Address by the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Athena Michaelides, at the press conference for the “Weeks of the German Language 2025”

From:

Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth

06/11/25 17:04 | Speech / Address | Education, Sport and Youth

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you once again this year to the press conference organised by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, together with the Embassies of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as the Goethe‑Institut Zypern, on the occasion of the “Weeks of the German Language 2025”.

This year’s events will take place from 10 to 29 November 2025. As every year, their main aim is to invite students, teachers, families, and the wider public to engage with the German language and the vibrant cultures of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

I am especially pleased to highlight that on 12 November, students participating in the pilot programme of German language will visit the Goethe‑Institut in Lefkosia, where a specially designed programme will be organised for them. This visit will bring together students from all pilot schools – in Lefkosia, Lemesos, and Pafos – giving them the opportunity to meet with each other, engage with German-speaking teachers and take part in enjoyable activities. The Gymnasium students will participate in an interactive workshop focusing on the history of Germany and the fall of the Berlin Wall. As for the Lyceum students, they will first visit the Embassy of Germany in Lefkosia before heading to the Goethe-Institut. The programme at the German Embassy aims to give them the opportunity to get to know the Embassy building and to meet in person the Ambassador of Germany to Cyprus, Dr Hans-Peter Jugel. I would like to sincerely thank the German Embassy for this initiative and for generously covering the transportation costs, making this enriching experience possible for our students.

The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth fully supports the Weeks of the German Language, as multilingualism remains a basic pillar of our educational policy. Within a modern, student‑centred, inclusive school system, we recognise that language competence is fundamental for personal fulfilment, employability, active citizenship, and social inclusion.

In particular, the German language offers our young generation many benefits, opening doors to further studies, professional opportunities, and meaningful participation in a globalised world. German is among the most widely spoken languages in the European Union and plays a leading role in science, culture, and economic exchange. It enables access to world‑class higher education in German‑speaking countries, and through it, our students can widen their horizons, develop intercultural competence, and gain enhanced employability.

The pilot programme for learning German in public secondary schools continues to expand and evolve. It is now in its third consecutive year, and each year we see the number of participating students grow, reflecting its increasing value and impact.

The challenge that lies ahead is the official certification of the German language competences acquired by our students. Our intention is to strengthen our cooperation with the Goethe‑Institut to introduce recognised certification of German language proficiency. We are fully aware that this step is essential for the success of the pilot programme, as it will enhance the value of German language study and further motivate our learners.

Allow me to express my sincere thanks to the teachers and principals of the pilot schools, as well as to the Directorate of Secondary General Education and the European and International Affairs Bureau of the Ministry, for their dedicated efforts in promoting this programme.

Let me take this opportunity to also thank the Embassies of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as the Goethe‑Institut Zypern, for their unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we continue to strengthen educational and cultural ties with German‑speaking countries and to enrich the educational journey of our youth.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth remains fully committed to enhancing language education and expanding educational horizons for our students. Through the “Weeks of the German Language 2025”, we renew our call to embrace multilingualism, promote intercultural dialogue, and build a more connected, inclusive future.

Thank you all for your presence here today. I wish every success to the upcoming events of the “Weeks of the German Language 2025”.

(IP/GS/KA)

Address by the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Athena Michaelides, at the press conference for the “Weeks of the German Language 2025”

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