A dynamic, internationally oriented professional development programme for Greek language educators abroad commenced on 21 July 2025. The Summer School, organized by the Centre of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (C.CE.LL.) of the University of Western Macedonia (UOWM), operates under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy and is aimed at educators in America and Africa, offering a certificate of specialized training. Academic partners contributing to the programme’s design and coordination include Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, Director of Greek Studies at the Odyssey Charter School District (USA) and Dr. Georgios Vlachos, Deputy Education Coordinator at the Greek Consulate in Johannesburg.
As emphasized by Professor Eleni Griva, Vice-Rector for International Relations, Global Engagement and Student Affairs and scientific coordinator of the programme: “The Summer School aims to encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning community. I hope it will serve as a fertile space for interaction, inspiration, and creativity and a rewarding educational experience that will enhance the pedagogical work of the participants.”
The opening of the Summer School was addressed by Mrs. Myra Myrogianni, General Secretary for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Rev. Protopresbyter Grigorios Stamkopoulos, Director of the Education Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Mr. Michael Skopelitis, Greek Consul in Washington, D.C. and Mrs. Stella Kokoli, President of the Hellenic American Educators.
Through their speeches, the significance of targeted professional development for educators teaching Greek abroad was highlighted, underscoring its critical role in preserving the linguistic and cultural identity of the Greek diaspora.
In particular, Mrs. Myra Myrogianni stressed the importance of the initiative, noting that fluency in the Greek language is a key factor in strengthening the bonds between the diaspora and Greece, serving both as a cultural ambassador and as a means for projecting Greece’s contributions internationally.
“Within this framework and in response to the requests of the Greek expatriates, strategic collaborations with the Greek academic community are being developed. A central role in this effort is played by the collaboration with the University of Western Macedonia, which aims to train educators who teach Greek as a second or foreign language in educational environments abroad. In this way, we empower Greek language educators and equip them with the necessary tools to meet the unique demands of teaching Greek overseas.”
The University of Western Macedonia continues to invest in professional development and academic networking, building bridges with Greek language education worldwide.
University of Western Macedonia
