Young studens of Calabria will not be taught the Greek language this year because, due to financial crisis, Italian Ministry of Education has cut its expenses and thus, they will not pay any teachers of Greek.
Tito Schillaci, secretary of the Greek community of Calabria, addressed to representatives of Central Macedonia Prefecture who visited the region, reported that there will not be any Greek teachers this year in Calabria’s schools.
Presidents and representatives of Greek associations of greater Calabria asked for the Greek state’s support, so that Greek heritage in southern Italy not diminish. In Calabria, inhabitants of seven villages speak the local Greek-like dialect, called Grecanic.
The Mayor of Bova, the cultural capital of the Greek-speaking people of Calabria, said that he has sent a detailed report to the Italian government to cooperate with Greek officials, in order to promote Greek language in the area. More specifically, he requests a Greek department of Bova University to be established, where this Greek dialect can be taught. He added that Bova hosts the annual cultural festival “Paleariza” (“old roots” in Greek), where Greek music of Calabria is presented. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year.
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