Eleven Greek Americans came in touch with and loved Thrace

Greetings were also delivered by the Deputy Governor of Rodopi, Manolis Tapatzas, the Mayor of Maroneia-Sapon, Apostolos Ioannou, the Deputy Mayors of Komotini, Kimonas Lehoudis and Yiannis Kyriazis, the scientific manager of the program and academic coordinator, Professor Zoe Gavriilidou, and others.

The 3rd Summer Camp “Return to your Roots” was held in collaboration with the Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini, the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago, the “Compliance” Laboratory of the Democritus University of Thrace, the Hellenic American Leadership Council and the Center for Hellenic Studies of the University of Chicago until August 11. This program is funded by the Alexander’s Pissios Family Foundation.

11 fellows from the USA, aged 18 to 25, had the opportunity to learn the Greek language, be guided through the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace and visit Thessaloniki upon their arrival, on the first day of the Summer School. It is worth mentioning that the “Summer Camp Return to your Roots” program, after its first two successful actions, was integrated into the strategic plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Hellenes Abroad.

The daily program included: three-hour accelerated teaching of the Greek language at three levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced), visits to museums, archaeological sites, folklore clubs and religious monuments throughout Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and cultural activities (Greek dances, traditional cuisine, screenings of Greek films, ancient theater workshops and concerts).

Struggle to establish the program in Thrace

Professor Zoe Gavriilidou underlined the struggle that was given to ensure that the program would take place exclusively in Thrace, showcasing the region and its particularities to the young people of the diaspora. The participants’ travel to and from the US is covered by a donation from expatriate Alexandros Pisios, while the Compliance Lab at the University of Thrace offers the language courses and experiential workshops. The program is also supported by grants for the accommodation, meals and internal travel of the participants.

To date, the program has welcomed 20 Greek-American scholars, contributing decisively to the creation of cultural bridges, the promotion of Thrace and the strengthening of the national identity of the youth of the Greek Diaspora.