Greek-Australians Implement Greek Language into National Curriculum

Despite the fact that the Greek language is part of Australia’s National Curriculum for Languages after a massive and cooperated action of the Greeks abroad, the efforts are now focusing on a new target: the quick implementation of the new programme,  and not the launch of it in 2-3 years’ time!

This was the reason why the delegation of homogeneous Greeks met. The delegation  consists of Assistant Professor Vrasidas Karalis (University of Sydney), President of Greek-  Australians Teachers’ Association Professor Panayiotis Diamantis, Cooperator of the Greek-  Australian Council (New Southern Wales) George Vellis and Secretary  of the Greek-  Australian Council Maria Giannisi and Minister of Education and ex-rock star Peter Garrett.

The delegation expressed the satisfaction of the Greeks of the Diaspora about the integration of the Greek language as a priority language in the Australian’s National Curriculum for languages. Nevertheless, concern was expressed over the progressive integration of 11 priority languages in a period of few months, where Greek and Arabic are included in the final stage. This means that the teaching of Greek will be delayed.

Both Mr. Karalis and Professor Diamantis stressed that due to the existing infrastructure, the teaching of Greek must be started immediately.

The Minister congratulated the Australian-Hellenic Council and the Greek community on the campaign as part of the national system, and promised to ask for advice from the Ministry and ACARA regarding homogeneous Greeks’ concerns.