By Ilias Karagiannis.
“Hospitality is a key element of the identity of global Hellenism,” Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister responsible for Greeks Abroad, Andreas Katsaniotis, said during a meeting with 40 youth from the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) at the premises of the Christian Brotherhood Youth in Thessaloniki.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad have reactivated the Global Diaspora Youth Hospitality Program, which aims to strengthen the ties of young diaspora with their country of origin.
The residency programme includes courses on the improvement of the Greek language, lectures on Greek culture and even practice in Greek cuisine.
The activities in the camp will also include guided tours to archaeological sites and museums in Thessaloniki, traditional dance lessons and many cultural events.
The young people who participate in the 12-day summer camp program even attended the 1st Hellenic Diaspora Medical Forum on July 15 this year.
As part of the diaspora program, children from Ukraine will also be able to take part in the near future.
After his visit with youth from the GCM, Mr Katsaniotis said: “At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we have reactivated the youth accommodation programs of the diaspora.”
“Already, in collaboration with the Christian Brotherhood Youth of Thessaloniki, we are hosting 40 Greek children from Australia while in the near future we are expecting young people from Ukraine,” Mr Katsaniotis added.
“Hospitality, faith, ties with the homeland are key elements of the identity of global Hellenism.”
The program began on July 9 and will end on July 20.
