Address by the President of the Democratic Rally, Mr. Averof Neofytou at the event for education co-organized by the Student Organization Protoporia with the title
“Education for the future. Good practices from Finland and how they can be adopted in Cyprus”
Thursday, April 4th, Filoxenia Conference Center, 6.30 p.m.
Your Excellency Ambassador of Finland,
Dear Ms. Jaana Palojarvi,
Dear organizers,
Dear friends,
It is a great pleasure for me to be addressing this very important event, co-organized by the Democratic Rally Student Organization Protoporia, the Teachers’ Movement “Allagi”, the Associations for people with Autism, people with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and people with Down Syndrome and the Embassy of Finland in Cyprus.
I would like to firstly to congratulate all the organizers. The topic of your event “Education for the future” is a pillar for any country that wishes to move forward and prosper. And we can only do that by investing in education and in the younger generations.
Equally important is to learn from the good practices of other countries. Allow me to welcome to Cyprus Ms. Jaana Palojarvi, the Director of International Affairs of the Ministry of Education of Finland.
The Finnish education system is world-renowned and considered one of the best – if not the best education system in the world. It is very important for Cyprus to examine the good practices and see how they can be adopted in Cyprus.
Moreover, today’s event is also special for another reason. It views education in an inclusive manner for all children.
Dear Friends,
For the Democratic Rally and myself, and I am sure for everyone in the room and every parent in Cyprus, education is the pillar of any society.
Without an education fit for the future challenges and opportunities, any big vision we have for our country will remain an idea on paper. The chances of success of any strategy for the future will be seriously diminished.
Fast technological advancements and globalization change the world as we know it in a very fast pace. Different skills are needed to be able to compete in the global arena.
It is a fact that the brains of a country can be a competitive advantage, regardless of the size of the country. And the competitive advantage of Cyprus is in its people and especially in the younger generations. We therefore have an obligation to unleash their abilities and creativity, to teach them skills and give them the tools to prepare for the future.
Our vision for Cyprus 2030, of a modern prosperous European country, is based on an enhanced education system.
Our economy is indeed growing at the remarkable rate of approximately 4%, one of the fastest growing economies in the Eurozone. And now is the time to proceed with reforms for a truly modern and future-proof state.
We envision a country where the parents’ dreams for their children will include entrepreneurship and creativity. Where schools and universities will equip all our children with all the necessary skills for value adding jobs in the future.
To create a modern education system on all accounts based on modern methodologies. Where the parents will take their children to school and pick them up in the afternoon after a full creative day. Where the children will be done with homework and classwork before they go home. An education system providing all children with the necessary comprehensive education and skills for the needs of the future. Not just of today.
An education system allowing families to spend quality time with their children.
For a prosperous, modern Cyprus of tomorrow we need to create and enhance today all the structures that will allow Cypriot minds to venture and prosper.
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address you tonight and congratulate you once again for the organization of this important event.
I am looking forward to the keynote of our esteemed guest from Finland and to the discussion that will follow.
Thank you.
