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- Ελληνικά
Friday, 9 February 2024, Nicosia
Dear fellow MPs,
Respected Priesthood,
Honorable Mayor,
Dear Headmistress of the Primary School of Agios Dometios A',
Dear President of the Agios Dometios School Board,
Honorable President of the Children's Museum Organization,
President of the Organizing Committee,
Friends,
It is with feelings of joy and honor that I am here today at the Agios Dometios Primary School A', to celebrate the historical milestone of one hundred years of its operation and contribution, as well as the 142 years since the conception of its concept.
A century ago, right here, the foundations were laid, a vision was realized and a journey began. The building with its distinctive architecture welcomed the students of the region to house their dreams, ambitions and hopes. Beyond being an institution of learning, Agios Dometios I Primary School emerged as a cornerstone of knowledge, but also as a focus for shaping personalities.
Throughout this century, the school has been a beacon of enlightenment, while cultivating principles and values that extend far beyond mere education. This impact is particularly felt in the achievements of its graduates.
To the generations of teachers who have dedicated their lives to this school institution with dedication, vision and purpose, and to the students who have passed through these halls with dreams in their minds and hearts, we owe a debt of gratitude. Your collective efforts have created and sustained a precious legacy, heading into a new century of promise and possibility.
As we gather here today, let us reflect on the importance of schools as institutions of education and as bastions of character.
Here, students learn not only from books, but also from each other, forging bonds that transcend language, culture and religion. It is through this shared experience of teaching, respect, responsibility, kindness, friendship and cooperation that we cultivate people capable of facing the complexity of our world with resilience.
Today, the St. Dometios A Primary School, with its correct and effective use of teaching time, its activities and initiatives, but also its participation in programmes, competitions, as well as its distinctions, clearly demonstrates all of the above.
Friends,
Benjamin Franklin once said that "an investment in education pays the best interest". So here it is, a whole century later, that your school is still bearing fruit and continues to deliver even more.
As a State, we must invest in our children, in their education and in their proper upbringing. Investing in children is vital to their development and their future success and happiness. We provide them with the tools so that they can identify and expand their skills and thus progress in life.
As we reflect on the past and celebrate the present, in difficult times and with unpredictable situations around us, we look to tomorrow. Our children are the future of this country, so supporting projects that will help improve their education also sets the standards for a bright future for our country. The flame of knowledge that was lit here a hundred years ago continues to burn, lighting the path for future generations. And both the House of Representatives and I personally will stand by you in your every effort.
In closing, allow me to refer to today's special day, World Greek Language Day, which is so inextricably intertwined with educational work. The language that for two and a half thousand years has reminded us that we ought to protect it, generously giving us its glory and richness. Which I borrow to quote the words of George Seferis, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1963: "I belong to a small country. A stone promontory in the Mediterranean, which has no other good than the struggle of its people, the sea and sunlight."
I hope that Agios Dometios I Primary School will continue to be a fertile ground for creativity, a cradle of wisdom and a catalyst for positive change.
Thank you.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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