Educators and students develop emotional regulation and empathy through an online platform, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate future challenges, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Friday.

The eTwinning initiative facilitates collaboration among European Union member states, allowing teachers and school staff to collaborate and develop national and international projects.

Speaking at the “Well-being at School – Progressing Together with eTwinning” conference, Michaelidou highlighted the platform’s role in creating a supportive and inclusive school environment. She noted that the online space offers tools to enhance emotional resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability through digital learning.

The minister emphasised that fostering such skills is essential for addressing modern challenges, including school violence, bullying, and anxiety. She noted that these initiatives align with Cyprus’ efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable educational framework.

“Considering the rapid pace of evolution in our time, it is clear that everyone, regardless of age, must possess these skills to meet the daily challenges they face,” the minister noted.

Education and school are the strongest pillars of personal and social progress for the new generation and, by extension, for all citizens, Michaelidou added, stressing the importance of the promotion of modern pedagogical models instead of traditional approaches to behaviour management.

In addition to the eTwinning Action, other actions are being adopted, such as the development of collaboration among teachers, students, families, and the community, the creation of social and emotional skills, and the overall strengthening of mental health for all educational stakeholders.

“One of our key goals is to ensure that educators, students, and students live and work in an environment characterised by respect and safety,” she said.

According to Michaelidou, the education ministry seeks to create conditions of emotional inclusion, acceptance, and trust in schools, in line with the government’s broader effort for the transition to a modern and inclusive school.