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It is a great pleasure for me to be among you tonight, honoring with you, on this special occasion, the 70th anniversary of the establishment and operation of the "Georgios Markou" School for the Deaf, which was associated with the education, development and progress of people with hearing loss, as well as their integration into society.
The suggestion of Mrs. Semeli Tsotou, Director of the School for the Deaf in Alexandria, Egypt, for the creation of a similar structure in Cyprus and its implementation a few years later, by the Rotary Club of Nicosia, laid the foundations for the progress of people with hearing loss in our country.
Through the zeal shown by both the first Director of the School, Georgios Markou, and all the people who supported its operation over the years, enormous leaps have been achieved and significant humanitarian work has been accomplished. Indeed, the innovative educational and professional programmes, the upgraded services, expertise and know-how that the School has provided in recent years have proven to be of crucial importance for the active and beneficial involvement of people with hearing loss, both in the social and professional spheres. By highlighting the potential of these individuals, the George Markou School for the Deaf has improved their quality of life, offering them employment and advancement opportunities and giving substance to their dreams and aspirations.
As documented in the Governance Programme, through our broader educational policy, we aim to shape an educational system in which every child, every young person and every young person will have the opportunity to cultivate their talents and special abilities to the fullest extent, through flexible and innovative learning processes, utilizing our empowered human resources and ensuring state-of-the-art infrastructure. To this end, we introduce new practices, flexible curricula and differentiated teaching, based on the abilities and specificities of each child and the needs of the labour market, for a successful professional and personal life. To this end, we are already promoting actions towards an inclusive, human-centred school.
At the heart of our plans is the safeguarding of the rights of people with hearing loss, as well as the full adaptation of the School to modern trends and developments, through the continuous strengthening and upgrading of the programmes and activities offered. Already, by assessing the educational needs and the special teaching approaches required, we ensure, among other things, equal education, staffing of public schools and the School with appropriate personnel and covering the expenses of specific needs of its students. At the same time, other requests and suggestions that have been brought before us are being considered. I assure you that based on our shared vision for the further development of the School, meeting these requests, to the extent possible, is a priority.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Management, for our excellent cooperation, as well as to the previous Directorates, Boards of Directors and staff of the George Markou School for the Deaf, for their dedication and passion in relation to the education of people with hearing loss.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Management, for their cooperation, as well as the previous Directorates, Boards of Directors and staff of the George Markou School for the Deaf, for their dedication and passion in relation to the education of people with hearing loss.
Addressing separately to the individuals who are being honoured today, I warmly congratulate them and urge them to continue to be a source of inspiration for all and proof that nothing is impossible when we strive with perseverance, will and patience.
For our part, we will continue to work to ensure that every person with a disability enjoys unhindered participation in education and progresses, overcoming obstacles, with the State and its competent bodies as companions and supporters on this demanding path. In this effort, we have as a beacon and guide the 70 years of the renowned journey of the "Georgios Markou" School for the Deaf, which I am absolutely certain will continue its commendable work and its remarkable contribution to the social life of our country.
IP
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