The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has pledged to cover the cost of maintaining La Trobe University’s Modern Greek language program for three years, while calling on Greek Australians to support a fundraising campaign to secure its future, The Greek Herald reports.
The move follows concerns over Victoria’s only remaining tertiary-level Modern Greek program after La Trobe announced the suspension of its Advanced Modern Greek stream.
Educators, academics, students and community leaders met earlier this month at the Greek Centre in Melbourne to discuss ways to save the program. Professor Joseph Lo Bianco said $91,500 needed to be raised as part of a three-year rescue package to allow the advanced stream to return in 2027.
The GCM has now committed $30,000 annually for three years toward the program and urged Greek organizations, businesses and individuals across Australia to contribute to the campaign, with all funds raised to be donated directly to La Trobe’s Modern Greek program.
The organization previously helped save the program in 2020 through a similar community fundraising effort.
