Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-11-04

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] EU COMMISSIONER - CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLITERACY

[02] EAC - VASILIKOS ELECTRICITY PLANT - COMPENSATION

[03] CYPRUS - SLOVAKIA - COOPERATION

[04] EDUCATION MINISTER - ISF DELEGATION

[01] EU COMMISSIONER - CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLITERACY

In statements at CNA during a visit at Kykkos B Lyceum in Nicosia Vasiliou said she had appointed a High Level Committee to conduct a study on illiteracy the results of which will be presented at a conference to take place in Cyprus during the Cypriot EU presidency at the 2nd half of 2012.

Illiteracy is one of the main problems Europe is faced with right now, she said, adding that one in five children aged fifteen cannot read well or does not comprehend what he or she is reading.

We must promote the reading of books from a young age, Vassiliou noted.

She further said that at the same time she is personally conducting a campaign at all countries she visits, organizing events, which promote the reading of books for children, parents and teachers.

The aim, she highlighted, is to pass on the message to children that reading is important but also that it may become a way of life, adding that our motto is Europe loves reading.

During her meeting with students and teachers of the Lyceum Vassiliou gave an account of EU priorities on education and spoke of the many opportunities there are through EU programmes for cooperation between schools.

One of the main priorities of Europe 2020 strategy is to reduce the percentage of students who leave school early to under 10%. At 13%, Cyprus is faring better than the average EU of 14.5%, she said, adding however that the problem is there and needs to be tackled.

Vassiliou also spoke of efforts to combat unemployment of young people by a new evaluation programme of universities and professional education institutions, which will evaluate different courses thus giving students the opportunity to select which course they want to do according to the needs within the labour market in years to come. The new evaluation should be ready by 2013, she said.

[02] EAC - VASILIKOS ELECTRICITY PLANT - COMPENSATION

According to reliable sources, representatives of Atlantic Insurance Company are due to visit Cyprus on November 7, to inform the Authority that compensation for the damage will be paid.

Atlantic Company representatives will have a meeting next Monday with the Authority in order to discuss the issue and the ways the payment will be carried out in various phases determined by the two parties.

Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) Chairman Charis Thrasou expressed optimism that there will be a positive respond by the insurance company for the compensation.

[03] CYPRUS - SLOVAKIA - COOPERATION

Ôhey also decided to renew the existing cooperation programme between Cyprus and Slovakia in the fields of Education, Science, Youth and Sports, which expires next December. The new programme will run until 2015.

They have also start promoting a Memorandum of Understanding between Cyprus and Slovakia in the field of culture.

[04] EDUCATION MINISTER - ISF DELEGATION

An official press release issued here said that ISF officials expressed their satisfaction over the fact the Cyprus is one of the most active members of the Federation with innovative ideas and effective handlings.

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