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- Ελληνικά
It is a special pleasure for me to be here tonight to address you on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, to commemorate together the 70th anniversary of the Organization of Greek Secondary Education Officers of Cyprus (OELMEK), the Educational Trade Union Organization of the thousands of teachers serving in General Secondary Education. This anniversary marks seven decades of commitment to the noble cause of trade unionism, education and education and seventy years of systematic exchange of views and close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, but at the same time a multifaceted contribution to our country. All stakeholders have a serious role to play in improving the education system. But it is proven by research that the teacher is the most important factor in any improvement and change effort because he/she contributes substantially to improving the quality of education provided.
Our priority is to address the chronic distortions in our education system and move towards a modern, human-centred, inclusive education system. Aiming at the immediate implementation of our programmatic proposals, we have already proceeded with the implementation of innovations and are promoting a number of others aimed at the radical reform and qualitative upgrading of our education system. Specifically, in secondary education we have established a student-centred evaluation system based on pedagogical criteria, which is accompanied by a dynamic training programme.
In addition, we are reorganising special education through dialogue and moving towards an inclusive school, which will meet the needs of all children, regardless of their specificities, on the basis of a specific plan.
We have proceeded with the creation of teams that are working to update and modernize our Curricula in order to streamline the curriculum so that we have a modern educational system that promotes the abilities, skills and knowledge of students so that they are active citizens, capable and able to meet modern challenges.
At the same time, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, we are implementing what the previous Administration started for a new System of Teacher Evaluation and Assessment of Educational Work with a budget of more than half a million euros and a completion horizon of the next 2-3 years. The ultimate goal is to create a valid and reliable system that will promote the improvement of both school work and learning outcomes. Already the self-evaluation of the school unit has been established by a decision of the Council of Ministers last month. Specifically, each school will implement its own action plan on the performance of its mission, while the Ministry, having a supervisory role, will support and assist the effort.
At the same time, we are introducing new and modern training programmes for our teachers based on their own needs, investing substantially in their professional development.
Noteworthy is the digital transformation of our schools and the simultaneous promotion of three other related actions for the digital literacy of our students, actions which are also funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Special emphasis is also placed on the digitally literate teacher, who with the knowledge and skills to use and exploit technology in teaching will help to improve its effectiveness.
At the same time, we place particular emphasis on prevention and early intervention to effectively address phenomena such as violence and delinquency. The Cabinet has recently approved a series of measures to strengthen schools, at the heart of which is its pedagogical role. Among other things, alternative learning programmes are planned for children with defiantly delinquent behaviour, in order to provide an opportunity to support both these children and other children with the right to regular schooling.
In this process of upgrading and modernising our education system, the role of every teacher, especially organised teachers, cannot be overlooked. The teacher is the most important agent of change and his/her impact on effectiveness is much greater than the impact of the school and the educational system.
Since its foundation, OELMEK has been a key pillar of the educational system and education in general in our country. Its achievements include the vigorous defence of teachers' rights, the maintenance and improvement of their working conditions and the promotion of their welfare, the submission of opinions and recommendations on general educational policy, etc. Over the years, OELMEK has played an important role in shaping the role of teachers as necessary partners in any educational reform.
While recognizing the role of OELMEK, we also acknowledge the individual efforts of every teacher who has participated and continues to participate in this journey. The commitment to this noble profession is commendable and the impact on the lives of countless children is immeasurable. The teacher is the architect of the future, shaping the minds and attitudes of the next generation. He cultivates critical thinking, creativity and adaptability in his students. He inspires curiosity, activates imagination and guides students to become lifelong guessers. He is a professional but at the same time an educator and must be a role model for his students.
The role of OELMEK has been important throughout all the difficult moments in the history of our country. The Organisation has been a rock in the effort to preserve our identity, our history and our culture, and for this we honour it.
As the Government we recognise the role of the OELMEK, as well as we know that the challenges and demands that teachers have to face are constantly increasing. It is precisely in this difficult course of facing and managing the new challenges that we expect to continue to have the valuable contribution of all teachers, both through their service and through their trade union body, the OELMEK.
Proof of all that I have mentioned above is the continuous, smooth and substantial cooperation that has developed between the Ministry of Education and the OELMEK in recent months. We intend to continue it by adopting modern methodologies focusing mainly on pedagogical criteria.
In conclusion, I express my sincere thanks to OELMEK for its tireless efforts and unwavering commitment in the field of education. We stand proudly beside the dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of our country.
Congratulations to OELMEK for 70 years of excellence. I assure you that the close cooperation between us will continue to build a brighter future for our children and our country.
Thank you.
(The greeting was read by the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Mrs. Athina Michaelidou)
(GA/EP)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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