Education and culture need conscious effort and dedication, says the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Prodromos Prodromou, in his message on the occasion of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
« But they are the surest prospect for your future,” he adds.
Addressing the pupils, students and teachers, the Minister of Education mentions in his message that together with all Christians we celebrate the birth of Christ, the celebration of love for man and the world, with faith for salvation.< /p>
“On this occasion I send you all warm wishes for Christmas and the holidays”, he adds.
He notes that the word of God reached the earth and the people with the incarnation of Jesus Christ, as a word of love.
“The presence of Christ next to man caused the truth to shine and universal and timeless values to emerge. With his life, Christ projected the relationship of love through understanding. It highlighted the need for self-awareness and the power of forgiveness. He proposed a world of peace,” he adds.
Mr. Prodromou also mentions that today, two thousand years later, “we reflect that our world is still plagued by wars and calamities, which spread misery in so many people”.
“Many of our fellow human beings are still hungry, suffering, falling victim to deception and exploitation, becoming refugees and being chased from their homes. We see inhumane treatment and discrimination. At the altar of interests and in the name of progress, people often enslave themselves to petty material goals and cease to be guided by values. We see brute power being imposed with arrogance, vanity being cultivated and truth being falsified. The environment is still being destroyed and our planet itself is at risk from habits and behaviors that we have learned to consider as normal everyday life”, he adds.
He notes, at the same time, that these days, along with every smile, “let's show a face of love to others and share a relationship of brotherhood”.
“Let's remember that through the example of the Christian manger there is always a message of modesty and humility, selflessness and giving. In the familiar and warm environment where we will find ourselves with our family and other loved ones, let us share the joy of the days renewing the faith for a better tomorrow, the hope for the world”, he adds.
Mr. Prodromou mentions in his message that the last days of the year are indeed suitable for reflection.
“It is time to reflect that no matter how great the challenges are, there are always opportunities. That each of us has a share of responsibility, but also that we will not be able to improve the world without knowledge and without cooperation. With a sense of duty, but also with the power of will, we need to join forces to build a society with more understanding and solidarity and to build a healthier environment, creating conditions of sustainability for our planet”, he notes.
Addressing the students, Mr. Prodromou states that as young people “you have every right to hope and seek a better world”.
“But for this purpose you must first become the best people the world needs. Set goals and strive to achieve them. So take advantage of the opportunities offered to you. Make the most of the opportunities your school gives you in order to learn as much as possible, cultivate your mind and soul, acquire skills and develop your personality,” he notes.
Don't give up, continues Mr. Prodromou, in the sirens of ease and indifference or in temporary and illusory satisfactions.
“Education and cultivation require conscious effort and dedication. But they are the surest prospect for your future. In these days when we are preparing to welcome the new year with hope and expectation, adopt goals and continue to claim them consistently,” he notes.
The Minister of Education also mentions that at the end of another year “we also realize what time passes by”.
“Still gazing with bitterness and indignation at the trampled Pentadaktylos, we renew our commitment to never rest while Turkey usurps our lands, violating every law and principle of the civilized world. Let us not accept nor get used to foreign occupation and usurpation. In the face of the daily heated threats they throw out, let us steel our commitment not to compromise with the national crime committed 48 years ago in Cyprus”, he adds.
As he notes, “we do not forget that our goal is to the time has come to celebrate Christmas freely in the churches of our favorite places, in Famagusta, Morphou, Kyrenia and Karpasia”. development and prosperity, I send you personal wishes for health, above all, but also for you to achieve your personal goals and for your hopes and expectations to be justified. I wholeheartedly wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and fruitful 2023″, concludes the Minister of Education, in his message.
