“City of Athens presents Greek-language and history learning programme for migrant mothers”. The City of Athens Migrant Services Department's Intercultural Centre, in collaboration with the City of Athens Development Agency, the Hellenic Migration Policy Institute and the Education Ministry's Institute of Adult Continuing Education, today presented a Greek-language and history learning programme for migrant mothers, during a press conference at Athens City Hall.
The City of Athens has received approval from the Interior Ministry for the programme's implementation, which forms part of the framework of the European Fund for the Integration of Third-country Nationals in Greece. The programme constitutes a continuation of the successful City of Athens "Mother Learns Greek" programme.
Deputy Mayor for Equality and Social Integration Alexia Evert-Alverti, Hellenic Migration Policy Institute Chairman Alexandros Zavos and Institute of Adult Continuing Education General Secretary Konstantinos Kouskounis spoke at the press conference.
Deputy Mayor Evert-Alverti noted:
"I would like to express my satisfaction with the programme, which began in April 2008 with just one class and was extended to seven by mid-2009, covering all City Districts and involving the participation of 740 migrant mothers within the space of a year. With the know-how we have now acquired, but also the trust shown by all bodies, we will be able to introduce this European programme to other Municipalities as of September. The Municipalities of Neo Iraklio, Kallithea, Nea Halkidona, Piraeus, Peristeri and Haidari have expressed their interest in establishing a learning unit within the framework of the aforementioned programme".
The basic goal of the programme is the learning of Greek as a second language as well as elements of Greek history and Greek culture, so that all participating mothers can acquire the linguistic skills and practical social and intercultural skills required in order to achieve linguistic and cultural understanding, elements which are necessary for the active social integration of the mothers themselves and their families.
The programme, which is anticipated to begin in September 2009 and conclude by December 2009, involves two knowledge levels - basic and advanced, each of which comprises 120 hours. A total of 40 class units, each comprising 20 students, will be conducted. Alongside the Greek lessons for migrant mothers, the programme foresees creative play activity for the students' young children, run by specialized teachers, in a neighbouring room. It is estimated that a total of 800 mothers will take lessons while 650 children undertake creative play activities.
02.07.2009
