Press Releases

It is with great pleasure that I am here today with you, at this beautiful event that has been prepared in collaboration with the First Technical School of Nicosia, in the context of the “Weeks of the German Language 2023”.

The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth supports the “Weeks of the German Language” this year, as our goals coincide.

By promoting the German language, we support multilingualism and intercultural dialogue in Cyprus and contribute to the deepening of relations between Cyprus, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Multilingualism constitutes a basic pillar of the Ministry’s educational policy. Aligned with EU priorities, the Ministry promotes language competences, which are nowadays indispensable for mobility, cooperation, and mutual understanding across borders.

German language has a significant place in the practices and policies of the Ministry, as it provides our young generation with many benefits and endless possibilities. German is in fact the most widely spoken native language in the European Union and the German speaking countries are known for their attractive job markets and study opportunities.

As you already know, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth has initiated a pilot programme aimed at introducing German language education in public secondary schools. For the current school year, this pilot programme is being implemented in selected schools in Nicosia and Limassol, and the intention is to expand it to schools in other regions, contingent upon an evaluation of its effectiveness.

The Weeks of the German Language also aim to bring audiences closer to the culture of the German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Without any doubt, food is an inextricable part of a country’s culture. That is why we have organised today’s event. Our students have prepared a brunch inspired by the cuisine of the German-speaking countries. I would like to warmly congratulate them for the fine result!

Of course, today’s event would not be possible without the support of the Directorate of Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the contribution of the school management, and the devoted teachers of the First Technical School of Nicosia. I would like to offer my most sincere gratitude to all of them for their tireless efforts and commitment.

I would also like to thank the European and International Affairs Office of our Ministry, as well as the Embassies of Germany, Austria and Switzerland for their support in organising this event.

(IP/AP)