The first Greek story time session at Lalor Library was held in March 2021 with great success, to coincide with the bicentennial of the Greek Independence. After a huge hiatus, and by popular demand, it’s back.
Kris Pavlidis, the President of PRONIA and one of the key organisers of the event, said that the Greek story time initiative was a significant opportunity, at a critical period when the preservation of the Greek language was being systematically challenged by restricted resourcing in the mainstream.
“We need to embrace and foster this amongst the new and forthcoming generations of Greek Australians and other interested parties,” Ms Pavlidis said, adding that initiatives such as PRONIA’s Alpha Childcare Program in Richmond, create and support a rich and interesting profile of children of Hellenic and other diverse cultural backgrounds who were learning Greek .
“I believe that it is our incumbent duty as global citizens,” she said.
“Undoubtedly, society is much better for the continuation of Greek language and culture. Bodies of research as well as my own experience, affirm how language preservation is critical to the continued maintenance of culture.”
♦ Whittlesea: Lalor Library. Tuesday 15 March, 12 April, 10 May, 7June. 10.30am with Kris Pavlidis.
Please check with each library directly, closer to the date as schedules may change because of COVID-19 regulations.