Mayoral candidate engages with the Greek community in Croydon
Councillor Rowenna Davis, mayoral candidate for Croydon, recently visited St Cyprian’s Greek Orthodox Primary Academy in Thornton Heath, Croydon.
Established in 2000, it is the only Greek Orthodox Primary Academy in the UK. While being shown around the school and meeting children and parents, Rowenna was able to experience the warm, family-centred environment which the Greek community in Croydon has built over many years.
During her visit, Rowenna, formerly a teacher in Croydon, saw how the school’s curriculum is enriched by the teaching of the Greek Orthodox religion and traditions. All children learn Greek as a modern foreign language. They also have the opportunity to sit a Greek language exam. They are given a strong sense of identity, spirituality, and cultural pride. St Cyprian’s operates with a high level of inclusivity, welcoming applications from other faiths and cultures.
Rowenna said: ‘I am hugely impressed with St Cyprian’s approach. Pupils are equipped to feel confident, included, and ready to contribute to Croydon’s diverse and multicultural society. I want all communities in Croydon to be represented and heard.
Visits like this one are vital in helping me understand their issues, priorities and concerns.’
Rowenna added “I am looking forward to meeting more Greek and Greek Cypriot families, community groups, and organisations in the weeks ahead, and to ensuring their voices remain an essential part of Croydon’s shared future”.
