Cyprus supports the values of Francophonie, Education Minister says

Cyprus' long-standing support to the principles and values advocated by Francophonie, as well as the importance of the French language have been underlined by Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou.

Her comments were included in an address at a 22 February press conference, during which the events for Francophonie Month 2024 were presented.

The Minister, whose address was read by a representative of the Ministry, also referred to the policies implemented which aim to promote the French language and multilingualism in general.

The press conference was attended by the Ambassadors of France, Greece, Switzerland, Lebanon, and a representative of the Consulate of Canada which are the member countries of the International Organisation of Francophonie based in Cyprus.

According to a press release, through their interventions, the speakers highlighted the educational and cultural value of the Francophonie and its wider importance as a means of strengthening cooperation, solidarity and intercultural dialogue.

The events of the International Francophonie Month are organised, during March, by the French Embassy and the French Institute of Cyprus, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the University of Cyprus, as well as the Embassies and Consulates of the countries -members of the International Organisation of Francophonie based in Cyprus and other educational and social bodies.

The events of the Francophonie Month 2024 include competitions, excursions, lectures, film screenings, and musical and culinary events.

The Secondary General Education in collaboration with the French Institute of Cyprus have organised a School Competition with the theme "Faster, higher, stronger - together and in French! In what way are European female athletes a role model for young people?"

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 21 March.

In addition, the Hotel Branch of Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training, organises an official dinner, dedicated to the gastronomy of French-speaking countries, on 14 March.  

In addition, the Department of French and European Studies of the University of Cyprus has organised a competition with the theme: "Hip-Hop culture and French-speaking rap". The competition is aimed at young people aged 14 and over and is supported by the Ministry of Education. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 16 March, at 4 pm, at the University of Cyprus.