This meeting was significant as it marked the first time a director from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was invited by the Ministry of Education. It provided a crucial opportunity for attendees to better understand the challenges faced in preserving our language and culture in the United States. Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of the Greek Education Department, and Fr. Gregory Stamkopoulos, Co-Director, participated in discussions with Deputy Minister of Education, Religion, and Sport, Mrs. Zetta M. Makri.
Deputy Minister Makri welcomed the attendees and expressed her gratitude for their visit. She specifically acknowledged the vital contributions of Greek teachers working in American schools and Greek-language departments. The Minister listened attentively as the Greek delegation outlined the challenges faced by educators in these institutions.
Dr. Koularmanis stated, “This meeting represents a crucial opportunity for collaboration. By sharing our experiences and challenges, we can work together to enhance Greek education and ensure that our language and culture thrive in the United States.”
Makri emphasized that the Ministry’s primary focus is to ensure the effective operation of educational units abroad. This includes the timely staffing of Greek-language education programs in accordance with the recommendations of the responsible Foreign Education Coordinators. During the meeting, the Undersecretary of Education invited the representatives to share their proposals and concerns, promising to review their requests and provide feedback aimed at enhancing cooperation in promoting Greek language and culture in the United States.
Following this, Dr. Koularmanis and Fr. Stamkopoulos met with Mr. George Kalantzis, Secretary General of Religious Affairs of Greece. The discussion was very fruitful, focusing on potential future partnerships with the Department of Greek Education and how they can collaborate effectively moving forward.
Photos: GOARCH/
