On May 19, Saheti School held a commemoration of the Pontian-Greek genocide that took place between 1914 and 1923 in the region of Pontus (modern day northeastern Turkey).
Also read: Saheti learners visit Greece
During the genocide, around 353 000 Pontian-Greeks died as a result of systematic ethnic cleansing, which included massacres and deportations of the Christian Orthodox believers in this area.
The aim of the initiative – led by Saheti Primary School principal Sophia Zachariou – was to create a deeper understanding among pupils of the horrors and futility of genocide. The Genocide Recognition Network in Athens applauded the initiative.
The network sent a message to be read out on the day at Saheti School.
The programme included readings and messages sent from the Pan-Hellenic Association and Panpontian Federation of Greece. Harry Sideropoulos (actor, theatre producer and Saheti alumnus) delivered an address and Saheti pupils presented poignant cultural items.
