NKUA’s humanitarian aid to the earthquake-afflicted peoples of Turkey and Syria

The academic community of NKUA has completed the collection and dispatch of humanitarian aid to the suffering citizens in the earthquake-stricken areas of Turkey and Syria.

To this end, the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for the humanitarian aid to the earthquake-afflicted peoples of Turkey and Syria, Mr Andreas Katsaniotis, visited NKUA following a notification by the University Authorities. The Deputy Minister met with the Rector of NKUA, Professor Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, the Vice-rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Dimitrios Karadimas, the Vice-rector of Research and Lifelong Education, Professor Nikolaos Voulgaris, and the Dean of the School of Theology, Associate Professor Christos Karagiannis.

In a spontaneous gesture of solidarity initiated by the Rector, the Vice-rectors, and the Deans of the Schools, the following items were collected and dispatched most formally, i.e., through the Greek State: medical supplies (analgesics, anti-inflammatories, gauzes, bandages, first aid kits, physiological serums, etc.), disposable face masks and gloves, antiseptics, elastic plasters, personal hygiene items, packaged blankets and clothing (new or used in good condition), powdered milk, and baby diapers.

The response of our academic community to the University Authorities’ appeal was so massive that the Senate Room and the Zoological Museum were filled to capacity with the relevant packages, proof of genuine solidarity with other peoples, regardless of their country or religious affiliations.

The Rector and the University Authorities wish to thank all members of our academic community, particularly the staff of the Zoological Museum and its Director, Professor Efstratios Valakos, the Superintendence of the Department of Biology, and the staff in the Propylaea building of NKUA, for their contributions in making this impressive gesture of solidarity a reality; may human unity be the most vital thing to come out of every catastrophe.

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is constantly ready to expand its social and philanthropic efforts, strengthening the vulnerable and assisting all those in need.