Cyprus Expands Free Preschool Education Program

The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus has approved the Ministry of Education's proposal to expand the mandatory free preschool education program. Children will now be admitted to preschool institutions from the age of 4.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Minister of Education Athina Michaelidou stated that all children have the right to two years of free preschool education, and this approval is part of the "Recovery and Resilience Plan for Cyprus."

It is noted that the program provides for free education in state and private kindergartens and is designed for eight years. Its implementation will gradually begin from the next academic year.

"Starting from the next academic year, we will lower the age of admission for children by two months, and instead of 4 years and 8 months, we will admit children at the age of 4 years and 6 months, gradually reaching four years," said the minister.

According to the minister, the project has significant pedagogical importance, as it ensures that all children have the opportunity to attend preschool education institutions for two years free of charge.