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Despo Michaelidou, the Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights in Cyprus, has stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to supporting gifted children. Speaking at the Gifted Children's Conference held at the Strovolos Municipal Center, Michaelidou, whose address was delivered by Mahi Lyuba, emphasized the importance of proper identification and the development of tailored strategies and programs to nurture the potential of these children.
Michaelidou highlighted the multifaceted nature of the issue, describing it as a "pedagogical challenge, social responsibility, but also the need for empathy and understanding of the special needs of these children." She underscored the fundamental right of every child to develop their full potential, irrespective of their individual characteristics and abilities.
Gifted children, often possessing exceptional potential, frequently encounter difficulties in recognition, support, and inclusion within educational settings that can effectively foster their skills. Michaelidou clarified that giftedness extends beyond academic excellence or outstanding performance in specific fields. These children often demonstrate exceptional emotional intelligence, creativity, and a heightened sense of justice and awareness of the world around them. They may excel in areas such as music, art, science, or even social and moral values, yet they are frequently underrepresented or misunderstood in their school and social environments. This, according to Michaelidou, stems from a lack of understanding regarding their unique needs and, critically, the absence of a comprehensive support system designed to cultivate their talents.
The Commissioner pointed out that gifted children can experience isolation, frustration, and undue pressure from the education system or family expectations. Some may feel they don't conform to typical learning and behavior patterns, leading to a sense of not fitting in. Others may lack the necessary support to fully develop their potential, resulting in underachievement or a stifling of their abilities.
Michaelidou emphasized the critical need for a supportive and adaptable educational environment that empowers all children, regardless of their characteristics, to develop and flourish. She reiterated that proper identification and the development of appropriate support strategies and programs are essential. She urged the state, the education system, and society at large to ensure that these children do not feel marginalized or unfulfilled by the education system. Instead, they should be provided with the support and opportunities necessary to fully realize their talents and contribute to a richer and more sophisticated social and cultural landscape.
The Commissioner stressed the crucial roles of teachers, parents, and professionals involved in child development in this process. She advocated for an integrated approach that combines academic development with the social and emotional well-being of gifted children. Cultivating empathy and understanding among all stakeholders, she concluded, can significantly impact their development and future success.
With information from Ygeiawatch.
