New York, NY –
From July 9 to 19, 2024, the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth (MOESY), hosted a specialized training program for Greek-American educators from the community schools of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA).
The initiative, a generous offering to the Hellenism of the diaspora, brought together 14 educators from across the United States—including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Chicago, Washington DC, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Michigan.
The group was accompanied by Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of GOA’s Department of Greek Education, underscoring the collaborative spirit between Cyprus and the Archdiocese in strengthening Greek language and cultural education abroad.
In a press statement, Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of the Department of Greek Education at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, emphasized the program’s core mission: “The primary goal of the program was to help teachers deepen their understanding of the rules of the Greek language and acquire more knowledge and teaching skills for Greek as a second/foreign language or as a language of cultural heritage”.
Beyond the classroom, the seminar offered immersive cultural experiences, including visits to archaeological and historical landmarks such as the ancient city of Kourion, the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, and the medieval castles of Limassol and Kolossi. These excursions enriched participants with experiential knowledge, deepening their connection to Cyprus’s rich history and enhancing their ability to convey cultural context in their teaching.
On Tuesday, July 9, a formal meeting took place between the group of Greek-American educators and Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth of Cyprus. The Minister warmly welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the Cypriot State’s commitment to supporting Greek language and cultural education abroad. She noted that the Ministry offers training programs not only for educators in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, European Union countries, and the Black Sea region, responding to the growing global interest in Hellenic heritage. During the meeting, Minister Michaelidou underscored the vital role of cultural exchange and praised the educators for their dedication to preserving and promoting Greek heritage within diaspora communities.
Also, the Greek-American educators had the honor of visiting Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, who warmly welcomed them and expressed his deep appreciation for their efforts in promoting the Greek language and culture within diaspora communities. His Beatitude shared thoughtful reflections on the challenges and opportunities of teaching Greek abroad, offering both insights and encouragement to the group.
The program’s expenses were generously covered by the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus, while His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America secured funding for the educators’ airfare, ensuring that participants could fully engage in the experience without financial burden.
The program concluded with a heartfelt farewell ceremony, during which certificates of completion were awarded to the participating educators. The teachers expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to engage in this enriching experience, highlighting the valuable knowledge and cultural insights they gained—tools they plan to bring back to their classrooms across the United States.
“We are hopeful that this program will continue every summer, fostering ongoing collaboration and support for Greek-American educators and their efforts to preserve and promote the Greek language and culture”, said Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, as he reflected on the program’s success and future potential.
