S. Zacharakis: Greek-language education abroad a timeless priority

"This international recognition confirms the global role of a language with a history spanning thousands of years, which has supported philosophy, science and democracy," stressed Ms. Zacharaki, adding that this is "a decision of historic importance in the 3,000-year history of our language, as its unique and invaluable contribution to the world's cultural heritage is internationally recognized."

“The Greek language is not a monument of the past, but a living river of thought and creation that unites generations and cultures. It is renewed, evolving and dynamically participating in the new digital world and the era of artificial intelligence; it is our starting point and signpost, a vehicle of ideals, self-knowledge and freedom”, the minister pointed out.

In addition, Ms. Zacharaki referred to the challenges faced by Greek-language education abroad, as well as the ways in which the ministry responds to them.

“Greek-language education abroad is a stable and timeless priority for the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, with the central goal of spreading the Greek language and promoting Greek culture both among Greeks in the diaspora and in the international community”, the minister clarified.

"We are utilizing every administrative opportunity we have and redesigning policies with a more modern and flexible logic," noted Ms. Zacharaki and stated, among other things, that the systematic strengthening of Greek Language Departments around the world continues, that a legislative regulation is being prepared to extend the payment of the special salary to teachers during the fifth year of secondment, and that the process is underway to create a digital Greek learning platform with asynchronous educational material in the Digital Tutoring Center, as well as to provide modern distance learning of the Greek language by Departments and Laboratories of Greek public universities, in collaboration with Study in Greece and the Greek Language Center.