The effort to revive a Greek studies program at Monash University has sparked controversy at the embryonic stage. As reported in Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE) on March 2, after a suspension of almost 10 years, the University is examining the prospect of re-establishing a Greek Studies program.

This was made possible through a campaign by the Monash Hellenic Student Society that joined forces with Monash University Classics Lecturer, Dr Eva Anagnostou Laoutidou.

The controversy is based on the fact that the person who was appointed from the Greek Education Ministry to teach in this program does not possess the required qualifications.

More specifically, the opening of the position was only advertised in Greek newspapers and not here in Australia. One of the key requirements set out in this announcement was that the successful candidate would need to be at least a teacher of Modern Greek at secondary level.

Yet the person who was actually appointed is only a primary education teacher.

This has raised eyebrows in Australia amongst the Greek education fraternity, with two Greek educators having already filed an official objection with the Greek Ministry of Education to this appointment .

NKEE contacted Dr Laoutidou who explained that this appointment is only temporary for one year.

Yet she highlighted the fact that this person is trying to extend his appointment. Dr Laoutidou however did not believe that there was a problem with the qualifications of the appointee.

An additional hurdle faced by Dr Laoutidou’s efforts to revive the Greek program in Monash University is the low turnout of students for the Greek Access program that is available as of this academic semester.

Short courses in Greek for beginners and intermediary levels are being offered twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday.

So far only nine students combined are taking part in this program.

When asked if she was pleased with those numbers Dr Laoutidou declined to comment directly only saying that it is “a new initiative that needs more time and support within the Greek community.”

Sources from the Greek Ministry of Education revealed to NKEE that they are following closely the developments at Monash University.

The Ministry of Education is covering most of the cost for the potential establishment of the Greek Studies program at Monash University in appointing the person who will be teaching the Modern Greek courses.