To mark the start of the new school and academic year, the President of the Republic addressed a message to the student community, as well as to the country’s teaching staff.
In his message, President Nikos Christodoulides calls on young men and women to seize every opportunity to learn with critical thinking and an open mind, while also expressing the State’s deep gratitude to educators for the demanding and socially significant work they perform.
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At the same time, it highlights the targeted institutional reforms being promoted at all levels with the aim of creating a modern and student-centered school system, while making special mention of the schools in the occupied areas, emphasizing that education is the strongest beacon of hope for the liberation and reunification of the homeland.
The President’s message in its entirety:
Dear students
,
The start of every school and academic year marks the beginning of a wonderful journey filled with knowledge, experiences, challenges, and many expectations. It marks the beginning of many opportunities to shape the future each of you envisions for yourselves. Opportunities to discover your aptitudes and develop your talents. To seek knowledge with critical thinking and an open mind. To let your creative curiosity be your guide and to pursue every learning opportunity with determination and dignity. Seize the opportunity and enjoy this unique journey.
A journey on which you are not alone. Standing by your side as mentors and valued companions are your teachers, giving their very best every day.
Dear teachers,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the demanding and deeply social work you do. The State recognizes the importance of your contribution.
You inspire the younger generation; it is in your hands to shape the conscious citizens of our country who will shape tomorrow. Through your dedication, classrooms are transformed into vibrant hubs of creativity, innovation, and hope for the future of our country.
With this responsibility in mind, as a government, we are consistently investing in the ongoing improvement of our educational system. This year, the start of the school year is accompanied by further targeted institutional reforms at all levels, putting into practice our vision for a modern, humane, and open school, ready to meet the challenges of our time.
Friends,
Today, our thoughts inevitably turn ALSO to the closed classrooms of our occupied schools. After all, in a country under occupation, education is the most powerful beacon of hope. It reminds us, every day, of our duty to fight for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. So that we may hand over to the next generation—to all of you—a free and reunified homeland. A homeland that will offer all its lawful residents the opportunity to live, work, and create in conditions of peace, security, and prosperity. Just as is the case in all Member States of the European Union.
Best of luck, stay strong, and every success in achieving your goals!
