Issues concerning the education in Greek language of Greek children abroad, were discussed in a meeting the President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad had on Monday with the Minister of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs, Ms. Anna Diamantopoulou.
The Minister provided information on the implementation of an integrated policy for the Greek Language and the great efforts which are launched by the Ministry for the promotion, support and dissemination of the Greek Language abroad, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Greece, Mr. Karolos Papoulias. In this context, as it was noted by Ms. Diamantopoulou, an initiative is taken for the teaching of the Greek language in 400 centers around the world.
Ms. Diamantopoulou also stressed that the constant objective is to invest in language, history and culture, which are the key elements around which the educational part of the Greek Diaspora will develop. Within this framework, the Ministry will undertake a restructuring of the Educational System of the Greek Diaspora which will be organized after pre-conferences and meetings with the Diaspora. The overall institutional framework will be presented in October 2010.
This effort is strongly supported by SAE, stated Mr. Tamvakis on his part, expressing readiness for cooperation on the sensitive issues of Education in Greek language abroad, under the common objective to provide every Greek child abroad wanting to learn Greek the opportunity to do so.
With regards to the issue of detachments of Greek educators abroad, the Minister assured that with utmost respect to the work of these people who work for the Greek language all around the world, a proper management of human resources will take place with the available resources we have as a nation, in the best possible manner. In any case, she stated, no cutting on funds will be implemented and the reorganization and services of educators will be analogous to the children, courses and the existent objective needs in a broader sense.
The issue of putting educators of the Greek Diaspora, proposed to the Minister of Education by Mr. Tamvakis, is favorably being considered, as well as paying particular attention to Greek Diaspora communities in special conditions (countries of the former Soviet Union, Africa and Near – Middle East).
Lastly, reference was also made to the chairs of Greek studies abroad, for which a coordination of competent ministries and public benefit foundations will be implemented. Ms. Diamantopoulou also announced the intention of the Ministry to proceed with the operation of certain departments of Greek universities abroad. As an example, she mentioned the Greek quarter in Alexandria.
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