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Multilingual Trends in Cypriot Education: Shifting Dynamics in Secondary and Vocational Studies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2025

Overview of Foreign Language Learning in Cyprus

New Eurostat data underscores significant disparities in foreign language learning across educational levels in Cyprus. At the lower-secondary level, an impressive 79.8% of students study two or more foreign languages—well above the EU average of 59.5%. However, this figure reflects a decline of 11.8 percentage points since 2013, signaling a worrisome downward trend in early multilingual proficiency.

Divergent Trends in Upper-Secondary Education

In upper-secondary general education, only 33.2% of Cypriot students engaged in studying multiple languages in 2023, a stark contrast to the EU’s 60% benchmark. This 26.8 percentage-point drop over the past decade is the steepest decline recorded among EU nations. In stark contrast, vocational programmes on the island have experienced a dramatic 50.2 percentage-point increase since 2013, positioning Cyprus as a leader in multilingual growth among vocational students.

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Comparative European Landscape

Multilingualism across Europe remains robust in general education, although recent figures indicate a slight decrease from 60.8% in 2022. Countries such as France (99.8%), Romania (99.1%), and Czechia (98.5%) lead the way, with Finland and Luxembourg also reporting exceptionally high participation rates of 97.7% and 97.3%, respectively. Conversely, nations like Portugal, Ireland, and Spain lag significantly behind, with only 6.7%, 10.4%, and 22.4% of students, respectively, studying multiple languages.

Vocational Education: A Study in Extremes

The landscape in vocational education is even more disparate. Romania stands at the forefront with 97.2% of vocational students studying two or more languages, followed by Finland (85%) and Poland (78%). Slovenia and Estonia also show strong performance with 71.4% and 65.8%, respectively. In comparison, Spain and Greece exhibit minimal engagement in multilingual studies, each with just 0.1% of their vocational student population.

Dominance of English and Emerging Linguistic Trends

English continues to reign supreme in European foreign language curricula, with 96.0% of upper-secondary general students and 80.1% of vocational pupils studying the language. Cyprus not only demonstrates near-universal English learning but also distinguishes itself with a notably high proportion of pupils studying French at 53.9%, one of the highest in the EU. Additionally, Russian has gained traction among vocational learners, with approximately 15% of students opting for it as a second language.

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Sklavenitis Cyprus Sets A New Standard For Employee-Centric Benefits

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 12, 2025

Investing In Human Capital

In a bold move that underscores the growing importance of human capital in today’s business landscape, Sklavenitis Cyprus has taken innovative steps to ensure its workforce is both valued and supported. The supermarket chain has introduced a policy to pay a 14th salary to all employees—including those from Papantoniou Supermarkets—cementing its status as the sole retailer in Cyprus to implement such a comprehensive benefit.

A Significant Investment In People

This initiative is far from symbolic. With an estimated total cost of €2 million, it represents a committed investment in the company’s most valuable asset—its people. By providing an additional salary, Sklavenitis reinforces a culture of inclusivity and fairness, acknowledging every employee’s contribution to its success.

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Robust Benefits For Long-Term Stability

Complementary to the 14th salary, the company has launched a robust benefits program designed to address both financial and personal security. An Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ATA) of 12.56 per cent ensures that wages remain aligned with inflation, safeguarding real income stability for its team members.

Comprehensive Health And Life Support

Sklavenitis further enhances employee welfare through access to a Group Life and Health Insurance Plan and a Provident Fund co-funded by the employer. These measures not only provide immediate protection but also empower employees to plan confidently for the future.

Exclusive Perks And Incentives

The company extends its commitment beyond conventional benefits by offering store discounts, a birth allowance, and holiday gift vouchers valued at €100 during both Easter and Christmas. These additional perks enhance employee satisfaction and underline Sklavenitis’ people-first ethos.

A Strategy For Mutual Success

In an industry where employee engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction, Sklavenitis’ comprehensive approach stands out as both a progressive and strategic business decision. By investing in its workforce, the company not only nurtures a supportive workplace but also drives superior corporate performance, setting a new benchmark for responsible employment practices in Cyprus.