Greek government signs memorandum to research Kytherian stories

A meeting was held last Tuesday, 9 January with the Directorate of Secondary Education of Piraeus to discuss the framework of the educational program of oral history “Kythira: Stories that Build Bridges,”.

The Memorandum of Cooperation with the Municipality of Kythira was also signed off by the Director of Secondary Education of Piraeus, Mr. Dionysios Anastasopoulos, and the Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis.

This collaboration between the government and the author aims to raise awareness on issues related to Kythera’s local history, particularly focusing on the migration to the island. The program will primarily target educators and students, and aim to shape democratic attitudes and respect to connect various generations.

In attendance was the Secretary-General of Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mr. Giannis Chrysoulakis, and the Ambassador of Australia to Greece, Ms. Alison Duncan.

Mr. Anastasopoulos shared that signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation opens new doors for the educational program “Kythira: Stories that Build Bridges.” 

He further emphasized the shaping of cultural identities through oral and local history programs and the development of collaborations, with schools in Australia and schools in Kythira.

Mr. Harhalakis further shared information on the migration of Kythirians and emphasized the significance of establishing the first Migration Museum in Greece on the island, which is supported by the Municipality of Kythira. 

He also expressed his gratitude to Ms. Alison Duncan for her presence at the signing of the Memorandum and the ongoing support provided by the Embassy of Australia in Greece to Kythira.

Ms. Alison Duncan expressed enthusiasm for the educational program and the Migration Museum.

The Education Advisors of the Directorates of Primary and Secondary Education in Piraeus, who supported the program, Ms. Archontia Mantzaridou, Ms. Kyriaki Mellou, Ms. Naya Mpoumi, and Mr. Panagiotis Pefanis, spoke upon the importance of the program as an educational tool to share the migration history of Kythira. 

The initiative seeks to actively contribute to the development of an extensive collection of spoken testimonies related to people’s migration experiences in Kythira.

It will include interviews with Kytherians who migrated to Australia, the creation of a digital oral history archive, lifelong learning for educators, collaborative projects between Greek students and possibly with students in Australia.

It also seeks to preserve the stories of Kythirians who have experienced migration, add depth and nuances to existing literature, encourage students to explore historical significance, recognise continuities and changes, and adopt a historical perspective on the migration of their region through critical thinking and the diversity of narratives. 

Ultimately, the educational program aims to contribute to the broader education of students.