Emotion and enthusiastic applause marked the visit of Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis to Greek schools in Cairo. The Parliament Speaker, visibly moved, emphasized that this moment represented “the most powerful and touching experience” of his journey to the land of the Pharaohs. Mr. Kaklamanis’s reception took place in a particularly warm atmosphere at the Spetsaropouleio Foundation, which houses the Abeteios and Achillopouleios Schools.
Cultural celebration with Nikitas Kaklamanis’s presence
The students prepared an artistically crafted welcome for the Parliament Speaker, featuring a musical arrangement of “Waltz of the Lost Dreams” by the great Manos Hadjidakis, creating an atmosphere of intense emotional resonance. They also recited verses by Cavafy and excerpts from works by Stratis Tsirkas, highlighting the timeless connection of Greek education with culture and literature.
During his address, the Parliament Speaker emphasized the importance of the opportunity to be among teachers and students who, as he said, “keep the flame of Hellenism burning in Egypt.” He praised the work of the educational community and stressed the significance of preserving the language and cultural identity of the diaspora.
During his visit, the Parliament Speaker toured the school facilities, spoke with students and educators, and was briefed on the operation and needs of the institutions. He placed particular emphasis on preserving historical memory, committing that the Greek Parliament would provide every possible support for digitizing the archival material of the Greek Community of Cairo.
For his part, the President of the Greek Community of Cairo, Christos Kavalis, characterized the Parliament Speaker’s visit to the Greek schools as particularly significant, highlighting the enduring value of Hellenism’s presence in Egypt. He referred both to the community’s long history and its future prospects, emphasizing that such visits strengthen the diaspora’s morale and outward orientation.
