Initiatives that support plurilingualism and pluriculturalism in Cyprus include the following:

English Language Certification Programme:

The European Union emphasises multilingualism as a key competence for personal development, sustainability, employability, active citizenship, and social inclusion. In alignment with this goal, first-year Lyceum students will prepare for and take the B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET) exam by Cambridge Assessment in January 2025. Additionally, second- and third-year Lyceum students will take the IGCSE (B2) exam by Cambridge International in May 2025. This program, fully funded by the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth (MOESY), aims to enhance English language skills in public schools.

There have been developments in our accreditation process for English language teaching. Our efforts have been acknowledged by a world-renowned organisation that accredits language acquisition to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). As a result, our graduates will now have their level of English proficiency indicated on their school leaving certificates. The organisation has recognised our programme's emphasis on listening, reading, and writing skills, and we are currently conducting workshops to train teachers on the speaking component to complete the accreditation process. I am also pleased to confirm that our exams have been accredited as B2 level, further enhancing the value of our certification.

• German Language Classes: Free German language courses are offered after regular school hours in Cyprus, providing students with the opportunity to learn a new language and broaden their cultural awareness and educational prospects.
• French Language Certification: Students are required to attain certification in French at A1, A2, and B1 levels, facilitating their ability to communicate across cultures, access broader career opportunities, and engage meaningfully with others across borders. 
• Early Introduction of English Instruction: English language education begins at the pre-primary level, laying a foundation for the development of English skills from an early age.

Maria Iacovidou,
Secondary school inspector, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth of Cyprus
ECML Governing Board member, National Nominating Authority, National Contact Point, national EDL relay

ECML web pages dedicated to Cyprus