Strengthening Education in Public Sector Integrity and the Fight against Corruption

One of the first public institutions with which Greek citizens come into contact is the education system. Its role is crucial in shaping and transmitting the values of our society. Through the curriculum, interaction with the school community, rules of conduct and procedures established by the school administration, primary and secondary school students are initiated into socio-economic and political morals and values and, by extension, public integrity.

Public integrity refers to consistent alignment with and compliance with common ethical values, principles and rules to safeguard the public interest and prioritise it above private interests in the public sector.¹ Around the world, there is a growing trend to help teachers teach the principle of public integrity. This trend is expressed through the addition of lessons and activities incorporated into the curriculum or extra-curricular programs that emphasize the roles and responsibilities of every citizen to safeguard public integrity. In this way, public integrity is strengthened and promoted and young citizens learn to act in their daily lives in accordance with civic rules and values.