Mariupol State University of Humanities
The town of Mariupol, in the Ukraine, had a large Greek population and strong cultural links with Greece. Its university – the Mariupol State University of Humanities (MSUH) - therefore proudly boasted a strong Modern Greek Studies department. The Foundation funded the creation of a library for this department, named after Constantine Leventis, and contributed annually towards the purchase of its books. Since 2008, the Foundation also sponsored the renovation of an old building which will ultimately provide housing for those local Modern Greek students who lack accommodation. The completed wing of this building was named the “Constantine Leventis Wing” and housed 24 student rooms and 12 guest rooms for visiting scholars and professors.
In 2021, following the Russian invasion and the bombardment of Mariupol, many Ukrainians have taken refuge in Cyprus. The Ministry of Education, the University of Cyprus and TEPAK are active in organising Greek language lessons, which will allow Ukrainian students and refugees to attend university courses in Cyprus. These courses will be taught by members of the Greek Philology and Translation Department of Mariupol University or graduates who are in Cyprus and will be overseen by Mr Balabanov, former rector of the University of Mariupol. The Foundation has pledged ongoing support for this programme.
Grants given:
Library: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
CL Wing: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019
