Melbourne Greek community sets up Greek school for immigrant children

The ongoing economic crisis in Greece has forced an ever-increasing number of Greek families to head for Australia, with Melbourne a popular location due to its long-established Greek community.

Many new immigrant families find it difficult to adjust to their new country, and keeping in touch with their language is a priority as many intend to return home in the future. For families with young children, it’s even more important that the Greek language remains familiar, as they will at some time in the future be reintegrating into Greek schools when the family goes home.

In response to this need, local Orthodox church communities are working together to establish a school for recently–arrived immigrant children. The curriculum will be taught in Greek, with Greek teachers and Greek school books, and the cost of classes will be kept at a bare minimum to help poorer families.

At present, the Greek community’s Educational Committee is distributing a questionnaire with the intention of getting to know how many families are interested. The survey will also request preferences as regards location and the school schedule.

Leaders of Melbourne’s Greek community are keen to establish the school, as they feel that, even if many families decide to stay in Australia after conditions in Greece improve, pupils will not lose their pride in Greece’s history and heritage. They also believe that the school will provide a good place for newcomers to meet long-term Greek immigrants and form friendships and support groups.

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