Greece’s government has intensified its efforts to maintain the Modern Greek Studies Program at Macquarie University in Sydney, with Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras sending a formal letter to officials at the tertiary institution.
The future of the Modern Greek Studies Program at Macquarie University is uncertain following a proposal by the University to move away from the discipline of Languages and Cultures and seek to instead establish a Discipline of Global Studies.
To this end, the University is considering discontinuing studies in Modern Greek language (along with Croatian, German, Italian, and Russian).
In his formal letter, Mr Kotsiras strongly advocated for the continuation of the program and underlined the importance of maintaining the Greek language and safeguarding cultural heritage of Hellenism in Australia.
In addition to the program’s undeniable contribution to maintaining the links of the Greek diaspora with Greece, Mr Kotsiras’ letter also highlighted the contribution of Greek language education to multicultural Australia, and, in particular, the constructive role of the program in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between Greece and Australia.
Mr Kotsiras’ letter is among a number of others sent in recent weeks by Greek community leaders.
Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, and the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), John Loukadellis, have all written to Macquarie University in strong support of the continuation of its Modern Greek Studies Program.
The Greek Herald newspaper, in partnership with the Macquarie University Greek Association (MUGA), have also initiated a petition to rally community support and save the beloved Modern Greek Studies program at Macquarie University.
The petition aims to draw attention to the potential elimination of this valuable discipline, urging the university administration to reconsider its proposed changes.
The Greek Herald newspaper and MUGA are urging all supporters of Modern Greek Studies – Greek Australians, academics, students, and allies alike – to sign the petition and make their voices heard.
To sign the petition, visit https://chng.it/xFrjHM4fpz.
