Sofia Zacharaki visits Canada to strengthen Greek education and diaspora ties

Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Sofia Zacharaki completed a four-day official visit to Toronto and Montreal from September 19 to 22. The visit focused on supporting Greek-language education for the diaspora and strengthening academic ties between Greece and Canada.

Key developments include the reactivation of the Education Coordinating Office in Toronto and the funding of three joint or dual postgraduate programs between Greece and Canada, with a total budget of 4.72 million euros via the Recovery Fund. Zacharaki also met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and visited the Greek Community of Toronto to discuss language preservation programs like ‘Paideia,’ which utilizes digital tools for teaching Greek.

Additionally, Zacharaki attended the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canada, Archbishop Apostolos, at St. Nicholas Holy Temple. She emphasized the critical role of both the Church and schools in maintaining Greek identity and cultural heritage within the multicultural Canadian environment.