Press Releases

Meine Damen und Herren, guten Morgen!

It is with great pleasure that I am here today with you, at this beautiful event that has been organised in collaboration with the Technical School of Larnaca, in the context of the “Weeks of the German Language 2024”.

The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth supports the “Weeks of the German Language”, as multilingualism constitutes a basic pillar of our educational policy. Aligned with European Union’s (EU) priorities, we consider multilingualism as one of the key competences needed for personal fulfilment, a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, employability, active citizenship and social inclusion.

By promoting the German language, in particular, we support intercultural dialogue in Cyprus and contribute to the deepening of relations between Cyprus, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. German language has a significant place in the policies of the Ministry, as it offers a multitude of educational and professional opportunities to our young generation. German is the most widely spoken native language in the EU and the German-speaking countries are known for their attractive job markets and study opportunities.

Learning German is indeed a worthwhile investment in the future. Therefore, I am particularly pleased that for a second consecutive year we offer, on a pilot basis, to our students the opportunity to learn German in public secondary schools. The Pilot Programme of learning German started during the previous school year in four public secondary schools in Lefkosia and Lemesos, and it expanded to Pafos at the beginning of the current school year. The four Pilot schools have now increased to six, with a subsequent increase of the number of students, who opted to learn German.  Our intention is to gradually expand the Programme to schools in other regions, as well as to Technical and Vocational Schools if there is sufficient interest from the students.

The “Weeks of the German Language” also aim to bring audiences closer to the culture of the German-speaking countries such as 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 German-speaking countries. I would like to warmly congratulate them for the fine result.

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 Technical School of Larnaca. 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 Embassies of Germany, Austria and Switzerland for their support in organizing this event.

Now let us all enjoy the brunch dishes prepared by our students.

Guten Appetit!

(IP/MS)