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architectural projects across the island, including
among others, his work in turning old mansions in
Nicosia into museums and building tourist resorts.
But Georgiades’ contribution to society did not end
there. He voluntarily participated in associations,
committees and organisations related to the fine arts,
theatre, architecture and general culture.
His best role yet: the man who started the Cy-
prus education system reform
Pefkios Georgiades was appointed Minister of Edu-
cation and Culture in March 2003; a role he loved
and served with remarkable dedication and intent on
bettering Cyprus’ educational system. It was a role
he maintained until the day he passed away.
Many say his awareness of the fact that children are
this country’s future was what urged him to seek
changes for the better. As he once said: “The modern
school should not just be viewed as a roof over pupils’
heads, but an especially creative environment, which
assists the vitally important function of learning.”
Pefkios was among the few Ministers of Education
and Culture who fought hard to bring about educa-
tional reform. Indicatively, during his term of office
as Minister, he made pre-school education obligato-
ry, brought into effect the Educational PriorityZones
and introduced pilot programmes such as the sport
and music schools, as well as the all-day school.
Aman of kindness, who loved and was loved
But really, what people will remember most about
Pefkios Georgiades is the kindness and love he
exuded, in every single encounter he had. Pupils
adored him and he adored them. And he has often
been described as aman of rare intellectual andmor-
al value.Aman revered for his humanity, patriotism,
sincerity and simplicity.
The island of Cyprus went intomourning on 17 Jan-
uary 2007, when news emerged that Pefkios Geor-
giades had suffered a heart attack and died while on
duty. He had been observing an educational pro-
gramme on internet schooling. He died at the age of
72, leaving behind hima legacy that manywill strive
to live up to.
The Strings Workshop: one of Pefkios Georgia-
des’many contributions to Cyprus culture
The Strings Workshop was yet another of Pefkios
Georgiades’ contributions to Cyprus’ educational
and cultural scene. Established in October 2006 by
the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus,
the Strings Workshop represents the initial stage of
a more comprehensive project for the development
of young musical talents in Cyprus. This pioneering
and ambitious initiative, within the general sphere
of cultural development, provides opportunities for
talented young Cypriot children to become involved