In 1999, UNESCO proclaimed February 21st to be International Mother Language Day. On this occasion, Islington Mother Tongue & Supplementary Schools Partnership (MTSSP), together with Islington Schools, on Tuesday 21st February 2017, celebrated their children’s linguistic heritage at the Islington Assembly Hall in Upper Street.
The morning began with a welcome from the children in 10 different languages.
The event was opened by the Mayor of Islington, Councillor Kat Fletcher, who praised the many different languages spoken in the borough. She proceeded to award certificates to children nominated for their achievement.
Presentations then took place by key speakers from Islington language schools as well as performances by children who showcased cultural dancing and music.
On behalf of The Greek School of Islington, students Evangelina Georgiou, Raphael Nicolau Eleftheriou, Vasilia Louiza Georgiou and Rehanah Rey Mohabeer, welcomed guests in Greek saying ‘To Elliniko Sholeio Sas Kalosorizei’ before performing a short play, again in the Greek language.
Video footage of the school was screened to the music of Zambetas’ ‘O Pio Kalos O Mathitis’ as well as a brief message by the school’s honorary director Dr Katerina Alexandrou.
Established in 1972, the Greek School of Islington is the oldest in the London Borough of Islington. In 1996, the school was declared one of the best supplementary schools in the European Union, and in 2006, the BBC presented a special program devoted to the activities and achievements of the school.
The school has adopted a modern method of teaching the Greek language through the medium of computers which above all helps students to improve their competence in being bilingual.
The school is located at 98 Dresden Road, London N19 3BQ. For further information on the classes available, please call 020 7619 3528 or 07763 359 388.