Politis

Upgraded Education for Hospitalized Children from New School Year - Satisfaction in Education Committee

Published January 21, 2026, 17:21
Upgraded Education for Hospitalized Children from New School Year - Satisfaction in Education Committee

Protocols for providing upgraded education to children hospitalized in Cyprus or abroad, or who cannot attend school for medical reasons, are expected to be implemented from the new school year, members of the Parliamentary Education Committee announced on Wednesday, expressing their satisfaction with this development. The Committee continued its discussion on the need to plan organized and institutionalized education for all children who remain out of their main school for long periods due to health reasons. In statements after the session, the Chairman of the Committee, Pavlos Mylonas, said that today is "one of those moments when you can feel satisfied because you are a Member of Parliament". He noted that in October, "after various information" they had in the Education Committee about the problems faced by children hospitalized in the Pediatric Oncology Department of Makarios Hospital, as well as children with other serious chronic illnesses, and children with psychiatric or mental illnesses, the Ministry had "committed" to implementing protocols following the Committee's proposals and with the support of various stakeholders. According to Mr. Mylonas, these children "had serious problems attending classes and completing their education under the existing legislation". After discussion in October, he said, "with great joy, and I congratulate the Ministry of Education, which adopted them, left the field of dialogue open and will soon have the Ministry with the protocols so that no one can deviate from this process to support children who have the obligation of the state and the Republic to provide education and whatever else they need when they suffer from various diseases". He referred to home education, distance learning "and many other tools at their disposal". Mr. Mylonas noted that "a very important factor" is also the OKYPY and health services, the psychological support of children and families "and of course the training of educators so that they can respond to the very difficult educational needs of these children". Georgios Karoullas, a DISY MP, in his statements, welcomed the Ministry of Education's statement that the relevant protocol is being prepared after consultation "and we expect it to operate next September so that children hospitalized in the Pediatric Oncology Department can receive education while in pain". He noted that the state has a duty to provide these children with equal opportunities.