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- Русский
It is with great pleasure that I attend today the inauguration ceremony of the Aesthetic Integration Hall of the Special School "Evangelismos". This project adds to the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, in order to create within the special schools the necessary infrastructure, and therefore new conditions, in terms of education, therapeutic intervention, recreation, activity and development of the skills of the children attending them.
It is for this very reason that I would like to thank OPAP CYPRUS, which as a result of the social corporate responsibility that has governed its operation over time, stands today as a companion in this effort of the Ministry. Taking into account the request of the Parents' Association and the recommendations of the management and staff regarding the needs of the students of the school in question, OPAP has proceeded to fully finance this project.
The new room enables the implementation of modern therapeutic approaches for children with sensory, developmental, learning, motor and other difficulties, contributing substantially to the upgrading of the school environment and the effectiveness of the work that teachers are called upon to perform.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, placing significant emphasis on enriching the pedagogical practices and learning outcomes of the 75 children attending the school, employs fully qualified staff, providing specialized services. To illustrate, services and programs include special education and instruction, speech therapy, music therapy, special gymnastics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, drama, carpentry, and support from an educational psychologist. At the same time, 27 experienced school assistants/chaperones take care of the children under the instructions of the teaching staff.
The school's program is extended until 4:00 in the afternoon, as part of the institution of the Optional Day School, while, under the auspices of the Municipality of Gerios and the Ministry's grant, the school operated until the school year 2020-2021 and a summer program for the months of June and July.
The school's program is extended until 4:00 in the afternoon, under the institution of the Optional Day School, while, under the auspices of the Municipality of Gerios and the Ministry's grant, the school operated until the school year 2020-2021 and a summer program for the months of June and July. For this year, a pilot Summer Public School will operate from 26 June to the end of July.
In addition, the building facilities of the Special School "Evangelismos" have been upgraded in recent years, with the construction of a new wing, the renovation of the gymnasium and the swimming pool and the creation of a Traffic Education Park.
Friends,
The Ministry's primary concern is the equal participation of all children, without exception, in education in order to develop their potential to the fullest extent possible. In this context, recognizing the complex and multi-layered work carried out by Special Schools nationwide and the challenges they have to face over time, we aim to further support them in order to improve their results and the conditions of attendance of children.
In the government's programme statements, the priority is to re-evaluate the institution of special education on the basis of policies governed by the values of equality, recognition and acceptance of diversity.
In the government's programme statements, the priority is to re-evaluate the institution of special education on the basis of policies governed by the values of equality, recognition and acceptance of diversity. The aim is to strengthen public schools so that they can cater for all pupils in a way that respects their diversity and talents. In cooperation with multidisciplinary teams of experts and representative organisations of people with disabilities, we are introducing new practices, flexible curricula and differentiated teaching.
Based on our plans and our willingness to cooperate and build on the suggestions and contributions of organised associations, teachers and all stakeholders, I am fully confident that we will succeed in further improving the pedagogical practices, the learning climate and the learning outcomes of students with disabilities.
