The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth has prioritized the promotion of a safe and supportive school environment, where all students will develop skills of resilience, initiative, responsibility, trust and mutual respect, said the Minister of Education Athena Michailidou at the press conference for the campaign with the theme: “I feel confident”, held on Monday.
The campaign is implemented by Unilever Tseriotis Cyprus in collaboration with the Non-Profit Organization Hope for Children–CRC Policy Center and aims to educate and inform students about the major social phenomenon of the influence Social Media has on self-esteem, external appearance and the projection of appearance standards.
The Minister of Education initially noted that a very important factor that can decisively influence the school and social life of male and female students is the feeling of self-confidence. “When we feel confident, i.e. trust in ourselves, we are able to face any challenges with optimism and determination,” he continued, adding that “it is important to recognize the importance of self-confidence in children's development, since it is the basis for success.” ?.
On this basis, the Ministry of Education implements policies and implements actions aimed at developing these skills by students, he said, adding that the Ministry launched the Safe Internet Center, which is coordinated by the Pedagogical Institute and aims to strengthen efforts for creative and safe use of the internet in the country.
He also mentioned that as part of the actions of the Safe Internet Center, the Helpline and Complaints Line 1480 also operates, which provides information, advice and support to children, young people, parents and teachers on issues related to the use of digital technologies and of the internet, while also receiving complaints about illegal actions on the internet, adding that at the same time, the Pedagogical Institute carries out relevant trainings and actions for students, parents and teachers.
Additionally, he stated that the Ministry of Education emphasizes the smooth transition of our students from one grade to another, aiming at the early recognition and treatment of the emotional difficulties that some students may present, due to the new data in life them, developing and implementing smooth transition programs to boost children's confidence and readiness for new experiences. He also mentioned that teachers and parents are trained for this purpose.
He then cited as one of the most important reforms, the expansion of pre-primary education to cover the attendance of four-year-old children, from which, as he said, the pedagogical benefits are multiple, as the earlier children enter education the more more easily they can develop the necessary skills. At the same time, this change contributes to the early diagnosis of any learning problems that lead to a decrease in children's self-confidence, he added.
He further referred to the ongoing process of modernization and updating of the Analytical Programs, with one of the objectives being the horizontal promotion of the eight basic, modern skills, as defined by the Council of Europe. He noted that the emphasis will be on the cross-curricular development of students' critical thinking and creativity and on strengthening their social and emotional skills.
In addition, he referred to the new assessment system of students which is based on multiple forms of assessment and reinforces, among other things, the promotion of life skills, emphasizing the comprehensive assessment of students and, by extension, their improvement.
As worthy of mention, he noted the implementation of programs to prevent violence and empower children from preschool age, reinforcing existing policies that are being implemented and aimed at protecting children from all forms of violence, strengthening mutual respect, so that everyone can enjoy the good of education, without discrimination and violence.
“We strive to ensure that no child is targeted, bullied or marginalized,” he added, noting that the systematic implementation of the Ministry of Education's zero tolerance policy for racism and bullying helps create a school environment in which every child he has confidence in himself and feels good, regardless of any peculiarities. She noted at the same time that in these particularly important issues, there is always room for improvement.
The Minister of Education stated that in this context, her Ministry supports the work of non-governmental organizations who are drawn up in this effort, adding that he is looking forward to the presentation of the findings of the research conducted as part of the campaign and aimed at children aged 12-18.
Finally, he reaffirmed the commitment and support of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth for cooperation to promote and exploit the work of these bodies.
Source: KYPE
