The Public Engagement Scheme of the English Studies Department

We all believe that teaching is a noble profession that makes all other professions possible! To ensure future opportunities of education in these hard times, a generous volunteer-mentality is integral to social equality and advancement. It is this mentality of an outward-facing ethos that caters to informed citizenry, offering back to society and raising awareness which prompted the launch of a noteworthy programme. The English Studies Department in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki, launched its Public Engagement Scheme titled: “Supporting Financially Weak Families of Thessaloniki: English Language Lessons for Teenagers” in 2016. It has since seen a successful run up until the present day.

The Public Engagement Scheme serves a twofold aim. Firstly, it provides teenage students with the opportunity to improve their level of English and acquire the B2 certificate within a period of three years. Secondly, the initiative gives Level 3 students of the English Studies Department the opportunity to do their teaching practice in real-classroom conditions under the supervision of Dr Vicky Papachristou and Dr Cathy Marazi. More importantly, the scheme aims to raise awareness towards the need to overcome stereotypes and ensure equal and fair treatment to all. We would like to thank all our students and staff for offering their knowledge, skills and time as well as Express Publishing for supporting this cause every year by donating the coursebooks to students and teachers.