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51 Country Overviews

Cyprus  

Author(s)

  • Francisco Machado, University Institute of Maia – ISMAI

Abstract

The implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) promotion programmes in Cyprus is relatively recent and came to be in the wake of increasing levels of mental health difficulties among young Cypriot students, as reported by the Ministry of Education in Cyprus. Several studies conducted since 2014 up until recently, performed by the Ministry of Education, with the cooperation of specialised institutions and researchers, such as the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, have shown an increase of students’ emotional difficulties (e.g., low levels of self-confidence, self-image and wellbeing), behavioural problems and school adjustment issues. (Charalambous, 2013; Kali, 2020). This was due to a combination of a school system unprepared to respond to students’ emotional needs, a social and economic crisis, and a significant increase in the number of non-Cypriot students in schools. This combination, and its effects on students’ mental health, has led to the necessity of integrating a social and emotional development curriculum in classrooms of all academic levels (Kali, 2020).

References

  • Bulman, K. & Savory, I. (2006). BTEC first children’s care, learning and development student book. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited.
  • Charalambous, N. (2013). Psychosocial impacts of the economic crisis on lyceum students. Research program ARETI, Ministry of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus.
  • Charalambous, V., Charalambous, N. (2017). Values and school bullying.Annual Research Program ARETI, Ministry of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus.
  • Foerch, F. D. & Iuspa, F. (2016). The internationalization of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Revista Contrapontos – Eletrônica 16(2), 321-350.
  • Hatzichristou, C. (Ed. and Coauthor) (2011). Social and emotional learning in school: Program for the promotion of mental health and learning in the school community (Educational material for teachers and students of Grades K-2: Conceptual framework and classroom activities). Athens, Greece: Typothito.
  • Hatzichristou,C. & Lianos, P. (2016). Social and emotional learning in the Greek educational system: An Ithaca journey. International Journal of Emotional Education, 8(2), 105-127.
  • Ioannidis, V. (2003). Health Education as a means of knowledge, values and skills in contemporary educational reality. In Proceedings 2nd Panhellenic conference minutes of the Hellenic institute of applied education and training (pp. 490-496). Athens: Greece.
  • Kalli, M. (2020). Social and Emotional Learning in School System in Cyprus. In C. Cefai, D. Regester & L. A. Dirani (Eds.), Social and Emotional Learning in the Mediterranean. Cross Cultural Perspectives and Approaches (pp.36-46). Brill Sense.

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CO-057-Cyprus.pdf