Teaching Modern Greek to refugees

Refugee-self reliance, local integration and social cohesion through Modern Greek language.
Education

Teaching Modern Greek to refugees

Refugee-self reliance, local integration and social cohesion through Modern Greek language.

Contact details

Submitted by:

  • Professor Anna Panayotou – Triantaphyllopoulou, Director of the School of Modern Greek, University of Cyprus
  • Ms. Iro Tzima, MA, Secretary of the School of Modern Greek, University of Cyprus

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.ucy.ac.cy/mogr/en/

Social: 

 

Introduction to the project 

Country

Cyprus

Duration

The project started in 1998 and is integrated into the School of Modern Greek.

Description

The School of Modern Greek at the University of Cyprus aims at teaching Greek. Greek civilization courses are comprised within the lengthier course programs, and are offered to all students from the beginner level. They further address cultural and social issues of Modern Greek society.

Project aims 

The overall objective of the project is the integration of refugees in the host community through the learning of the Modern Greek language.

Resources used 

Scholarships to up to three (3) refugees in each course.

Main activities of the Good Practice

Learning of Modern Greek language and making it accessible to refugees has the following aims: 

  • Refugee-self reliance
  • Local integration, social cohesion and inclusion

Results of the Good Practice 

For refugees:

  • Learning Modern Greek is useful to refugees in their everyday lives and is a necessary skill in finding a job in the host country.
  • It further helps with inclusion and cohesion within the host community (building connections and understanding the background of the community that hosts them).

For the host community:

  • The interaction between the host community and refugees has helped towards the development of a friendlier environment for all.