Members of AHEPA Youth presented a cheque last week to the CEO of the Hellenic Museum for money raised by the association for the museum’s education program.

Through the fundraiser cocktail function titled ‘A Night at the Museum’ – held in the Museum’s courtyard last year – AHEPA Youth raised more than $3,000 and donated another $1,000 to ensure Australian students have a Greek cultural and historical element to their education.

AHEPA Youth’s president Anthea Tsaousis said the association “was instantly drawn to supporting the Hellenic Museum’s Education Initiative”.

“Firstly, because it encompasses so many of AHEPA’s pillars – to support education, to give back to the community (philanthropy) and our civic responsibility as young Hellenes in Australia to support our heritage,” said Ms Tsaousis.

“Secondly, because it is such an innovative way to enthuse future generations about learning history in a very powerful way. I remember when I was at school, an experience that stood out to me the most was learning about the Holocaust through going to the Jewish museum. It was in this environment – where my eyes could see the artefacts – that the true essence of that period resonated with me and ultimately empowered my interest in WW2.

“Most of our members could recount a similar experience with various museums around the world. So for me and AHEPA Youth, supporting this initiative was a no-brainer, as it will afford students the opportunity to learn about some of the most fascinating historical periods and preserve our beautiful culture.”
Held in the inaugural MPavilion, members of AHEPA Youth enjoyed a night out with food provided by the Sweet Greek herself, Kathy Tsaples.

In one of his last official functions as Ambassador for Greece in Australia, Mr Haris Dafaranos addressed the guests at the event, and congratulated AHEPA Youth on the fundraiser, highlighting the importance of the cultural institution’s education program.

“The night itself was a beautiful way to celebrate this initiative and we were very fortunate to have the former Ambassador Dafaranos and his wife Eyvah – both avid supporters of the arts – give such insightful speeches on the importance of history through artform and its role in the preservation of culture,” said Ms Tsaousis.

The Hellenic Museum’s bilingual education program covers both primary and secondary school education, with the secondary education program divided into subject and year level. The education guide works hand-in-hand with a curator-led guided tour of ‘Gods, Myths & Mortals’, the Benaki Museum collection spanning 8,000 years of Greek history.

“It was truly an incredible night, and we hope to continue to collaborate with the Hellenic Museum and support this initiative.”