In light of World Autism Awareness Day, PASCAL Private Primary School Lemesos held an Empathy Event, on 2nd April 2024 at 11.30am, at the school’s premises. The event was centered around fostering empathy and understanding towards individuals with autism and other disabilities. The event, which was set under the auspices of the First Lady of Cyprus, Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, aimed at raising awareness among our pupils about the challenges faced by individuals with diverse abilities, while promoting inclusivity and compassion within our school community.
As part of its efforts, PASCAL Private Primary School Lemesos also translated the first Cypriot song about disability “Είμαι σαν τζαι εσένα” into English. The song was initially composed and performed by Mrs. Zozo Christodoulou. The translated rendition was presented to the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth as well as the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. The idea behind this initiative was for our school to contribute to broader community initiatives and expand empathy campaigns within English-speaking schools across the island. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Zozo Christodoulou for generously granting us the right to proceed with the translation of the song.
Pascal Primary School Lemesos was honored to welcome the First Lady of Cyprus, Mrs. Karsera Christodoulides, who presided over the event and delivered a keynote speech centered around empathy. Additionally, Mr. Pavlides, a professional basketball player on a wheelchair, addressed our pupils and provided insight into the importance of inclusivity. Furthermore, Mr. Pavlides facilitated wheelchair basketball activities, offering pupils the opportunity to engage in a hands-on learning experience that promoted understanding and inclusivity.
Moreover, Mrs. Zozo Christodoulou, who is a teacher herself and works for the deputy ministry of social wellfare, conducted an experiential workshop aimed at enhancing empathy and understanding among the school’s pupils and provided them with valuable insights and tools for fostering an inclusive environment. Mrs Christodoulou, who is also President of the Cyprus Association for people with Autism and a mother of a child on the autistic spectrum, shared her experiences in terms of raising an autistic child and gave examples of how pupils can comprehend the behaviour of children with autism and, in effect, be able to accept and include the child in their daily interactions.
On the day of the event, attendants were invited to wear/wore blue attire in support of the autistic community. The colour blue, associated with calmness and acceptance, is the primary colour designated to autism.
We extend our wholehearted gratitude to all who graced us with their presence. Each attendee became an integral link in the social chain of acceptance and welfare.
A few words about PASCAL International Education:
PASCAL International Education is a world-class private schools’ group with campuses in Lefkosia, Larnaka, and Lemesos, Cyprus. We offer a complete education, from Kindergarten (age 3) to graduation from our six-year Secondary Schools (age 18).
We ignite curiosity in young students via our Early Years Learning programme in Kindergarten, followed by the world-class Cambridge Primary curriculum.
In Secondary, we provide the broadest curricula in Cyprus. Our graduates receive their Apolytyrion, and they have the option of taking IGSCE, GCE AS, A Level, International A Level, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. PASCAL is the only private school provider in Cyprus with a six-year Secondary programme, which opens a plethora of university study options for our graduates, including top global universities.
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