Archbishop of Australia – Sofia Zacharaki: Greek language and support for the Greek Diaspora a National Priority

The further strengthening of Greek-language education in Australia, the preservation of the Greek language and cultural identity among younger diaspora generations, and support for the work of the Holy Archdiocese were at the heart of the meeting between Minister for Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zacharaki and Archbishop of Australia Makarios.

Particular reference was made to the schools and Greek Language Departments (TEG), which mainly operate under the responsibility of the Church, Greek communities, and other diaspora organisations, supported by the Greek state in the form of teacher provision and free educational materials. In Australia, Greek is mainly taught as a second or foreign language within official education systems and through supplementary Greek language education structures.

With the steadfast vision of preserving the Greek language among younger diaspora generations and maintaining strong ties with the homeland, the Ministry of Education is strengthening the global presence of Greek schools. In this spirit, Sofia Zacharaki recently visited Canada, meeting with Greek educational communities in Toronto and Montreal, and announcing the reopening…