Cyprus is starting a new plan. Social workers will now work in schools. This is part of a pilot program. It begins this school year. They will work with educational psychologists. The main goal is to help with violence. It also aims to build stronger minds for students and teachers.
This program is a big part of changes in education. The Education Minister, Athena Michailidou, supports this. The country wants to change how students learn. They want to move from just memorizing facts. Instead, they will focus on skills for jobs. Minister Michailidou said the goal is to focus on skills by 2026. They are also finishing lists for new teachers. Special education laws are also being changed.
Social workers are needed for many reasons. They will help stop violence and bad behaviour in schools. This is a growing problem. The program will give students professional help. This helps them deal with problems. It also helps them feel better emotionally. Teachers will also get support. The ministry knows families are important. They want to involve parents more.
Social workers will work with psychologists. This will create a good support system. Teachers will get guides to help with difficult behaviour. Schools will have special groups for violence prevention. This will make schools safer. School counselors and teachers will also have more support. Security is also being improved in high schools. Cameras are being installed.
This plan also connects to a new work experience program. It starts in March or April for Year 11 students. Students will spend three days a week at work. This helps them learn practical skills. This is important in Europe now. Minister Michailidou said these changes are all connected. They are not doing things one by one. This program should help reduce school violence. It should also improve mental health for everyone.