Illiterates over 3 percent in most areas
From the analysis in this article, it is clear what very great progress has been made in the rise of educational levels in the population of Greece during the 30 years from 1971-2001. At the same, according to the statistics of the last census of March 18, 2001, there are great inequalities among the 13 regions as far as education levels are concerned. Researching the causes of these regional inequalities at the various education levels demands a more exhaustive examination of both the 2001 census data, birth and death rates and immigration, and the various social and economic factors. This investigation requires time and means that are beyond the scope of this article. We will close with one observation. As can be seen from the second part of Table 2, in 12 out of the 13 regions of the country (with the exception of Attica), over 5 percent did not finish primary school, and in 10 of the 13 regions, over 3 percent are illiterate. In these regions, efforts should be focused on persuading workers belonging to these two groups to attend second-opportunity schools in order to get a primary school leaving certificate and if possible, continue their education until the end of junior high. The Education Ministry should, of course, play a leading part in this effort, but the ministries of Labor and Welfare, as well as trade union and employer bodies, should be involved as well.
