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We are systematically implementing, on the basis of pedagogical criteria, the goal of the Ministry of Sport and Youth and the Government to transition to a modern, inclusive school, through specific actions and policies that cultivate respect and diversity.
All children residing in the Republic of Cyprus have the right to enrol and receive free education in public schools in Cyprus at all levels, from pre-school to higher education. Our education system does not discriminate on the basis of race, community, language, colour, religion, political or other beliefs, sexual orientation or national origin of students. This is guaranteed by Article 20 of the Constitution of Cyprus. The school also respects the right to freedom of thought, political or other beliefs and religion.
Anti-Racist Policy
The school environment is characterised by multiple forms of diversity, some more well-known in the public sphere (nationality, appearance, community, gender) and others less well-known (e.g. sexual orientation, disability), which seek recognition, respect and protection. In these circumstances, it is important to ensure for all members of the school community an environment of safety, respect for diversity, non-discrimination and equality, where all pupils can make the most of the educational opportunities available to them. In such an environment, any manifestation of racist behaviour must be identified, recognised and dealt with promptly and decisively. Otherwise, such behaviour and the failure to address it hurts the victims, not only as individuals but also as members of the group against which it is directed, and has serious repercussions for the whole school community. Creating a racism-free school environment is an essential contribution to building a just society.
It is research-based evidence that the most effective measure to prevent and combat discrimination, intolerance and racism is the development and systematic implementation of a specific and clear anti-racism policy at school level. The development and implementation of such a Code responds to a recommendation of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) to all Member States, including Cyprus. In this context, since 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a clear policy for the management and recording of racist incidents, entitled "Code of Conduct against Racism & Guide for the Management and Recording of Racist Incidents". This is a mandatory policy of the Ministry of Education and Training for Primary, Secondary General and Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training schools, while a recent decision of the Council of Ministers (1/11/2023) decided to institutionalize and monitor its implementation.
This policy is based on a whole school approach and utilizes a broad understanding of racism in all its forms to include all types of discrimination. It also provides schools and teachers with a detailed plan for dealing with and preventing racist incidents, which is part of the school's integrated school improvement plan. The operational integration of the anti-racism policy in the school unit and the consistent and consistent management of racist incidents help to create a school environment in which every child feels comfortable regardless of any particularities. Only through the universal implementation of anti-racism policy systematically and consistently by all secondary and primary schools will it be possible to plan evidence-based targeted actions to address specific forms of racism in each context.
The Pedagogical Institute (PI) coordinates the School Network Programme to support the implementation of anti-racism policy through the empowerment and support of teachers and schools at all levels. Face-to-face and online meetings are held every year to empower and train these teachers on the theoretical and practical aspects of anti-racism policy, such as the theoretical background, the responsibilities and commitments of each member of the school community and the steps schools should take to address racist incidents. Overall, the Network, using a cross-sectoral approach, identifies and aims to empower teachers and schools in addressing challenges related to the implementation of anti-racist policies not only in Cyprus but internationally: the under-reporting of racist incidents, the need for accountability on the part of organisations and individuals, the development of appropriate pedagogical interventions in each context and the continued awareness of ever-changing and evolving racism.
Human Rights - Health Education
The Ministry of Education and Science promotes human rights education in primary education, in the context of an interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum in general, but also in the context of the curriculum for health education in particular. It has been implementing human rights education, intercultural and anti-racist education and active citizenship through the Health Education Curriculum (HEP) since 2011. In particular, the HEP's Success Indicators include indicators related to bullying behaviour, violence, social identities/gender development, respect for diversity, human rights and taking action for peaceful coexistence.
In Secondary Education the topic of Education for the Rights of the Child is covered through cross-cutting, interdisciplinary and interdisciplinary actions. In the context of literature courses, universal values and civic education issues are presented and taught in a targeted manner through the subjects of Greek Literature. In addition, through the Health Education lesson, students are taught human rights issues, delving into the UN International Convention on Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Health Education is a multifaceted subject whose main purpose is to defend, improve and promote the mental and physical health and social well-being of students, on the one hand by developing their social skills and critical thinking and on the other hand by improving their social and physical environment.
The upgrading and restructuring of the Curricula, which has already begun, is expected to further enrich them on issues of citizenship and peaceful conflict resolution.
