The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is expanding its camp program to the Attica region in Greece.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis met with Governor of Attica Nikos Hardalias in Greece to talk about several issues, and to expand cooperation between the GCM and Greek Government.
This included continuing the cultural youth camp program in Attica.
The program aims to promote Greek language skills and foster deeper relations between the youth of the diaspora and Greece.
In its first three years young people from the diaspora have visited Greece’s north, starting from Thessaloniki.
The third program is currently underway, with 21 young Greeks visiting Greece on a tour that includes visits to sites of archaeological, cultural, and recreational interest.
Today they visit Ouranoupolis and Mount Athos and tomorrow Thessaloniki before departing on the weekend.
GCM’s new initiative will see a visit to Attica after Thessaloniki, a region that combines history dating back to antiquity with elements of a modern, rich metropolis.
Papastergiadis said such programmes are a crucial component of the preservation of our cultural identity, as they promote the Greek language and history as a lever for development.
“Such initiatives lead to the strengthening of young people’s ties with Greece, through the cultivation of new interests during the visit,” he said in a media release.
“Apart from their extremely important educational aspect, these programmes also strengthen the interpersonal relationships of young people.
“Participants create new friendships, which can potentially become lifelong bonds.”
He added that these programs strengthen the youth’s connection to the GCM.
Governor Hardalias visited Melbourne, attending the Antipodes Festival, where he said he was impressed by its size and diversity and described it as one of the most spectacular diaspora festivals.
He also praised the GCM as a true leader of the Greek diaspora in terms of promoting cultural and educational programmes.
