**New Special Education Unit Announced as Children Help Shape Reforms**
President Nikos Christodoulides announced the establishment of a new special education and inclusion unit within the Ministry of Education on Thursday. This initiative aims to consolidate all existing special education services into a single structure, marking a significant step towards creating a more coordinated system for children with disabilities and their families.
The announcement took place during an event at the presidential palace, where children with disabilities were invited to share their experiences directly with government officials. President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of this new unit, stating that it would serve as a single point of reference for parents seeking assistance and resources for their children. "The aim is to create a single point of reference for parents," he said.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to modernize Cyprus' education system. The president noted that the insights shared by the children during the event would contribute to ongoing consultations aimed at reforming the country’s 27-year-old special education legislation. Addressing the children, Christodoulides expressed a desire to reverse traditional roles in educational discussions. "Until now, in every discussion about your education, we have listened to your parents, teachers, and specialists. Today I want to hear from you. You speak, and we are here to listen," he stated.
The president encouraged the children to discuss their needs, the challenges they face in school, and the changes they believe are necessary for improvement. He also outlined proposed legislative changes that would introduce more personalized assessments for each child's needs and ensure that all pupils graduate with a common school attendance certificate, thereby eliminating distinctions between students.
Christodoulides reassured attendees that the government would not wait for the new legislation to be approved before implementing improvements. He highlighted several measures already in place, including the recruitment of 474 additional support escorts for primary education and 105 for secondary education. Furthermore, the government has expanded training programs for teachers, school assistants, and escorts.
In addition to these initiatives, the president announced the construction of two new facilities: the Apostolos Loukas Special School and the Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home Special School in Limassol. He also noted that all special schools now operate during the summer months to provide better support for families.
Other significant measures include extending school attendance until the age of 22 and enhancing parental leave rights for parents of children with disabilities until their child reaches the age of 21. Christodoulides revealed that work is already underway across various ministries to develop a comprehensive proposal addressing the transition of students after they leave school at 22. This plan, which is set to be presented in mid-July, will encompass education, vocational training, employment, and care, ensuring continued support as these individuals transition into adulthood.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled (Kysoa) and was attended by children with disabilities, their families, teachers, the Minister of Education, deputy ministers, the commissioner for administration, and other government officials.
This new initiative represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance the educational landscape for children with disabilities in Cyprus, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for both students and their families.