La Trobe University’s Greek Studies Program viable with an increase in students

The Greek Studies Program at La Trobe University in Melbourne, which two years ago was in danger of suspending its operation, now not only continues its mission, but also shows an increase in student enrollments that exceeds 20%.

The Holy Archdiocese of Australia took the lead in the mobilisation of the community caused in 2020 by the news of the possible suspension of the Greek Studies Program, who made a decisive contribution to its financial support to prevent any further risk.

On Wednesday, October 26, the University administration gave a press conference, during which the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mr. John Dewar, presented the dynamic trajectory that the Greek Studies Program is now taking and the assurance of its sustainability.

His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, Archiepiscopal Vicar for the Archdiocesan District of Northcote, who was representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, also took part in the press conference. His Grace Bishop Evmenios underlined that the preservation of the Greek language in the fifth continent is a major task and a primary concern for the Greek Orthodox Church.

Also in attendance and speaking about the Greek Language Programe were La Trobe University’s Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Mr. Nick Bisley, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Mr. Vassilis Papastergiadis, the President of the Association of Teachers of Modern Greek in Victoria, Mrs. Anita Lada, as well as three members of the Program’s student community, Cathy Ward, Kayla Careri and Andrew Viagias.