Greek Parents Association
The Greek Parents Association (GPA) was established in 1952 by the Cypriot poet Tefkros Anthias and a small group of Cypriot immigrants.
The GPA's original aim was to promote the welfare and education of what was then the first generation of the Cypriot immigrants to Britain. The GPA provided a focal point for assistance and free advice and counselling on range of issues including welfare, health, housing, employment and personal problems. It provided tuition in the English language and customs to the newly arrived Cypriots. It also established the first Greek Community School in London at Camden square in Camden Town.
Over the years the services that the GPA provides have been adapted to the changing need of our community. The need for the advisory services and the teaching of English has diminished over the years and our focus has been concentrated on assisting our British born community members to maintain and enhance their connection to Cyprus and Greece to learn the Greek language, culture, history, customs and religion and by doing so become more confident and proud regarding their roots and background.
By providing these services to our community, the GPA is able to help the Cypriots in London to realise their full potential through provision of language skills, instilling of cultural awareness, promotion of racial harmony and developing a sense of social responsibility to enable them to become fully involved, responsible members of society in Britain. These services are in a sense a long-term investment in people, enabling them to develop a sense of inclusion and engendering a greater social responsibility and self-improvement.
Over the last 70 years the Association has grown substantially and now comprises of the GPA community Centre, together with 9 schools and Youth Clubs throughout London.
For more information please visit the GPA's website at
www.GreekParentsAssociation.co.uk
GPA Schools' Tree painting depicting all the GPA schools over the last 70 years
The GPA chairman presenting the GPA tree painting to the Cyprus minister of Education
