European Union funded “Modernising Schools with Science Laboratories – Primary Education” Project completed.

The European Commission announced the completion of the project entitled “Modernising Schools with Science Laboratories – Primary Education” at a ceremony held on Wednesday, 29 September 2021, from 17:30 to 18:30 at Merkez Lefkoşa. The project is part of a bigger programme valued around 5 million Euros for the establishment of laboratories in primary and secondary schools with the aim of supporting the Turkish Cypriot community in the field of education and science. Within this first stage of the project, science laboratory equipments (including mobile laboratories), materials, and software have been supplied to 48 primary schools in the Turkish Cypriot community.

At the completion ceremony, the mobile science bus, a significant component of the project, was officially handed over to the Turkish Cypriot community by the European Commission. The bus will allow students at schools that do not have laboratories, to gain the same practical science skills as their peers.

“I hope this bus, and the science it will show, will provide the spark which will inspire children to become involved in science and to equip the Turkish Cypriot community and - why not - the wider world, with the scientists, engineers and innovators that we all need’’ said Judit Rozsa, the Director for Coordination, Resources and Aid Programme in DG Reform at the European Commission “The bus here represents only a small part of our projects in education. We have delivered science labs to 48 primary schools and will deliver science labs to 46 secondary and vocational education and training schools, where the contracting process is underway” she added.

The newly established science laboratories will support student-centred education through hands-on training, and help students develop skills for the 21st century. Equipped in line with EU norms, the laboratories will provide quality education opportunities and increase science literacy. Thus, future scientists and engineers will be able to engage with their community, cooperate island wide and take part in various EU opportunities.
In addition to the specialised equipment, science laboratory manuals and reporting systems will also be provided, along with sustainability plans for effective utilisation and maintenance of the science laboratories. There will also be a focus on developing the capacity of teachers on innovative and interactive science teaching methods in order to maximise positive outcomes for students.

Since 2008, the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community has directly supported schools via grant programmes and financed vocational training and lifelong learning programmes in order to contribute to inclusive economic growth and to raise the quality of primary and secondary education.
The European Commission continues to support the efforts for the provision of an education which encourages innovation and creativity capacity in the Turkish Cypriot community. The action has a holistic approach which covers technical assistance and co-operation, in several areas including vocational education and training, curriculum development, and continual professional development as well as special needs education.