Greek Family Story Time marks its first anniversary this Saturday, July 5, with special sessions at the Northcote Library and the Oakleigh Maternal and Child Hub.
The bilingual storytelling initiative was founded by Maria Tsakakis, a qualified teacher originally from Greece.
The mother of two, Tsakakis, saw Greek Story Time as a way to return to teaching while nurturing her own children’s connection to their heritage.
“I was able to take my kids along and teach them too, along with the rest of the children,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“As an educator and a mother, I saw how quickly children learn before the age of five.”
Tsakakis says the program has brought “joy and connection between families,” and she’s passionate about offering Greek Story Time as a free service.
Tsakakis curates stories that are meaningful and have a positive impact on young minds.
“We look at the celebrations and traditions of our culture— here and in Greece.”
Tsakakis is especially proud of the growing collection of Greek and bilingual children’s books available through local libraries and the program.
“I acknowledge all the Greek Australian authors who have created bilingual stories for children,” she said.
“We’ve also invited authors to take part, giving families a chance to meet them and buy their books.”
“We look at the celebrations and traditions of our culture— here and in Greece.”
Last year, the program hosted author Magda Vourvoutsiotis, who read from her bilingual book ‘The Stories of Dimitri and Alexia’.
Deputy Mayor of Darebin Council, Emily Dimitriadis, has been attending the Northcote Library sessions with her children Cleopatra (3) and Zacharias (2) since the program began.
“It’s become the highlight of their week,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“This program has been invaluable for their early learning and identity formation.”
“It’s certainly about language, but it’s also about connection.”
“Through stories, songs and celebrations, they’re discovering their Greek heritage in a joyful and meaningful way.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen their confidence in speaking Greek grow beautifully.”
She says her children’s favourite part is “the Greek dancing with κυρία Maria.”
“They come home twirling, singing Greek songs, and proudly sharing new words they’ve learned.”
A full-time pharmacist who works on Saturdays, Cr Dimitriadis says her non-Greek husband now takes the children—and has picked up a few Greek words himself.
“It’s become a special family ritual that bridges cultures and generations,” she said.
