Cyprus proposes to formalize the role of teachers in pediatric oncology departments

Eleni Papachristodoulou, Director of the Pediatric Oncology Department at Makarios Hospital, spoke on Wednesday at the Parliamentary Education Committee, calling for institutional recognition and specialized training for teachers working in pediatric oncology units.

According to her, a teacher in such an environment should be part of a multidisciplinary team along with doctors, nurses, and psychologists, possessing knowledge about the specifics of the disease, side effects, and skills to work with pain and loss. The pedagogical contribution is seen as complementary to therapy and part of comprehensive care.

She also noted that the concept of palliative care covers not only the final stage of life but also the holistic support of the child — physical, psychological, spiritual, and educational. To illustrate the teacher’s role, the director shared an example: “I saw a child who spoke only with his teacher. Not with me, his doctor. She earned his trust.”

Participants in the meeting agreed on the need for swift and organized legalization of an education model for children who are outside mainstream schooling due to health reasons. Representative of Primary Education, Sofia Ioannou, reported that each year the number of such children abroad or undergoing long-term treatment usually ranges from four to six; currently, four children are registered, two plan to leave in December and January, and one is already abroad.

Committee Chairman Pavlos Milonas expressed hope that by November 15 a coordinated plan between the Ministries of Education, Health, and Social Welfare will be ready. The document is expected to provide for the presence of teachers in hospitals, distance education for children abroad, specialized training and psychological support for teachers working under such conditions, and the creation of a reserve “base” of voluntarily interested educators.