SYRIZA sends message of thanks to Greek diaspora for protecting La Trobe Greek Studies program

·

The Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) have sent a letter thanking Greek diaspora organisations for acting quickly to save the La Trobe Greek Studies Program, which was under threat of being terminated.

SYRIZA MPs raised the Greek Studies issue in the Greek Parliament on November 28, requesting that the government take action.

READ MORE: La Trobe’s proposal to cut Greek studies raised in Greek Parliament
READ MORE: Greek language program to continue at La Trobe

“….We wanted to add our voice to your own voices and efforts and we called on the Greek government to take initiatives,” Rallia Christidou, SYRIZA MP, said in her letter to the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne last month.

In response, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kostas Vlasis, expressed the Greek Government’s assurances they will do everything possible for the continuation of the program.

Greek parliament.

“The continuation of the Greek Studies Program is a top priority, because it has for us, the Hellenism of Victoria and also the Greek community in Australia, a substantial and special emotional value,” Mr Vlasis writes in his letter.

The La Trobe Greek Studies program was saved with the persistent efforts from the Greek community in Australia. The Greek Community of Melbourne committed to providing $192,000 over three years as well as proactive assistance in ensuring the program reaches a financially viable enrolment target after semester 1 census in 2023.

Photo: La Trobe University

In a letter sent by Rallia Christidou on Friday, the SYRIZA MP reassured that the opposition party is “at your disposal” for any other issue related to the Greek diaspora in the future.

“We consider issues that have to do with Greeks abroad and Greek Diaspora of the greatest importance and we are always happy to communicate and to help in any way possible,” Rallia Christidou said.

The La Trobe Greek Studies Program is to continue for another three years, with the program to be reviewed after semester 1 census in 2023.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

Fotis Zisimopoulos claims record-breaking victory in 41st Spartathlon

Fotis Zisimopoulos broke a massive record in Greece’s running history on Saturday by surpassing Yiannis Kouros’ 1984 record in the Spartathlon

US President Joe Biden hails strong bilateral relations with Greece

Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had a phone conversation with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, on Sunday afternoon.

‘The art of Tsarouchia making is fading,’ says Greek craftsman Pavlos Kogias

"This sector has sounded the alarm. We are one of the last workshops in Greece," Greek craftsman Antonios Kogias said to The Greek Herald.