Issues concerning youth participation in decision-making, access to higher education opportunities, and the role of education in democratic citizenship were discussed by Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, at the Informal Meeting of EU Education and Youth Ministers. The meeting took place on September 18 and 19 in Zaragoza, Spain, as part of Spain’s EU Council Presidency. ?n the first day of the proceedings, the Minister participated in the Youth Ministers’ Session, where the topic of enhancing youth involvement in decision-making processes was deliberated, a Ministry of Education press release issued here today says. Michaelidou stressed the importance of empowering youth and said that the Cypriot government is drafting the 2nd National Youth Strategy. Additionally, she pointed out the significant role of the Cyprus Youth Organisation and the importance of the “EU Youth Dialogue” as a robust example of multi-level participation processes. During the Higher Education Ministers’ Session, Ministers discussed ensuring a more inclusive higher education and providing greater access opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the press release adds. The Minister referred to “the need for targeted financial support, flexible study programmes, and specialised teaching methods.” She also shared best practices implemented by Cyprus, such as data collection for students to shape targeted policies. The press release continues noting that the policy discussion among Education Ministers, highlighted the role of education in strengthening democratic citizenship and common European values. Michaelidou, it says, emphasised the importance of these values for the coexistence of Europeans and presented programmes and policies implemented by Cyprus to reinforce them, including experiential teaching of democratic citizenship. Furthermore, she stressed the need to enhance cooperation with the Council of Europe and provide more opportunities for student participation in programmes simulating democratic processes.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
