to its mission of fos- gate the course of progress and virtue. May they
tering a leading centre for maritime education rise through the ranks on their ships in a merito-
and seamanship, the Foundation took a pivotal cratic manner, becoming capable and respected
step in 2018 by establishing Greece’s first pri- leaders of the small onboard communities they
vate non-profit nautical high school, the “Tsakos will one day command. May they become strong
Enhanced Education Nautical School” (TEENS). and worthy captains”.
This pioneering institution offers tuition-free The Tsakos Group founder referred to the coop-
education, with all operational expenses covered eration with the Shipping Deputy Ministry of

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