"Maria Tsakos" Foundation

During all the years of its operation, the Foundation had developed multifaceted activities. In addition to Greek language courses, Greek Dances, songs and literature are also taught.
Greek language lessons are offered free of charge. It is a six - year course and every year, 150 students of all ages, nationalities and educational levels enroll. These include schoolchildren, teachers, and prominent personalities in literature and the arts.
At the beginning of the of the new millennium, which marks 2.000 years of Christianity, 3.000 years of the Greek language, and 10.000 years of Hellenic seafaring - milestones that are emphasized in the philosophy of the Foundation - it should be noted that 3.000 students have learned to adore the Greek language and culture.

A few examples of the Foundation's activities:

	Organising lectures and seminars by distinguished personalities from Greece, such as the late writer, Antonis Samarakis, university professors Nikolaos Klogeras, Theodoros Panagopoulos, and others.
	Organising lectures and seminars by literary personalities and the Foundation’s students, on the subject of Greek history, art, literature, music and folk culture, such as: “The philosophy of Aristotle”, a six month seminar by the Foundatio’s student, university professor Oscar Varela. ”History and development of the Greek language”, a two-month seminar by teacher Giorgos Spathakis. ”Let’s protect the sea”, a seminar in collaboration with “URUMERA”. ”The work and ideas of Nikos Kazantzakis”, a lecture by Giorgos Stasinakis, the President of the International “Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis” Society, in cooperation with the Greek community of Uruguay.
	Organising concerts in Montevideo, featuring prominent Greek performers, such as Giorgos Dalaras, Haris Alexiou, Yannis Petropoulos, Manolis Mitsias, Eleni Dimou, and others.
	Organising exhibitions of Greek artists, in collaboration with the Greek Embassy in Uruguay.
	The operation of a lending library with Greek books, in the Foundation's premises. The library is constantly being enriched.
	The participation of the Foundation’s dance group in various cultural events.
	Participation in celebrations on Uruguay’s Historical Heritage Day, which is organized by the country’s Ministry of Education and Culture.
	Participation in the European Union’s Computer Learning program, in cooperation with Uruguay’s Chamber of Commerce and the Interior Ministry.
	Close collaboration with the Greek community, in various activities, including the erection of a statue of the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, in front of the National Library in Montevideo.
	Participation in the organization of a series of Hellenic Gastronomic Festivals in Montevideo, which were visited and enjoyed by over 2.000 people.
	Contributing to performances of ancient Greek drama, by Uruguayan theatrical groups.
	Organising a cultural week, on the occasion of celebrations for the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. Celebratory events included: the presentation of a special seal by the national Post Office Administration, the inauguration of Pareja Square in the city of Montevideo, the issuance of souvenir medals, and the organization of an anniversary ceremony.
	Organising a cultural week, on the occasion of celebrations for the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. Celebratory events included: the presentation of a special seal by the national Post Office Administration, the inauguration of Pareja Square in the city of Montevideo, the issuance of souvenir medals, and the organization of an anniversary ceremony.
	The participation of all students in the “Athens 2004” volunteer program. In an endeavour to convey the spirit of the Olympic Games world-wide, Captain P.N. Tsakos is utilizing his fleet of ships as a spearhead. These newly-built vessels fly the Greek flag and bear the names of ancient athletic events, monuments and sites, such as: Decathlon, Pentathlon, Triathlon, Parthenon, Marathon, Olympia and Athens 2004. In honour of his initiative, the Uruguay Olympic Committee has declare him its official envoy for the “Athens 2004” Olympic Games.
	In 2003, on the occasion of the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, cultural events were held in both Montevideo and Athens. The most important of these included a tour by the Foundation’s dance and music ensemble to Uruguayan cities, a concert by Manolis Mitsias and Eleni Dimou, a “Marathon” race from the Foundation’s premises to “Athena Square”, a series of lectures on Greek topics, the presentation of medals to organizations and individuals, who support the Foundation’s work, and the issuance of a postage stamp. The Official anniversary ceremony was attended by personalities of arts and letters and political life, friends and students of the Foundation. The event was also honoured by the Greek Parliament and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with their representatives, as well as many friends from Greece, and from other countries of Latin America. The 25th anniversary marked the establishment of an annual literary competition - yet another cultural institution, within the framework of the Foundation's activities. At the Foundation, a special library space has been created, which - with the proper computer equipment- also functions as an Internet cafe. Many cultural events, such as meetings of the Association of Officials of the Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Athens University post-graduate theological students' association, are held in the auditoriums of the "Megaron Makedonia".