(Cyprus) SPED students can stay in school 'til age 22; interim measure to expand adult services

June 5, 2025, KNews: Children in special education can stay in school until age 22

President says move is part of broader push for equal opportunities and improved support services.

Children in special education programs in Cyprus will now be allowed to remain in school until age 22, President Nikos Christodoulides announced Thursday, extending the current age limit by one year.

The change will serve as an interim measure while the government works to expand access to appropriate care facilities across the country, the president said at the start of a Cabinet meeting.

Christodoulides said discussions are ongoing with the private sector to ensure “dignified facilities” are available for all children in special education.

He said the decision was prompted by a recent conversation with a 21-year-old special education student named Nektarios, whom he met during a visit to the Famagusta region.

“Nektarios told me he is about to graduate but wishes to remain in a school environment,” Christodoulides said. “I had promised to look into the matter, and we’ve since followed up.

This change is an important reform to ensure equal opportunities for all our children.”

The president also addressed two other issues: youth unemployment and classroom conditions during national exams.

Christodoulides pointed to new data from the Statistical Service showing a 37% drop in youth unemployment, defined as individuals up to 24 years old, in the first quarter of 2025. The number of unemployed youth fell from 5,221 to 2,196.

“This is a significant development that reflects the effectiveness of the policies we’ve implemented,” he said. . . .