On Tuesday, May 16, at 7:30 PM, Gonda Van Steen adoption from Greece during the Cold War, a theme she also explored in her latest book, "Adoption, Memory, and Cold War Greece " (2019). The lecture will cover Gonda's research on adoption from Greece, as well as how she launched an activist movement. A brief explanation:
Between 1950 and 1970, the vast majority of these Greek-born children went to couples in the USA, but some 600 Greek infants and toddlers were sent to the Netherlands. These countries were the largest recipients of Greek 'orphans', who are more appropriately called 'adoptees', because, in many cases, one or both parents were still alive but did not have the means or family support to keep their child. From that study came numerous meetings with the Greek-born adoptees and now also a campaign of activism for what they hope Greece will still grant them: their records, their restored citizenship, and further research on this sensitive topic.
The lecture will be given in English.
Adoption from Greece during the Cold War: research and activism
Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Classroom 0.4, Blandijnberg 2, 9000 Ghent
