Alma movement discusses educational reform with Minister Athena Michaelidou

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, representatives from the Alma movement met with the Cypriot Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou, to address critical challenges within the national school system. The delegation included Alma leader Odysseas Michaelidou, Limassol Member of Parliament Michalis Paraskevas, and Policy Planning Officer Panagiotis Evangelidis. Discussions centered on improving educational quality, special education standards, teacher evaluation protocols, and addressing rising concerns regarding violence in schools.

A primary topic was the performance of Cypriot students in the PISA assessments, as the country currently anticipates new results. Previous data revealed that students in Cyprus consistently performed significantly below the European average in mathematics, reading comprehension, and natural sciences. The participants emphasized that such data must be rigorously utilized to identify systemic weaknesses and measure actual progress.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the current framework for teacher recruitment and evaluation. This discussion follows recent consultations between Alma and various educational organizations regarding how educators are selected, assessed, and supported in their professional roles. The movement is advocating for a more effective system to ensure pedagogical excellence across the island.