The Premier’s Spirit of Democracy (PSoD) Event at the Greek Centre, hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne on Thursday, 13 April, was organised by Vicky Petalas and led by Head Principal Maria Bakalidou of the GCM’s Language & Culture Schools.
Presenters included Alexandros Giannadakis, the Ancient Greek coordinator, and Anthi Tzani.
The panel featured Juliana Charpantidou, author of The Embodiment of a Distant Homeland: The History of the GOCMV, Fotis Kapetopoulos, a journalist from Neos Kosmos, and Georgia Nikolaidou, the education representative of the Greek Consulate in Melbourne, Victoria.
Head Principal Bakalidou stressed the importance of the event in raising students’ awareness of the complexity and ancient origins of democracy.
“The program also highlights how fragile democracy was and is and how citizens all have the right and obligations to make democracy work,” Bakalidou added.
Coordinator, Vicky Petalas said it was “heartening to see so many young people and especially young women so deeply involved in the democracy project.”
“It fills me with optimism to hear the deep and challenging questions they asked – now doubt democracy is in good hands.”
Nick Dallas, a GCM board member and head of the Community’s education program, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, especially the participation of non-Greek background high school students.
“The main goal of the Study Tour is to equip students with a deeper understanding and skills to actively participate in democratic structures and institutions and empower them to lead positive change in their communities and shape the future,” said Dallas.
The event is part of a larger program where up to 22 students and teacher chaperones participate in a week-long study tour of Melbourne and Canberra during the school holidays. The program covers various aspects of democracy, ranging from Ancient Greek philosophy to the arts, modern civic studies, court processes, politics, and science, providing a dynamic exploration of modern democracy and its significance for young Australians.
The program included a presentation on “Ancient Greece and the Birth of Democracy,” followed by a panel discussion featuring guest speakers who discussed the evolution and form of democracy in modern Greece and Australia (and modern societies in general). Three students also read Pericles’ famous Oration in Greek and English. The panel discussion provided insights into the historical and contemporary aspects of democracy in both countries, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two systems.
The speakers emphasised the significance of democracy as a system that promotes freedom, equality, and participation of citizens in decision-making processes. Furthermore, they looked at the difference between direct democracy of ancient Athens and representative democracy like that of Britain, Australia, and the United States. The event also included a Q&A session with the students, allowing them to engage in an interactive discussion and seek clarification on various aspects of democracy. Additionally, light snacks were provided to create a casual and friendly atmosphere for networking and socialising among the participants.
The students asked poignant questions, such as “What is the difference between equality and equity?” and “How has democracy evolved over time, adapting to the changing needs and values of societies?” Other issues were raised, such as protecting democratic principles, such as the rule of law, human rights, and accountability, in the face of challenges and threats.
The Premier’s Spirit of Democracy event at the Greek Centre was an experience that provided students with valuable insights into the origins and significance of democracy and its relevance in modern societies. The event also highlighted the strong connection between the Greek Community and the promotion of democratic values, as well as the importance of cross-cultural exchange and understanding in fostering democratic principles in a diverse society like Australia.
