Charles Darwin University (CDU) will this week host a function to celebrate the success of the inaugural Greek In Country Program held on the island of Kalymnos earlier this year.
CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Garnett will officially open the proceedings on Thursday, 15 November and launch the DVD of the Greek In Country Program.
A total of 22 students from CDU and Flinders University ventured to Kalymnos in July 2007 as part of the three-week intensive experience in which students learnt about Greek language, culture, civilisation, history, customs and traditions.
Students also were required to demonstrate the use of new technologies in teaching the Greek language through the production of a multi-media presentation. The unit offered students an accredited semester of study and an ideal opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Greece.
The program was largely funded by the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CDU’s Committee for the Friends of Greek Language Studies. The development and delivery of the program was undertaken by CDU and the Municipality of Kalymnos.
Academic staff from the University of the Argean, Thessalonki, and Athens, as well as Charles Sturt and Charles Darwin Universities participated in the delivery of the teaching program.
CDU Dean of Law, Business and Arts, Adrian Walter, who made the journey to Kalymnos in July, said the program reaffirmed the close collaboration and support already in place between Darwin and the Greek Island.
“This year marks the fourth year of the CDU – Flinders University initiative in which students studying Modern Greek language and culture are taught in Darwin via video linked lectures, a dedicated website and local tutors supported by the Greek Government and Friends of Greek Language and Culture Group” he said.
“A great majority of Territorians of Greek ancestry are descendants from Kalymnian migrants, so the link to the Territory and CDU is clear.”
Mr Walter said that exciting developments, including much-needed research and study projects through a Greek Research Centre to be based at CDU, had been earmarked for the near future. Other potential developments includes linkages with overseas Universities participating in the inaugural program.
In June this year CDU hosted the Mayor of Kalymnos and the Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church as a part of celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the sister relationship between Kalymnos and Darwin.
Students, staff, community representatives and supporters have been invited to attend the function.
The DVD will be launched at 6pm in the foyer of building 22 on the Casuarina campus.