President Nikos Christodoulides referred today to the government's intention to upgrade the building infrastructure of the School for the Deaf, during a visit accompanied by Education Minister Athina Michaelidou to mark the start of the new school year.
Addressing students and staff at the school, the President said he had chosen, in discussion with the Education Minister, to include the School for the Deaf among the three educational institutions visited for the new school year, stressing that a state is judged by whether it offers equal opportunities to all its citizens, regardless of their particular needs.
"This image honours no one"
Christodoulides said this had been a goal of his government since taking office, and welcomed the recent reform of disability benefits carried out by Marilena Evangelou, former Deputy Minister of Welfare and now Chair of the School for the Deaf's Board of Directors.
He said the Council of Ministers is expected on 30 September to approve a reform of special education, the first such reform in 30 years, with an emphasis on individualised education tailored to each student's needs.
Referring to the school's former boarding facility, the President said: "This image here does not honour anyone. Above all, it does not honour us as a state." He announced that construction work will begin in January 2027, at a cost of €1.5 million, describing it as "an investment, not a cost."
Emergency funding announced
The President also announced that, within the following week, the government would provide €10,000 in emergency assistance to address immediate needs at the school, marking the start of the new school year. He said he expected visible changes by his next visit to the school.
Christodoulides added that Evangelou's appointment to chair the school's board reflected both her experience and her genuine commitment to bringing about improvement.
Following his remarks, the President toured the school and planted a tree in the courtyard to mark the visit.
