The goal of educational reform is an educational system that responds to the diversity, needs, and potential of children, said Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, in her opening remarks at the 1st Pan-Cyprian Workshop on Giftedness “From Recognition to Support” on Saturday morning at the “Filoxenia” Conference Center.
The Minister noted that, for the Government, educational reform is a dynamic process of substantive change, involving specific policy decisions, institutional interventions, and tangible results in everyday school life. “In this process, we dare to reexamine long-held beliefs and to introduce new policies based on scientific knowledge and modern pedagogical approaches. Policies that uphold every child’s right to an education that meets their needs, nurtures their unique abilities, and allows them to reach their full potential,” he said.
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In this context, he noted that the adoption, for the first time in Cyprus, of a comprehensive Policy on Giftedness in October 2025, is a prime example of this new philosophy.
He noted that this policy promotes the implementation of a coherent educational policy on giftedness, within an organized, systematic, and scientifically grounded framework that offers practical guidance and essential tools to these students in their daily school life, with a clear focus on early identification, appropriate pedagogical support, and the creation of meaningful opportunities for growth.
“This is the true essence of the reform we are implementing. An educational system that has the capacity to evolve itself in order to respond to the diversity, needs, and potential of children,” she said, adding that “we are working to create an educational environment that recognizes and embraces the diverse needs of our students.”
Ms. Michailidou said that special emphasis is placed on identifying and supporting gifted children, and that creating appropriate learning opportunities that meet their specific needs is an integral part of the effort to build a system that promotes equality, inclusion, and quality in education.
In closing, the Minister stated that investment in education is “the safest and most solid foundation for the future of the country,” adding that the systematic cultivation of students’ talents and high abilities is the cornerstone for shaping a modern society based on knowledge, creativity, and innovation.
Source: CNA
