The education ministry supports actions to preserve the identity of different religious groups in Cyprus, according to Education Minister Athena Michaelidou.
Cyprus, having signed the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities of the Council of Europe, has the contractual obligation to protect and promote elements of different cultural heritages.
These include the elements of identity, customs, traditions and culture of the Armenian, Maronite and Latin communities, Michaelidou said at the annual performance of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society of Cyprus held on Saturday at the Strovolos municipal theatre.
Hence, the minister noted, the education ministry supports morally and financially actions and synergies that aim to preserve and promote elements of the cultural heritage of Armenians, Maronites and Latins.
The education ministry supports in every way the operation of the Armenian Nareg schools, where the Armenian language, history, religion and culture are taught.
Furthermore, “specific units on the Armenians of Cyprus have been included in the curricula of History and Religious Education of public schools, to record their historical presence and highlight their enormous contribution to the social, economic and cultural development of Cyprus,” she added.
Michaelidou said that the education ministry stands by every effort in this direction, recognising that the culture of the Armenians of Cyprus is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Cyprus.
Thanking the organisers of the event, the minister expressed hope that such commendable initiatives will be undertaken in the future and “give the Armenians of Cyprus the opportunity to come together, present their work and art, and pass on to their children all the elements of collective memory that they carry from generation to generation”.