BACKGROUND

The logo of the Cyprus Presidency is inspired by the Idol of Pomos, a prehistoric sculpture made of stone. It was found near the village of Pomos, in the western province of Paphos. It dates back to the Chalcolithic or Copper Age, the transitional period between the Neolithic and the Bronze Ages. The sculpture has been dated to circa 3 BC. Today, the Idol of Pomos is on display in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. In 2008 when Cyprus adopted the Euro, the Idol of Pomos was chosen to be displayed on the Cypriot €1 and €2 coins. The sculpture was chosen to reflect the timeless appeal of education, in both its classical and modern iterations.

COLOR SCHEME

It is worth noting that the Chalcolithic period etymologically derives from the words “copper” (gr. χαλκός) and “stone (gr. λίθος), hence the choice of copper as the main color of the logo. Although blue did not appear as a colour in the ancient civilization of the Hellenes, of which Cyprus was a part, the colour of ultramarine blue was chosen to represent the Mediterranean Sea that surrounds Cyprus. The two colors reflect the country of the Presidency, as well as the earth and
seas of the continent of Europe.

SYMBOLISM

Archaeologists have found that the sculpture probably represents a woman with her arms spread, in keeping with other sculptures found elsewhere in Cyprus. These have small protrusions on their chests which indicate the female gender. Folklore suggests that these figurines were valued as a symbol of fertility. Smaller versions were worn as amulets around the neck, just as this idol is wearing the same. Therefore, there is an infinite number of repeating images, representing the infinite potential of education.

SLOGAN

The expression “δράξασθε παιδείας”, a symbol of the Greek Enlightenment, is inextricably linked to the history of education in Cyprus. The expression was inscribed above the main entrance of the Pedagogical Academy of Cyprus. For many years, thousands of students would be reminded of this as they trained to become
teachers in primary education in Cyprus. The campus would later host the University of Cyprus as it admitted its first students in 1992. The Department of Education is housed in the main building where the inscription still remains to this day, inspiring countless students and faculty. Its meaning incorporates basic principles and values that have always been the cornerstone of “education” (gr. παιδεία), which includes the concept of cultivating the human being as a whole, of her/his intellectual, moral and spiritual development. It is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, but about shaping wellrounded individuals who can actively contribute to the progress of society. The word “δράξασθε» (en. in its imperative form “lay hold upon” or “seize”) denotes the active and conscious effort required to
acquire education. As a concept, to “Seize Education” means that education is tangible and can be acquired through both mental and physical actions. These principles are also at the core of the European Schools. On one hand, the European Schools system emphasizes the holistic development of the individual, the cultivation of critical thinking, creativity and values. On the other hand, it promotes the active participation of students in the learning process. Using the slogan “Seize Education”, European Schools can strengthen the common European identity, foster the development of multilingualism and promote core values such as respect for diversity, intercultural understanding and active European citizenship.

TAKEAWAY

The logo and slogan represent the intention of the Cyprus Presidency to encourage our partners and all stakeholders in the European School system to “δράξασθε παιδείας”, as a pathway to reaching, decisively, its established priorities.