Nicosia: New Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tina Pavlou pledged on Thursday to continue the Ministry's work and stand 'by the families of Cyprus who are suffering and need us,' during a handover ceremony in Nicosia. Outgoing Deputy Minister Clea Papaellina noted that Pavlou was taking over a Ministry amid significant reforms and prospects.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Pavlou expressed pride in assuming the role from 'worthy people' and committed to building upon her predecessor's efforts. With 30 years of experience at the Agia Skepi drug rehabilitation centre, she emphasized her strong alignment with the Ministry's mission, saying, 'I feel as though I am entering my own home.' Pavlou sees supporting less privileged individuals as her duty and life mission, acknowledging the dedication of welfare officers whose contributions have often gone unrecognized.
Papaellina reflected on her tenure, which emphasized modern social policy extending beyond mere benefits to foster participation, independent living, social inclusion, and equal rights. She highlighted recent legislative advancements for people with disabilities, noting increased allowances and expanded eligibility as income criteria were abolished. She also stressed the importance of enhancing the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and implementing a new policy framework for vocational training and care during the transition to adulthood.
Other initiatives mentioned by Papaellina included the True Heart Caf©, a social enterprise employing people with autism, and a new £2 million autism center in Nicosia slated for completion in 2028. She also outlined efforts in community work schemes, early childhood education, and welfare services modernization. Key priorities for Pavlou include implementing the new disability policy framework, strengthening the relevant department, modernizing welfare services, and enhancing child and adolescent protection.