SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance raises concerns over Greek language education abroad

·

Members of Parliament from the SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance, led by MP Katerina Notopoulou, have submitted a formal parliamentary question concerning the ongoing challenges in Greek language education abroad and the critical shortage of seconded teachers in diaspora communities.

SYRIZA highlights strategic failures in diaspora education policy

According to SYRIZA MPs, the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs have both failed to implement a coherent and sustainable strategy for diaspora education, despite their stated mandates to promote Greek education internationally and support the global Greek community.

The MPs cite Article 46 of the Ministry of Education’s Charter, which defines the advancement of Greek education abroad and the support of Greek diaspora schools as a strategic priority. Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of Greeks abroad and strengthening ties with diaspora communities.

However, SYRIZA alleges that this mission is being undermined by years of underfunding, a lack of coordination, and “the Greek state’s gradual disengagement from organised expatriate Hellenism.”

Teacher shortages and inadequate allowances:

Recent data from the Ministry of Education reveals a widening gap between the number of vacant teaching positions advertised abroad and those actually filled. While numerous positions were listed in official ministry documents for the academic years 2025–2028, only a small fraction were successfully staffed.

Entire countries with Greek populations – such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Uzbekistan – remain without any seconded teachers.

Moreover, SYRIZA claims the overseas allowance provided to teachers remains drastically low. For example, in the United States, it stands at just €1,943, a figure SYRIZA MPs argue is insufficient to support a dignified standard of living and fails to attract long-term interest in these roles.

SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance has raised concerns over Greek language education abroad.

A call for immediate government action

SYRIZA MPs warn that the current state of Greek language education abroad poses an “existential” threat to the future of diaspora communities and weakens Greece’s cultural diplomacy.

In their formal questions submitted to the Ministers for Education, Foreign Affairs, and National Economy, the MPs ask:

  1. Is there a structured, long-term strategy for diaspora education, including the use of digital technologies and educational exchanges?
  2. Will the government increase the overseas allowances for seconded teachers to enable wider staffing of Greek diaspora schools?
  3. Will the government consult with key diaspora institutions, such as community organisations and the Church, to develop alternative support mechanisms for seconded teachers?

The initiative reflects increasing pressure from Greek diaspora federations, who have repeatedly called for solutions to what they describe as a chronic crisis affecting education, language preservation, and intergenerational cultural identity abroad.

Following this development, and in line with the rules of the Hellenic Parliament, the Ministers are now required to respond to SYRIZA MPs within 25 days.

If SYRIZA finds the Minister’s response unsatisfactory, they have the right to escalate the matter by converting the question into an interpellation, which must then be addressed in a Plenary Session of Parliament. Should multiple questions on the same issue arise, Parliament may opt to debate them jointly or even broaden the scope of the discussion.

MPs supporting the initiative:

  • Aikaterini Notopoulou
  • Dionysios Kalamatianos
  • Elena Akrita
  • Miltos Zambaras
  • Alexandros Meikopoulos
  • Konstantinos Barkas
  • Theofilos Xanthopoulos
  • Andreas Panagiotopoulos
  • Georgios Papailiou
  • Parthenopi Tsapanidou
  • Georgios Psihoyios

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet the Greek Australian doctor fighting to save Indigenous children’s lives

Professor John Carapetis, renowned paediatrician and infectious disease expert, hopes to close the health gap for Indigenous children.

44th National Cretan Federation Convention to be held in Sydney

The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention will be hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW from in 2026.

Day three of the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers inspires deep reflection

The third day of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers unfolded at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall on Wednesday, July 9.

FECCA’s Peter Doukas OAM condemns violence against Jewish community in Australia

Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) condemns in unequivocal terms violence against the Jewish community.

Cyprus’ Andreas Grigoriou to visit Australia to mark 51st anniversary of Turkish invasion

Andreas Grigoriou will visit Australia this July to participate in events marking the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

You May Also Like

Three MPs with Greek heritage re-elected to Federal Parliament

While the 2025 federal election was marked by a sweeping Labor victory, the night also held special significance for Greek Australians.

Greece warns of ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza at UN Security Council

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has sounded the alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Theresa Xanthopoulos recognised at 2024 SA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards

Nurses and midwives across South Australia have been celebrated for the significant contribution the professions make to the health system.