The need for increased funding for Special Education was highlighted in the Parliamentary Education Committee, which convened on Wednesday to address the challenges faced by special schools in Cyprus.
Following the session, the Committee’s Chair and several members spoke about the pressing issues in special education, noting that they are awaiting updated legislation from the Ministry of Education. Additionally, they emphasised that there is a need for increased funding dedicated to Special Education.
Pavlos Mylonas, Chair of the Parliamentary Education Committee and MP from DIKO, underlined the importance of supporting approximately 700 children enrolled in special schools, stating, “Special schools in free Cyprus are perhaps the most vital mission for the Education Committee, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Finance, the President, and all other relevant bodies that are responsible for supporting these children.”
He added, “We are on the right path,” while also expressing that substantial funding is required to establish modern, comprehensive, and adequate facilities for these children and their families. “We must all think of ways to secure these funds,” Mylonas stressed.
He went on to highlight the lack of infrastructure, the necessity for specialised personnel, and the need to establish reception and support structures for individuals with disabilities over the age of 21. “Other matters can wait. These cannot,” he emphasised.
DISY MP Prodromos Alabritis stated that during the Committee session, representatives from the educational staff, school administrations, and parents appealed for further support and improvements in special schools. This includes infrastructure, escorts, and social workers. He added, “Another issue that emerged is the need to renew the fleet of buses transporting students to their schools.”
Mylonas reiterated the pressing infrastructure needs of special schools, along with the requirement for specialised staff, the presence of social workers, and the need to address the segregation of people with disabilities based on their age and the nature of their disabilities.
He also noted, “We have posed further questions to the Ministry of Education. Unfortunately, we received only general responses,” and added that the Ministry has not provided a clear timeline for submitting the bill to modernise Special Education legislation.
AKEL MP Andreas Kafkalias expressed concerns about the delay in formalising legislation for Unified Special Education, noting that it does not support efforts to address the actual issues in special education and the unique challenges faced by special schools.
Source: CNA
