Nicosia: Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Head of Humanitarian Affairs for Missing Persons and the Enclaved of the Republic of Cyprus, Anna Aristotelous, described the graduation ceremony of Kormakitis Primary School, which takes place for the first time after 26 years, as a historic event. “Today we are witnessing a historic event, a moment of deep emotions and high symbolism. After 26 years of silence, the Kormakitis Kindergarten and Primary School is regaining life, voices and a future,” Aristotelous stressed.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Aristotelous highlighted that the reopening of the Kormakitis Kindergarten and Primary School was the result of many efforts and coordinated actions by the government, the community, and those who believed that Kormakitis should not be left behind. She emphasized that it is clear today that this effort was worthwhile.
The graduation of two children from the Kormakitis Kindergarten and Primary School is seen as a milestone for the community, Aristotelous noted. She remarked that the event demonstrates that a school is not just a building, but a symbol of memory, identity, roots, and hope for the community.
The reopening of the school in July 2023 was acknowledged as a confirmation that the state recognizes the rights of the enclaved and resettled individuals and takes education seriously as a pillar of survival. Aristotelous expressed gratitude to those who worked tirelessly for this achievement, including the Representative of the Maronites Religious Group at the House of Representatives, Yiannakis Moussa, the Minister of Education, Athena Michailidou, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who personally supported the plan to reopen the schools.
Aristotelous concluded by stating that the government’s support for the Maronite community is multidimensional and is already being implemented with measurable results.
Cyprus has been divided by Turkish troops since 1974, when Turkish soldiers invaded and have since occupied 37% of the Republic’s territory. Shortly after the invasion, around 20,000 Greek Cypriots remained in their homes in the areas occupied by Turkey. Over the years, the number of these ‘enclaved’ persons has dwindled due to appalling living conditions and restrictions imposed on their daily lives. Educational and religious freedoms, as well as individual freedoms, are curtailed by the occupation regime.