Gender Equality
The Interdepartmental Committee on Gender Equality, with representatives from all departments and services, supervises and coordinates, under the chairmanship of the PI, within the framework of an integrated policy and on the basis of International Conventions, gender equality issues related to the activities of the Ministry of National Development. The policy focuses on ensuring equal opportunities in education for all genders on a non-discriminatory basis at all levels of education. The work of the Committee has resulted in the development of an Action Plan promoting gender equality, every three years, with the aim of integrating gender equality into issues related to the structures of the education system and in-service training of teachers.
Special Education Reform
In every education system, special education and training is a subject of particular interest, which is treated with special sensitivity and attention. The Ministry of Education and Culture's constant aim is to create an inclusive education system, aligned with priorities at European and international level, always taking into account the local context. Acting on the basis of respect for the right of all children to attend public school, regardless of disability, nationality, gender or socio-economic background, the Ministry of Education seeks to provide equal learning opportunities for all children, aiming for a reform that ensures a comprehensive framework for action to better serve the needs of all children with disabilities.
The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the Republic of Cyprus, through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law 8(III) of 2011, marks a new period for the service of children with disabilities. Under the Convention, the State has the obligation to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by children with disabilities.
The National Disability Strategy sets out the vision, values, strategic objectives and goals of the Republic of Cyprus for the realisation of the rights of citizens with disabilities, directing all state actors towards those actions that will add value and further improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
On 2 October 2023, the President of the Republic announced the launch of a dialogue on the upgrading and pedagogical modernisation of special education, with the ultimate goal of moving towards inclusive education. The dialogue aims at reviewing existing practices, improving current procedures and adopting new successful approaches applied internationally. Towards this end, the MoE is proceeding with the design and implementation of legislation that will be inclusive of all students, providing them with the reasonable adjustments they need in order for the school to provide quality and inclusive education. The aim of the Ministry of Education is to instil a new mindset, a new culture, with a strong element of inclusion, an absolute barrier to exclusion.
The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth has already completed the dialogue with stakeholders, with the aim of recording and codifying practical measures for improvement and transition to inclusive education, which, in the first phase, will be implemented from September 2024. The consultation, which is currently underway, addresses issues such as identification of children with special needs, early assessment, early intervention and support, reasonable adjustments, training of stakeholders, the role of school assistants/chaperones, evaluation and collaboration with other relevant Ministries, Deputy Ministries and Agencies.
Policy for Students with a Migrant Biography
On the basis of the policy document on the integration of students with a migrant biography (SMEB) in the Cypriot education system (2016), the Interdepartmental Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science for the integration of students with a migrant biography develops, implements and evaluates relevant Action Plans. These Plans are based on both the CPSD policy document and the recommendations of the European Commission's Peer Advisory Board (2019). This policy and Action Plan focus on reviewing terms and definitions, mapping the migrant population, combating racist incidents, all phases of reception and support, use and teaching of mother tongues, teaching Greek as a second language, teacher training and cooperation of schools with local authorities to open the school to the community.
IMAGINE Programme
For the sixth year, the Ministry of Education and Culture and, more specifically, PI, support the implementation of the IMAGINE Programme, which includes experiential activities related to human rights and anti-racism in the context of education for a culture of peace. The programme has been receiving the support of the MPAA continuously although, unfortunately, since 2022 the Turkish Cypriot side has unilaterally withdrawn. The IMAGINE programme, since 2017, has brought together 6500 students from all communities on the island, while 1000 teachers have been trained through the programme's seminars. The programme is implemented by the Historical Dialogue and Research Association and the House of Cooperation and is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. Teachers had again this year the opportunity to be trained unicommunal in all provinces, and bicommunal in the area of Ledra Palace, with the participation of Turkish Cypriot teachers.
Sexual Education
The workshops focus on issues related to students' self-protection, as well as cultivating attitudes of respect and inclusion, self-esteem and zero tolerance to violence, effective communication skills and the setting of personal boundaries and knowledge of human rights, the protection of sexual health and knowledge of relevant legislation, institutions and help structures. The ultimate goal is to encourage students to adopt healthy behaviour and lifestyles by fostering responsibility, self-esteem and communication. When teaching the subject, an environment of safety and respect is ensured for all children.
(NZ/EP)
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