THE NEW Minister of Education and Culture Akis Kleanthous was sworn in yesterday pledging to do his best for education.
The special ceremony at the Presidential Palace, was turned into a tribute to Kleanthous’ predecessor, the late Pefkios Georgiades who died suddenly last month.
Kleanthous, who was more recently chairman of the Cyprus Stock Exchange, said it was an honour for him to succeed Georgiades and pledged to fulfil the late Minister’s vision for education.
“For those who knew the unforgettable Pefkios Georgiades they also know the passion and the determination with which he carried out his work in this Ministry. He had gained the confidence of all of us and what’s more important, h had gained the hearts of all the students, which is not an easy thing,” said Kleanthous.
“He also has undoubtedly done important and valuable work, such as the establishment of free pre-primary education, the all-day primary school, the creation of two new Universities and many other tasks.”
The new Minister pledged to complete the programme of educational reform and all other issues pending before the Ministry.
“We begin with the new generation to develop an education system that we can all be proud of because we are proud of the human potential of Cyprus,” he added.
“It is our obligation to see to that the new generations will be better and more dynamic than us.”
President Tassos Papadopoulos said that education and culture, had a special dimension and importance for Cyprus, given the occupation of the north.
Papadopoulos reiterated his deep sorrow over the death of Georgiades, and praised his important contribution during his term in office.
He also expressed his appreciation for Minister of the Interior Neoklis Sylikiotis who took over as Minister of Education, after Georgiades’ death.
Papadopoulos said he was certain that Kleanthous was more than capable of responding to the challenge “with responsibility and conscientiousness” and wished himself every success.
“I am certain that Mr Kleanthous fully understands the great responsibilities he is assuming and will work hard to fulfil the heavy burden he will be carrying as of today,” Papadopoulos said.
“I assure him that he will have me as his aide, supporter and partner in the fulfilment of this mission.”
