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Education in Kapodistrias’ time (1828-1831) (Master thesis)

Μόσχου, Ευτέρπη/ Moschou, Efterpi

The present Master’s Thesis addresses the efforts of Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece’s first head of state, to restore and set up the country’s educational system right after the establishment of the Greek nation. Kapodistrias believed in the importance of education as it could lead to the country’s rebirth. Before he even arrived in Greece, he had already planned how to realize his goals. Initially, he gathered the war orphans in order to cover their living and educational needs in an organized institution. Next, he went on founding the Secretariat of Education responsible for the educational issues and established educational institutions – primary, higher and of technical education. In the meantime, he continued running the existing secondary schools. His interest focused mainly on elementary education, in which he introduced the interdisciplinary approach, as well as professional development after the completion of the studies. His contribution to education is reflected in his letters. The purpose of this paper is to look into the educational reformation and organization by Ioannis Kapodistrias during the years 1828-1831 as mainly depicted in his Letters. More specifically, it aims at presenting his educational policy, examine if the historical facts are demonstrated in his Letters, investigate the establishment and organization of each and every educational institution and pinpoint his views regarding his orientation as far as education is concerned.