StaEllinika app supports young Greek children to remain connected to culture

The Greek Government has developed an app designed to support preschool children through to young adults to remain connected with their roots and heritage, despite not living in Greece. 

The StaEllinika app is a joint educational initiative from the Greek Government, and features interactive and story-driven courses, offering a “bridge” for young Greeks to “reach the roots of their cultural heritage,” Greek Secretary General for Greeks Abroad Ioannis Chrysoulakis told The Greek Herald.

Approximately 30 thousand people have so far signed up to use the app, which seeks to “universalise Greek language and mythology for Greek and English-speaking Greek diaspora,” in an initiative which is a collaboration between the Government, the Simon Frasier University in Canada and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 

Dr Dimitris Krallis, from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for Hellenic Studies, put the initiative in motion to provide “a fun break away from the modern world to visit the ancient world”.

“The next generation of the Greek diaspora will be provided with the necessary tools to keep the Greek language, culture and history alive and thriving, as a result of the collaboration with our long-time partners at the Greek Government and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation,” Dr Krallis told The Greek Herald.

As well as connection to culture, the app,  Dr Anastasios Koularmanis from the education department of the Greek Archdiocese of America said, notes the role that Greek mythology plays in helping children develop critical thinking skills and creativity. 

“The stories we learn as children shape our minds by instilling values and morals, while also helping us learn how to communicate with one another,” she explained.

“StaEllinika’s mythology courses combine playfulness with an exceptional learning experience, appealing to both children and adults alike.”

To access the app, see here. For the original coverage of the story, see here.