Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus has an obligation to provide children with special needs opportunities to continue their education or enter the workforce after completing compulsory schooling. He made the remarks on Friday during a visit to a school in Nicosia.
Inter-ministerial dialogue and business involvement
Christodoulides said the state has a responsibility to offer all children the same opportunities and that a dialogue has begun with the participation of multiple ministries. He said those involved include the education ministry, the social welfare deputy ministry, the health ministry, and the commerce ministry.
He highlighted the commerce ministry’s participation, saying businesses should also be involved in discussions on future opportunities for children with special needs.
Further education or direct entry into work
Christodoulides said the aim is to support children in line with their wishes after they finish school, whether that involves further education or moving directly into work. He said the state must provide the opportunity for both pathways.
Health and education as investment
He said the government does not treat health and education as areas for savings or solely as economic policy, but as an investment in the country’s future and as a basic obligation to provide equal opportunities to all children.
Extension to age 22 and upcoming announcements
Christodoulides said the government last year extended special education provisions to individuals with special needs up to the age of 22, but added this is not a permanent solution. He said additional ideas have been developed and will be announced before September to support students who wish to continue studying after school or to work, with the state creating a framework to facilitate those choices.
What opportunities should the state prioritise for students with special needs after they complete compulsory education?
