ASTORIA – Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots, Fotis Fotiou, visited the school of Saint Demetrios in Astoria on June 3. He advised the students regarding their future, dreams, and aspirations as well as emphasized the importance of their Greek heritage.

Fotiou spoke to TNH saying, “I am very excited as this is the second time I have visited this school, and I feel really proud of these children. They are children with Greek and Cypriot roots, who above all, feel proud to be Greek.”

During the speech, he also addressed the importance of the Greek language since the children grow up in a society where English is predominant, therefore they must show willingness to learn in order for the language to stay alive.

Fotiou later added, “we must help these children get to know their roots, their history, their culture, and above all the Greek language. I think that St. Demetrios is doing a remarkable job in following certain pathways and traditions. As I have mentioned today, Cyprus will support the efforts of the school and will do everything we can to help, since we want to see tomorrow’s young Greek leaders here in New York face great progression.”

At the end of the speech, the students, accompanied by the St. Demetrios music teacher sang Greek songs to the Cypriot Presidential Commissioner.