It is a great pleasure for me to be here today with my friend the Ambassador of France to Cyprus, Mrs. Salina Grenet-Catalano.
The creation of the French Cypriot school, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary next September, is an investment in the education of Cyprus, for the present and the future, for the social, economic, economic, spiritual and cultural development and progress of our society.
But it is also an important investment in French-Cypriot relations. It is the fruit of the joint efforts of the governments of Cyprus and France and their commitment to continue and strengthen the bonds of friendship based on common principles and values.
It is with great satisfaction that we witness the rapid and dynamic growth of the school, which today accommodates some 450 students. I am delighted with the progress of this school, which is a living and active example of the close relations between Cyprus and France and of our pursuit of modern and multilingual European education.
Considering the close friendly relations between Cyprus, France and Lebanon and the unreserved solidarity and assistance between them, especially in emergency situations, the Cyprus Government responded immediately to the school's request for support to enable it to accommodate from this year a large number of refugee students from Lebanon, whom I welcome to their new school and wish them every success.
I am happy because the French language and this school allow us to send a message of solidarity and cooperation in our region, in the Eastern Mediterranean.
I also wish to inform you that the Cypriot Government is ready to provide, in the near future, the premises of the French Cypriot school in Limassol and to cooperate closely with the French Embassy, the management and the Management Committee of the school in order to implement the decision of Presidents Anastasiades and Macron to expand French education in Cyprus.
After all, a State realizes its goals and the essence of its existence by providing the younger generation, its future citizens, with opportunities for further progress and ensuring a better future.
Dear students,
We are going through a difficult period for Europe and the world. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth is working hard to mitigate the unprecedented and unpleasant effects of the pandemic and the multifaceted crisis it has caused. In these circumstances, education becomes even more important in our efforts to overcome adversity, to create conditions for development and social cohesion, with you, the young people and your needs at the centre of our policies.
I know, dear children, that compliance with the necessary health protection measures makes it difficult for you. We all find it difficult. But we must prioritize continued education despite the pandemic. Our common goal is open and safe schools.
The French Cypriot school, your school, shapes citizens of the modern world, able to contribute creatively to the development of society and to meet the challenges of the future.
I assure you, once again, that the Hellenic Ministry of Education, and I personally, will always stand by the Directorate and the Management Committee of the school for its continuous improvement and upgrading.
I wish you all a wonderful school year with many successes and a wonderful Christmas and New Year's holiday.
IP
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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