By Ilias Karagiannis
Inspirational, innovative and multi-dimensional – the Greek Government’s new Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora is an initiative that stands out. It is unprecedented in the history of Hellenism in the diaspora.
Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras is leading the implementation of this plan, which highlights the contemporary needs and visions of the Greek diaspora.
The Greek Herald thoroughly studied the strategic plan and identified two important initiatives that directly impact Hellenism in Australia.
Centre for Greek Studies and Culture in the Southern Hemisphere
The establishment of a Centre for Greek Studies, Culture, Intercultural Education and Expatriate Hellenism in the Southern Hemisphere is one of the initiatives of the plan. The Centre, which will be based at a university in Sydney, Australia, is expected to be a pillar for connecting Greece with the diaspora.
With the support of distinguished Greek educational institutions, such as the Athens Academy and the Greek Language Centre, as well as diaspora organisations, the Centre will promote educational and cultural programs.
From Modern Greek language programs for the younger generations, to summer sports camps and the establishment of the “Children’s Greek University,” the Centre aims to sustainably preserve and strengthen the Greek identity.
Support of the expatriate Mass Media
The second initiative includes the support and strengthening of the expatriate Mass Media, as confirmed by the Deputy Minister in his exclusive interview with The Greek Herald.
Greek media in Australia play a key role in maintaining the community’s language, culture and connection to Greece. The government aims to strengthen the expatriate media by taking initiatives.
This strategic plan highlights the importance that Greece gives to diaspora Hellenism, recognising it as an integral part of Greek identity and history.
These initiatives are not limited to Australia, but form a global network of actions that strengthen the role of expatriates in the modern era.
