Greek language students in South Australia will be further supported in their studies, with the announcement of the Gonis Gardakos Greek School Scholarship.
The scholarship, which honours the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s former late President Bill Gonis, was announced at the GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools Annual Dance.
One Year 6 and one Year 7 will be supported by the program, that will see five years of school fees paid, in order to encourage them to continue Greek language study into high school.
GOCSA have been teaching generations of Greek Australian children the language for 93 years says the organisation President Peter Gardiakos, who finds language to be a deep measure of one’s connection to culture.
“When we think of culture we think of food. However, even deeper than that is to retain the language of our ancestors,” he told attendees of the event.
“Language plays a pivotal role in transmitting traditions, values, and customs across generations.”
GOCSA Vice President Peter Gonis, son of Bill, says he was very proud to see his father honoured and as a father himself, he sees the scholarship as a way to keep Greek culture alive for his and other children.
“My two girls started learning Greek this year at one of our community language schools and as parents we always want what is best for our children; through this scholarship program it will help keep our heritage, culture and language alive,” he said.
In addition to the announcement there were project awards handed out to students Anastasia Giannarakis, Zahra and Manny Koufalas, Alexandra Kotzias, Ambrosia Sabapathy, Aidan and Kayia Koutrikas.
This year’s dance performance was themed around and showcased the important role of community schools and how the Greek language and culture continue to contribute to the state’s multicultural character.
GOCSA Schools Coordinator Himi Tsakalos says Greek schools provide children the opportunity to build their knowledge in the Greek language while also giving them an environment “which stimulates interest, respect and value of the Greek heritage”.
Representative of SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, Badcoe MP Jayne Stinson spoke about the importance of staying connected to community and culture.
“The Malinauskas Government acknowledges how important it is for children and young people in South Australia to remain connected to their community and culture and to be encouraged to celebrate and proudly share their heritage, language, and traditions with others,” she said.
“Community language schools, such as GOCSA’s, play a vital role in keeping foreign languages alive in our community”.
Meanwhile Deputy Leader of the SA Liberal Party Hon John Gardner said that there is bipartisan support to “ensure that the children are given an opportunity to learn and speak the language of their parents and grandparents”.
