President Nikos Christodoulides, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the quality of Cyprus’ education system during the unveiling of a bust of educator Kostas Liasides in Paphos on Friday night.

The bust was erected next to the department of technical services building on Greece avenue, a prominent location in the heart of the city.

In his speech, President Christodoulides praised Liasides as a progressive patriot and tireless advocate for education.

“Kostas Liasides understood the immeasurable value of education, recognising it as the greatest legacy and guarantee one can leave to both a person and a place,” said Christodoulides.

Liasides, who founded the Paphos commercial Lyceum in the mid-20th century, faced significant challenges in establishing the private school, which he envisioned as a beacon of knowledge. The institution later became the Paphos college. It provided access to education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and focused on cultivating strong character and patriotism in its pupils.

“It is no coincidence that many graduates, like Liasides himself, distinguished themselves not only for their academic prowess but also for their social and patriotic contributions,” noted the president.

Christodoulides further reflected on Liasides’ enduring legacy, describing him as a key figure in Cyprus’ history.

“Kostas Liasides did not just witness the pivotal historical events of his time; he became part of that history,” he said.

The president emphasised that Liasides’ vision for education continues to inspire.

“Our government shares his commitment to enhancing education, ensuring it meets the needs of today’s youth,” he said. 

Since taking office, President Christodoulides noted that his administration had taken bold steps to reform education. These include the redesign of 43 curriculum programmes, the doubling of all-day schools, and tackling long-standing issues such as the evaluation of teachers.

“The priority of our government is the continued upgrade of our education system,” he stated, adding that the government has made significant strides in addressing the long-standing structural issues in schools. 

“We are improving the quality of our schools and modernising the infrastructure to support a creative and productive learning environment.”

He also highlighted several ongoing and completed educational infrastructure projects in Paphos. These include the seismic upgrade and improvement of the Timi primary school, costing over €2.14 million, and the expansion of Apostolos Pavlos secondary school, worth €900,000. Furthermore, the first primary school of Chlorakas is undergoing a major overhaul, with an estimated budget of over €4 million.

Christodoulides stressed that these investments are part of a broader effort to ensure that education not only supports academic development but also preserves Cyprus’ cultural and historical identity. 

“Education is vital to safeguarding our language, culture, and history, and that remains our ultimate goal,” he added.

The unveiling of the bust was organised by the Kostas Liasides monument committee and was funded through donations from those who valued Liasides’ contribution to education. The Paphos municipality provided the site for the bust, ensuring its proper installation.

In closing, mayor of Paphos, Phedon Phedonos, reminded attendees that Liasides had been posthumously awarded the “Aphrodite Prize” by the municipality in 2000 in recognition of his enduring influence on the city’s educational and social fabric.

The ceremony not only honoured Liasides’ legacy but also reinforced the ongoing efforts to improve education in Cyprus, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world.