This conference was significant as it marked the first time that a director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was invited by the Ministry of Education. This was an important opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in preserving language and culture in the United States. Dr. Anastasios Kouralmanis, Director of the Hellenic Education Department, and Fr. Co-Director Gregory Stamkopoulos participated in discussions with Deputy Minister of Education, Religion and Sports Zetta M. Macri.
Deputy Minister Macri welcomed the attendees and expressed his gratitude for the visit. She particularly recognized the significant contributions of Greek teachers working in American schools and Greek departments. The Minister listened attentively as the Greek delegation outlined the challenges faced by educators in these institutions.
Dr. Kouramanis said: “This conference is an important opportunity for cooperation. By sharing our experiences and challenges, we will strengthen Greek education and ensure that our language and culture flourish in the United States. We can cooperate.”
Mr. Macri stressed that the ministry’s main focus is to ensure the effective operation of overseas educational units. This includes timely staffing of the Greek language education program as recommended by the responsible foreign education coordinator. During the meeting, the Under Secretary of Education invited the delegates to share their suggestions and concerns and committed to considering requests and providing feedback aimed at strengthening cooperation in promoting Greek language and culture in the United States.
This was followed by Dr. Kouramanis and Fr. Stamkopoulos met with George Kalantzis, head of Greece’s Religious Affairs Office. The discussion was very fruitful and focused on possible future partnerships with the Hellenic Ministry of Education and how we can work together effectively in the future.
At both meetings, Dr. Kouramanis shared materials produced by the department aimed at teaching Greek language, culture, and faith. The presentation highlighted continued efforts to preserve our languages abroad. There was also a fruitful discussion on how this material can be used globally to strengthen Greek education.
Mrs Macri and Mr Kalantzis expressed their deep love, support and respect for His Holiness Archbishop Elpidophoros and expressed their desire to continue supporting his educational mission. Their heartfelt dedication emphasized the importance of unity in advancing the educational goals of the Greek community.
Panagiotis Passas, Director General of International and European Education for the Greek Diaspora, was also present. Ms Vasiliki Bernikou, Director of Intercultural, Foreign, European and Minority Education. Mr. Vasilios Bayraktaris, Head of the Department for Schools and Pupils in Greek Schools and Greek Courses Abroad, and his colleague Mrs. Eleni Krysikaki. He was accompanied by Mr. Vasilios Kalogerakis, Human Resources Director of Greek Educators Abroad, and his colleague Ms. Vaia Kumpogianni. This gathering was an important step toward strengthening the relationship between Greek Education in the United States and the Greek Ministry of Education.
Photo: GOARCH/Hellenic Ministry of Education.
