Meeting with the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Mrs Athena Michaelidou

The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Mrs Athena Michaelidou, recently met with representatives of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory in a crucial meeting that marks the beginning of a series of actions to bridge the generation gap and combat ageism. During the meeting, the Observatory presented a detailed memorandum containing policies and actions to bridge the generation gap and promote a society free of age discrimination.

The proposals discussed at the meeting are far-reaching. They include developing educational programmes that instil awareness and respect for older people, starting from preschool and primary education. The creation of interactive learning modules, the promotion of intergenerational learning through school-based mentoring and collaboration programmes, and the empowerment of frontline teachers were among the proposed actions. The Minister of Education underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping a culture of respect and empathy. This, in turn, will help diminish prejudice and stereotypes between different age groups, fostering a more inclusive society.

In addition to educational initiatives, the memorandum proposes broader social actions, such as national public awareness campaigns and the adoption of legislative measures to strengthen protection against age discrimination. The role of technology in bridging the intergenerational gap is also highlighted, with digital literacy programmes for older people and the creation of online communities that promote cooperation between young and older people. This innovative approach gives hope for a future where age is not a barrier to participation in society. The Minister undertook to take these proposals forward to the relevant committees to implement integrated policies to support the participation of all citizens, regardless of age, in public and social life.

Mr. Demos Antoniou, the Observatory's president, expressed optimism following the meeting. He stated, "Today's meeting is crucial to creating a more just and inclusive society where people of all ages can coexist harmoniously. Our proposals focus on education and the need to raise awareness of the younger generation from an early age. The Minister of Education's particular interest and support for our proposals are encouraging, and we are optimistic that these important actions will be implemented."

The Observatory also informed the Minister about the European projects Mentoring Across Borders and Remcread, which aim to guide younger people between the ages of 18 to 30 by older people as mentors and to empower and train younger and older migrant women to acquire specific skills repsectively.