Cypriot teachers participate in UNESCO international training program in Hong Kong

From August 1 to August 5, 2026, two Cypriot educators participated in an international training program focused on living heritage in education held in Hong Kong. The event was organized by the International Centre for UNESCO ASPnet and the UNESCO Chair in Comparative Education, bringing together representatives from multiple countries to exchange best practices regarding the integration of intangible cultural heritage into school curricula.

Cyprus was represented by Niki Georgiou, an economics teacher at Agios Neofytos Lyceum in Paphos, and Panagiota Ignatiou, a teacher at the Kato Pyrgos Tylliria Primary School. The participants were selected through a competitive international evaluation process. During the program, they presented educational practices developed in their respective schools that utilize Cypriot cultural heritage as a tool for experiential learning. Specifically, the presentations highlighted the traditional art of Phyti weaving and the traditional charcoal production process as methods for connecting students with local traditions.

This initiative aimed to foster global dialogue on how living heritage can enhance educational outcomes. Following their participation, the educators return to their schools to continue implementing these pedagogical methods, which bridge the gap between historical traditions and modern school instruction.