Compulsory Education

The atmosphere in the hall buzzed with excitement as Constantine's unexpected announcement resonated with everyone present. Like a stone thrown into calm water, his words created ripples of anticipation and enthusiasm among the Greek businessmen and elites.

The reference to the Greek headquarters immediately sparked thoughts of the illustrious East India Company, an iconic entity in colonial history that left an indelible mark. The prospect of Greece having its own colonial enterprise brought a surge of excitement, even if it couldn't match the magnitude of the renowned East India Company.

Constantine, in a manner reminiscent of the historical trading giants, declared the establishment of a Greek head office focused on investing in and developing the rich resources of the Congo. The news set everyone's minds ablaze, envisioning the potential wealth and opportunities that could arise from this venture.

To facilitate the participation of interested individuals, Constantine announced a meeting at the Tatoi Palace in three days, where discussions about taking a stake in the Greek head office would be held. However, he made it clear that priority would be given to Greeks residing within the kingdom of Greece, addressing concerns about overseas expatriates dominating the shares.

The meeting concluded hastily as attendees eagerly prepared for the upcoming consultation. Only Prime Minister Trikupis and Constantine lingered, engaging in a conversation about the challenges faced by Greece.

Constantine, weary of the country's paralyzed government, inquired about the prospects of establishing a mature civil service. Trikupis, expressing the current impossibility, emphasized the urgent need for Greece to find a way out, either militarily or economically.

Trikupis, acknowledging Greece's historical debt issues, softly suggested that Constantine consider allowing the Greek government to share some benefits from the colonial affairs of the Republic of Congo. The crown prince, unmoved, asserted that the debt problem was the government's responsibility.

However, he surprised Trikupis by revealing a plan to allocate funds from the Congolese committee's revenue to create an educational foundation for the Greek people. The funds would primarily be directed towards compulsory education in Greece, addressing the country's resource limitations and fostering intellectual development.

While Trikupis initially seemed annoyed by the idea, Constantine underscored the importance of investing in education for the future of Greece. Trikupis, recognizing the significance of the proposal, shifted his focus from the immediate debt problem to the transformative potential of investing in education.

Constantine's commitment to compulsory education became a beacon of hope for the Greek people, overshadowing the financial constraints of the government. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that, for Constantine, the development of intellectual resources was a strategic response to the resource limitations of the nation, marking a pivotal step towards a brighter future.