Cyprus Ministry of Education: transition from a knowledge-based school to a skills-based school

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth of Cyprus is launching a transition from a traditional knowledge-oriented school to a “skills-based school”, while preserving its humanistic character. As Minister Athina Michailidou emphasized, the main goal is to teach students to apply knowledge in real life, protect the environment, and actively participate in public life.

Speaking on the second day of the annual Economist conference in Cyprus, the minister noted that technological progress creates great opportunities, but also new challenges that the education system must prepare students for — through knowledge, empathy and critical thinking.

According to Michailidou, the digital transformation of education is one of the ministry’s key priorities. It is not only about technical upgrades in schools, but about fully integrating technology into the learning process to make education more personalized and equitable.

The ministry builds its policies in line with EU initiatives — such as the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027 and the Europe’s Digital Decade 2030 strategy. In cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Research and Innovation, national programs are being implemented — the Digital Education Policy Paper and the National Digital Skills Action Plan 2021–2025.

Policy is based on three interconnected pillars:
– digitally equipped schools;
– trained and motivated teachers;
– students with 21st-century skills and digital literacy.

Special attention is given to the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education. In October, the ministry presented Cyprus’ first document containing ethical and methodological guidelines for the use of AI in schools. It defines principles ensuring that technologies are used for human development, not at the expense of human interaction.

As Michailidou explained, the teacher remains the central figure in the educational process — AI should strengthen, not replace, the role of educators. The document highlights the importance of ethics, inclusion, equal access, and continuous professional development for teachers.

The ministry is also developing a lifelong learning system. The national strategy for 2021–2027 provides flexible programs for all age groups — from evening schools to retraining courses. Special emphasis is placed on digital, green and social skills.

“We are creating a school that provides not only knowledge, but also the ability to think, collaborate, solve problems and understand the world around us,” Michailidou stressed. “It is a transition to education where people and technology evolve together for the benefit of society.”