Katerina Vida: 300,000 Greeks in Skopje
23 / 05 / 2009
There are also so many people, especially young people who do not realize their hellenic origin and therefore are not able to express it.
During an event on Greek National issues organized by the magazines Patria and Endihora, in Thessaloniki, Ms. Katerina Vida, a Greek teacher in Skopje gave an interview to Mr. Zafeiropoulos, a reporter from Eleutheros Kosmos. Mrs. Vida, has undertaken the project of teaching the Greek language to Greeks in Skopje, helping the Greeks maintain their national identity.
How difficult is it to teach the Greek language in Skopje today?
For someone like me, a private citizen, it is not difficult to teach in a private school along with other languages such as English, German, etc. What is difficult is to teach the language through public schools or through some Greek Associations.
Do the authorities in Skopje pose any problems in the teaching of the Greek Language? Do you encounter any hostility?
From certain official circles, yes, there were even some personal attacks. But the general opinion of the citizens of Skopje regarding Greeks and Greece is divided, and it has nothing do with what’s been presented by their Government.
Have you received any assistance from the Greek State so far?
No, we have not received any support, but we were promised that that could change in the future. We have received a lot of support however, from several individuals and associations from Greece sending us textbooks and other educational material, such as CD’s with greek songs etc., that have proved to be very helpful, and we urge all Greeks to helps us out as much as they can.
Finally, how many people of Greek origin live today in the State of Skopje;
My personal estimates are that there are at least 300,000, including Vlachs with Hellenic consciousness. It is difficult to know the exact number though since setting up Greek Associations is not an easy task. There are so many people, especially young people who do not realize their hellenic origin and therefore are not able to express it.
The Greek Foreign Ministry, however, has made reference to only 6,000 Greeks in Skopje ….
That figure is inaccurate in any case the situations is simply as I described it. I hope that things will change, since we have been promised by Greece that they will help with the creation of an Association in the town where I live and I hope in other areas in Skopje.
23 / 05 / 2009 | Tags: Europe, FYROM, NO "MACEDONIA" TO SKOPJE! |
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