**Bank of Cyprus’ SupportCY Joins Forces to Enhance Fire Safety Standards in Schools**
Astromeritis, Cyprus – A new fire safety educational initiative aimed at primary and secondary school students was officially launched on Monday at Astromeritis Primary School. This program is the result of a collaborative effort between several key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the Cyprus Fire Service, the Association of Retired Firefighters of Cyprus, and the Bank of Cyprus’ SupportCY network.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou emphasized the importance of safety within the educational framework, stating, “Safety is a fundamental pillar of the educational process, and cultivating a culture of prevention and self-protection from a young age is a strategic priority.” She further highlighted the critical role of collaboration among state agencies, educational institutions, and various organizations in enhancing the resilience of school communities.
The newly launched program builds on previous training sessions that were conducted for teachers across Cyprus. It now extends its reach directly to students, aiming to equip them with essential knowledge and skills related to fire prevention and response. Fire brigate chief Nikos Longinos explained that the program utilizes modern educational methods and experiential activities to engage students effectively.
Elli Ioannidou, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Bank of Cyprus and representative of SupportCY, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the initiative. She stated, “Investing in prevention and the education of children is a strategic choice, particularly under conditions of increased risks posed by the climate crisis.” Ioannidou assured that SupportCY would contribute through school visits, educational presentations, and hands-on activities led by their Volunteer Corps.
In addition to educational efforts, the program incorporates regular fire prevention patrols in rural areas, conducted in collaboration with the Cyprus Fire Service. These patrols aim to mitigate fire risks and enhance community awareness.
During the launch event, students from the nursery and primary school engaged in interactive learning sessions. Members of the Fire Service and the Association of Retired Firefighters provided briefings on fire safety protocols, while students had the opportunity to explore firefighting vehicles and equipment used by the SupportCY Volunteer Corps.
The initiative aims to foster a new generation of citizens who are more aware of fire safety, prevention strategies, and their responsibilities in emergency situations. The ongoing cooperation among the involved stakeholders is designed to instill a heightened sense of readiness to face future challenges related to fire safety.
The program marks a significant step forward in promoting safety education within schools across Cyprus, reinforcing the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding students and the broader community.