Greek island kids have to catch a boat to school as Europe ages, in photos

As dawn breaks over the Ionian Sea, students from the small Greek island of Kalamos embark on a half-hour journey to the mainland via a sea taxi. This daily commute highlights a growing issue affecting many European communities: a declining population. The island's primary school now has only two students remaining. Next year, when these teenagers progress to middle school on the mainland, Kalamos' last operating school will be forced to close.

With a population of about 80 residents, seven of whom are teenagers, the island faces challenges. Rough seas on windy days sometimes prevent ferry crossings, causing students to miss school. Future resident Antonis Aivaliotis, a high school senior, expressed a desire to stay on the island but lamented the lack of development. Schoolteacher Chryssa Ntalaka, who has taught in remote Greek schools for 20 years, faces the possibility of leaving Kalamos herself.

Despite the island's decline, Greek authorities have closed 75 schools in 2021 alone, citing low enrollment. Demographer Byron Kotzamanis cautioned against frequent school closures, emphasizing that such actions could lead to a cycle of depopulation and social decline.