Athens, Greece, November 27-28, 2024
The “Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium-Connecting Young Voices Worldwide” is an initiative by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at deepening ties between Greece and Greek communities abroad. It gathers young adults aged 18 to 25 with Greek heritage from across the globe to discuss fostering collaboration between their communities and building a stronger connection with Greece.
The symposium was an engaging event that focused on the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by young people in the Greek Diaspora. It featured inspiring keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities with young leaders, diaspora members, and professionals from various fields. The event provided a vibrant platform for participants to share their perspectives, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to meaningful conversations about the role of youth in shaping the future of the global Greek community.
Peter Stavrakos, a proud alumnus of Plato Academy Clearwater, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium at the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center in Athens, Greece. The symposium brought together young Greek voices from around the globe to share their experiences of maintaining cultural identity while living outside Greece.
Peter participated in a panel discussing Greek cultural festivals and their role in promoting heritage. Drawing from his experience at the Greek festivals at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater FL. These events showcase traditional Greek food, music, and dance, with performances by the Junior and Senior Hellas dance groups. Beyond celebrating culture, these festivals foster community, with local businesses and church members volunteering their time and resources to ensure success.
A cornerstone of Peter’s cultural journey has been his education at Plato Academy Clearwater. From Kindergarten through 8th grade, he was fortunate to learn under the guidance of Mr. Kostas Aretis, whose dedication to teaching Greek language and culture left a lasting impact, and he was also present at the symposium. Peter credits his family who engaged him from a young age in speaking Greek at home, as well as Plato Academy Schools for giving him a solid foundation in getting even more in touch with Greek language and traditions. All these influences helped him maintain a strong connection to his roots as a second-generation Greek American.
The symposium underscored the importance of such educational programs. Peter shared how the efforts of teachers like Mr. Kostas have inspired not only Greek-American students but also those from diverse backgrounds to embrace Greek culture.
Peter also expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and connect with other young members of the Greek diaspora. His experiences at the symposium reaffirmed the critical role of cultural education and community events in preserving heritage. As he reflects on his journey, he celebrates the efforts of institutions like Plato Academy and the broader Greek community, which continue to nurture and promote Greek culture for future generations.