Supporting Education in Istanbul
English Language Programme 2025-2026
With two separate graduation ceremonies, held in Imbros on 10 June and Istanbul on 20 June, the first academic year of the «Supporting Education in Istanbul - English Language Programme 2025-2026” came to a highly successful close.
The Programme at a Glance
Successful Completion of the First Academic Year
More than 130 students from Greek community schools in Istanbul and Imbros participated in the programme, completing a total of more than 600 hours of English language instruction.
The graduates received their internationally recognised LANGUAGECERT certificates from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in a symbolic moment that highlighted the importance of investing in the younger generation of the Greek Diaspora.
During the students’ graduation ceremony, held at the Marasleion School in Istanbul, PeopleCert Founder and CEO Byron Nicolaides emphasized that: “The presence of young people in our classrooms and the renewal of hope are the most tangible proof of the work being carried out today for the Greek Diaspora.”
Referring to the programme’s educational focus, Byron Nicolaides noted that it “was created with the aim of investing in the younger generation, providing students with knowledge, modern skills and the resources they need to confidently meet the demands of an international environment, while maintaining strong ties to their language, roots and cultural heritage.”

“Education and language can build bridges where others see borders.”

 


Byron Nicolaides, Founder and CEO, PeopleCert

Investing in the Greek Diaspora with Continuity and Commitment
As part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, and under the leadership of Eleni Nicolaides, PeopleCert is developing a broad range of initiatives in Istanbul and Imbros, from the landmark “Revival of Hagia Sophia’s Acoustics” initiative to educational programmes designed to strengthen the prospects of the younger generation of the Greek Diaspora. 

The completion of the first academic year marks the beginning of a broader, long-term educational initiative. From 2026, the programme will be expanded to include free Greek language lessons, while a subsequent phase will see the development of STEM programmes covering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In parallel, Turkish language lessons are planned for Imbros, addressing the specific educational needs of the local community.

The programme aims to broaden educational opportunities for students of the Greek Diaspora by providing access to modern teaching, internationally recognised certifications and innovative learning experiences.