Esther Passaris, a member of Kenya’s Parliament and Nairobi County Women’s Representative, visited the Greek Centre last Thursday and met with Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community, and Jorge Menidis, Director of the Greek Centre.
Passaris has been instrumental in the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), supporting programs such as bursaries, hunger alleviation, and table banking. She has an impressive background, with a Diploma in Law from the University of London, a BSc in International Business Administration from the United States International University Africa and graduating from the Executive Business Program of Strathmore College.
Passaris is also credited with successfully introducing the concept of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country.
Her visit highlights the global reach of the Greek diaspora and its historic links to Africa. “This is the start of a strengthening our bond between the GCM and our ties with the Greek Community in Kenya. The GCM is a frontrunner in matters of the cultural preservations and strengthening the ties of the Greek diaspora,” Passaris said.
The sentiments were echoed by Mr Papastergiadis, “Moving forward the GCM commits to help the Greek Community in Kenya and Hon Esther Passaris to strengthen our bond. This is a start not only to share with our fellow Greeks in Kenya our rich Language programs but led a hand to help in any way we can to preserve the Greek Language in Kenya.”
The Kenyan MP toured the 15-story Greek Centre building and expressed interest in the cultural programs offered by the Greek Community, including the Greek School’s program. Passaris aims to implement similar programs in Kenya and was impressed with the GCM’s annual film festivals, live music events, and theatre productions. Passaris spoke about her Greek heritage particularly about her father a naval architect responsible for the construction of the first naval ship in Kenya.
Passaris expressed her desire for a third generation of Greeks in Kenya and to learn the Greek language, while praising Archbishop Makarios for his socio-cultural initiatives and construction of secondary schools. Passaris, Papastergiadis, and Menidis spoke to Archbishop Makarios by phone to discuss Greek cultural programs in Kenya and agreed to further enhance relations with East Africa through dialogue.
Passaris is in Australia to attend the Harm Reduction Conference, which works towards the prevention of the misuse of alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and illegal substances.
Passaris also received a copy of the book “The Embodiment of a Distant Homeland: The History of the GOCMV” to remind her of her visit.
