UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
10/11/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/12/2024 05:43
Improving student learning experience through all-day schooling reform in Cyprus
In collaboration with the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) of the European Commission, UNESCO has been providing support since October 2023 to the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (MESY) of Cyprus. The goal is to develop an operational framework for implementing all-day schooling in all lower secondary schools. This 24_month project aims to enhance the student learning experience and outcomes at lower secondary education level, particularly for students with migrant and refugee backgrounds. By extending school hours into the afternoon, children will receive support for homework, attend life skills workshops and develop social-emotional skills through creative activities.
The direct beneficiary of this project is MESY, specifically the Directorate of Secondary General Education (DSGE). Other important primary beneficiaries of the project include students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and school leaders.
Analysis report mapping the current state of lower secondary education
A detailed evaluation of the current state of lower secondary education in Cyprus, including key performance indicators, challenges, and areas for improvement
Analysis of good practices in designing and implementing all-day schooling
An actionable report identifying successful all-day schooling models from other countries, supplemented by study visits and tailored recommendations on how to adapt these practices to Cyprus' educational system.
Operational plan to institutionalize all-day schooling in lower secondary education
A fully costed, scenario-based operational plan outlining concrete steps for institutionalizing all-day schooling in Cyprus, based on both the situation analysis and country case studies
Piloting the concept of all-day schooling in selected lower secondary schools
Support in launching and monitoring a pilot of all-day schooling in selected lower secondary schools, with a focus on evaluating outcomes and identifying areas for refinement
Roadmap the national implementation of all-day schooling at lower secondary level
A strategic roadmap for scaling all-day schooling nationwide, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and detailing phased implementation, resource allocation, and monitoring mechanisms.
In the long term, the project is expected to generate significant social and economic benefits, including reduced expenditure on social welfare programs, decreased early school leaving and improved employability for students. It will also lessen after-school care responsibilities for parents, promoting a more balanced family life and more active participation in the labor market, especially among mothers.