Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of establishing tighter connections between the education sector and the labour market, alongside enhancing career guidance in schools. This statement was made during his meeting with the top-performing students in the Pancyprian Examinations on Monday. He also highlighted the need for Cypriot talent and mentioned government incentives designed to encourage Cypriots working abroad to return to their homeland.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting took place at the Presidential Palace with the presence of Education, Sport and Youth Minister Athena Michaelidou. President Christodoulides engaged with the students regarding their study choices and inquired whether the career guidance provided at their schools was beneficial in shaping their decisions.
The President extended his congratulations to the students and their families for their support, noting that Cyprus ranks among the EU countries with a high percentage of secondary and technical school graduates pursuing university education. He expressed the country's desire for these young talents to return to Cyprus for work rather than remaining abroad, emphasizing the value of human capital as the nation's greatest asset.
In his remarks, President Christodoulides talked about the incentives offered by the Government to encourage Cypriots living and working abroad to return, and he expressed satisfaction with the number of returnees. He also addressed the presence of highly qualified foreign professionals in Cyprus, particularly in Limassol, whose high salaries contribute to increased rental costs. The President stressed that while the Government welcomes foreign professionals, there is also a need for Cypriots to take up such roles.
President Christodoulides pointed out the necessity for Cyprus to identify skill gaps and occupational demands. To address this, the Government has been collaborating with the Education Ministry to strengthen career guidance in schools since its first year in office. He advocated for aligning the education system with labour market needs, promoting specialist training in Cyprus for doctors, and encouraging studies in fields like information technology and mathematics.
During the meeting, some parents requested a grant for the top-performing students, noting that while schools provide awards, additional financial support is lacking except for scholarships based on financial need. President Christodoulides assured that he would discuss this request with the Education Minister and strive to implement a grant for top-performing students starting this year.