Cyprus will pilot social workers in schools this year alongside educational psychologists to tackle violence and build mental resilience, as part of a broader push to transform education away from rote learning.
Education Minister Athena Michailidou said the ministry’s 2026 priorities centre on moving “from content, rote learning and excessive theory towards skills” that help students navigate both the job market and the wider world.
The shift stems from European priorities but follows “a balanced approach, not only emphasis on skills but also on humanistic education and values,” Michailidou told the Cyprus News Agency.
Beyond the social worker pilot, the ministry’s agenda includes finalising a long-delayed teacher appointment list, reforming special education laws, and revamping a work experience programme that will see Year 11 students spend three days per week in workplaces starting in March or April.
Special education reform advancing
The ministry is “at an advanced stage of consultation on special education” and hopes to have an amended bill ready soon, Michailidou said. The proposed legislation aims to move special education towards more unified and inclusive schooling.
The social workers will work with educational psychologists to address violence and delinquency whilst supporting mental resilience amongst both students and teachers. “We continue a holistic approach, we don’t go piecemeal and fragmented. Everything we do supports our dual goal of a more effective school and a more inclusive school,” she said.
Violence prevention protocols rolled out
The ministry has compiled protocols and recommendations into handbooks for teachers handling delinquency, now being sent to schools in electronic and printed formats.
Schools are establishing teacher groups responsible for violence prevention and response, whilst the ministry strengthens the roles of school counsellors and class teachers. Statistical data suggests these roles work, with children trusting and speaking to these staff members, Michailidou said.
The ministry continues investing in cameras, which appear to produce results after school hours, and security officers deployed to many secondary schools. Violence and delinquency are also family matters, she added, explaining that the ministry is upgrading engagement with organised parent associations to ensure parents receive proper information.
Work week returns ‘more modern’
Evaluation data from across Europe shows work week programmes help develop skills and improve career choices, Michailidou said.
Starting in March or April, Year 11 students will spend three days weekly in workplaces of their choosing under full school supervision, with parent and teacher signatures ensuring oversight. The remaining two days will feature labour market professionals presenting to all students.
“For us it’s important that children are given opportunities, are properly informed, and know where to draw information for their vocational training and counselling,” the minister said.
The ministry has also piloted career guidance in 16 primary schools, where counsellors explain choices like technical school versus lyceum and career paths.
The returning work week is “more modern because it won’t be five days where valuable time is lost. On the contrary, it will be valuable time for children to gain skills and receive information both inside their school and mainly in the workplace they choose,” Michailidou said.
Disability rights defended
Asked about a public statement by an MEP regarding people with intellectual disabilities and Paralympic athletes, Michailidou said anyone making such statements must be very careful.
“We fully respect people with disabilities, we treat people with disabilities equally, especially in schools. Opportunities must be exactly the same for everyone,” she said. “We condemn any statement that either degrades or insults in any way people with disabilities, especially children or athletes.”
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