Priorities of the SAE Canada Region
Improve communication and cooperation between Hellenic Organizations inside and outside Canada.
The success of the Canada Region, as well as the other SAE Regions, is highly dependent on the ability of Coordinating Councils to develop cooperation in two fields: On a first level, with all institutions of the Greek Diaspora in their Region, without any exception or discrimination. The Canada Region Coordinating Council aims to develop direct relations with all Hellenic institutions in Canada, Hellenic Diplomatic and Consular Authorities, the Regional Networks to be established and generally with all organizations whose objective is to preserve and promote the Greek culture, language and Orthodox Christian faith in the Region. On a second level, it is important for Regional Coordinating Councils to intercommunicate, exchange information and develop common strategies, so as to successfully represent all Greeks living in Canada before the Hellenic Government. Our goal is to find and apply solutions which will bring immediate and substantial results. The Canada Region Coordinating Council shall proceed to the development of close relations with SAE’s World Presiding Board, the Coordinating Councils of the rest of the regions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Parliamentary Special Permanent Committee for Hellenes Abroad, the Secretariat General for Hellenes Abroad and every other governmental institution in Greece involved in matters related to the Greek Diaspora.
Creation of Regional Networks
Starting with the establishment of the Youth Network, we shall strongly emphasize on young people. Our goal is to create the conditions that will lead to a representative Network, consisting of directly interested members, fully qualified with all the knowledge necessary for the Network’s good operation and success. Students Associations of our Universities and Colleges, organized Youth of the major cities’ Communities and the leadership of our Christian Youth shall participate in the Youth Network. The Founding Assembly of the Canada Region Youth Network is scheduled for early March 2008.
Addressing problems related to Greek language education in Canada
We believe that the problems of Greek language education in Canada are due to the following reasons:· Decrease of the number of students and declining interest for the attendance of Hellenic studies programs. · Lack or insufficiency of specialized teaching material and qualified teachers for teaching Greek as a second or third language. Lack of special education programs adapted to the needs of the specific Region. · Reduction of financial resources destined for the application and maintenance of Hellenic studies programs. Insufficient financial support from the competent institutions. The Coordinating Council of the Canada Region shall continue to work hard in order to resolve these problems, in close cooperation with all local competent institutions and primarily with the Offices of Education Coordinators of the Greek Consulates.
Creating a data record of high profile Hellenes and Philhellenes
We believe that the wealth and power of Hellenism in Canada depends on the progress of Greeks living in Canada. Greek men and women across the country have excelled in every social field, such as literature, science and commerce, while their progress in politics and art is also significant. By keeping a record of these distinguished Hellenes and Philhellenes we will be able to learn more about them, bring them closer to us, honor them for their overall contribution to their respective fields and make good use of their work. Only in this way shall we become stronger and more effective.
