Radio and News in Florida was at the October 28th celebration in Boros, Sweden, and had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Anna, a seconded Greek teacher in Gothenburg and Boros.
Ms. Anna teaches the Greek language to approximately 170 children aged 5 to 18, through the Greek language classes that operate thanks to the efforts of the Greek diaspora and the support of parents.
We talked about the challenges, the educational work, the need for more help from Greece, and the importance of preserving the Greek language in the diaspora.
What are the challenges when teaching children who live or were born in Sweden?
The children have very different language levels. Some come from mixed marriages, others were born and raised here, while some came from Greece and know the language very well.
Furthermore, the distances in Sweden are long and many parents do not have time to bring their children due to work, even though they would like to.
What educational materials do you use?
For younger ages we use the same textbooks that are used in Greece.
For older students, especially those preparing for the Greek proficiency exams, we use the "Click" books of the Greek Language Center. All are certified by the Ministry of Education.
How do children approach learning Greek?
There is interest, mainly because parents encourage children.
Most participate enthusiastically in national holidays, although some are embarrassed because nothing similar is done in Sweden.
What difficulties do you generally face in teaching?
Despite the children's different backgrounds, I am very happy because they have support from their parents.
An important positive is that the Swedish state gives children the opportunity to take one hour of Greek per week in the Swedish school, which helps, because the one and a half hours in the Greek section is not enough.
How can Greece help more?
Send more teachers to increase teaching hours. Currently we are two people for about 170 children; more reinforcement is needed.
What is the most common advice you give to your students?
To learn as many languages as they can and to know their origins, to know where their parents and family come from.
What message would you like to leave to the Greek community abroad?
I would like Greece to support the Greek diaspora more, so that children can continue to learn our language, history and culture. It is very important.
