Greek-Australian inner-city Melbourne mother, Maria Tsakakis, says preserving the Greek language and sharing Hellenic culture with younger generations is under threat as she fights to keep Greek storybook reading, at Richmond Library.
Ms Tsakakis started the “Preserve the Greek Story Time Program at Richmond Library” on-line petition last week and already has amassed more than 100 signatures to save the Greek book reading program. The goal is to reach 200 signatures.
Ms Tsakakis has outlined that she believed the free Greek storybook program was invaluable.
“The Greek Story Time program is more than just reading books; it’s about preserving and sharing our rich Greek heritage with younger generations,” she writes on the change.org website.
“It’s about fostering a love for learning and promoting literacy among children in Yarra. Unfortunately, this valuable cultural resource is under threat.”
Ms Tsakakis also states that according to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census more than 6 per cent of residents in Yarra were born in Greece or have Greek ancestry.
“The library’s program serves as an important link between these residents and their cultural roots,” she writes.
Yarra Council has been running weekly story time programs in various languages, including Greek , for many years at its five libraries in Richmond, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Carlton and Bargoonga Nganjin (North Fitzroy).
Aimed at introducing pre-school children to a wide range of stories, books, songs and activities as well as developing language, social and motor skills, the weekly program is for three to five-years-old and held during school term.
Neos Kosmos will report further on this story tomorrow.
For petition details go to www.change.org/p/preserve-the-greek-story-time-program-at-richmond-library
