“Every child will have the right to a quality and happy childhood”
Without a doubt, we live in an era of rapid developments, where socio-economic conditions and changing values form an extremely demanding environment and constitute a serious obstacle to the decision to have children and especially to the creation of a large family, she said, in her greeting to “Celebration of the Large Family”, held in Nicosia, by the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athina Michailidou.
“You, dear friends, have ignored the challenges and adversities of the times, choosing to focus on the joy and blessing of having many children. Your own families are a brilliant example of human dynamism, which manages to turn trouble into creative energy, shortcomings into motivation and every moment into an opportunity for development and improvement of everyday life”, he added, noting that he is particularly happy and also moved to participate at today's event, which is organized by the Provincial Committee for Multiple Children of Nicosia.
“An event of giving and love to the children of large families who will attend the 1st grade of primary school this year, a “Celebration of the Large Family”, as it is very aptly called, which highlights the important role played by large families, but also the long-term contribution of both the Pancypriot Organization of Multiple Children and the Provincial Committee of Multiple Children of Nicosia to our society”, he added.
The Government, Ms. continued. Michailidou, “recognizing the importance of having many children, but also the ever-increasing needs and financial difficulties that you have to face every day, sets as its priority the creation of a family-friendly environment, adopting policies that encourage childbearing, support large families and offer quality care and learning services for our children”.
“Evidence is also the new support package “In every authority together”, amounting to approximately 10 million euros, the basic parameters of which have already been announced by the President of the Republic himself. The package, through which support for more than 45 thousand male and female students will begin to be provided upon their return to our schools, also includes a one-time aid of 150 euros for thousands of families with more than three school-aged children”, he added.
He said, at the same time, that the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, “through my presence here today, expresses its immense respect and appreciation for the contribution of the large family in our country, which we will continue to support in every possible way” .
“On the basis of concrete plans and in the context of the modern, democratic and inclusive school we seek through the policies we implement, we will continue to aim to reduce the financial burden for families facing difficulties, while ensuring the full participation of all, including children, in education” , he noted.
Addressing the parents with many children, Ms. Michailidou warmly congratulated them, because, as he said, “with your dedication and selfless contribution, you are bright examples for the whole society and contribute the most to building a better future for the next generations”.
“The laughter and voices that flood the space here today, but also our souls, force us to ensure that every child will have the right to a quality and happy childhood. My warm congratulations also go to the President and the members of the Nicosia Provincial Committee for Large Children, who with their important work and their numerous actions offer essential support to families with large children, contributing to the upgrading of their quality of life”, he said.
Addressing the children, the Minister of Education said that “in a few days the new school year will begin for you, for the first time in primary school”.
“I am sure that together with acquaintances and new friends, with your teachers, you will enjoy an exciting journey of knowledge and creation. The school bag and the other school items you receive today from the Nicosia Provincial Committee for Multiple Children are a symbolic and very useful gift, necessary for your new beautiful journey. I wish everyone a good and creative school year”, he concluded.
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