"It does not matter whether a child with a disability becomes an academic, an employee, or a supermarket worker. What matters is that society gives them opportunities, possibilities, and dignity." These were, among other things, the words of Paola Frantzi, a former special school student and today a PhD candidate.
"I entered university because I insisted on it," she said, describing her determination in the face of those who told her it was enough just to get a school leaving certificate.
When people who have experienced or are experiencing a situation speak, it is best for the rest of us to remain silent and listen. This is exactly what happened yesterday during the session of the House of Representatives’ Education Committee. The Committee once again tackled the problems existing in Special Education.
Just before the invited guests – representatives from the Ministry of Education, teachers, and parents – concluded their statements, the floor was given to Paola Frantzi. Paola is a graduate teacher with two master’s degrees in Education and a PhD candidate. A few years ago, however, she was herself a student in a special school.
For seventeen minutes, she spoke uninterrupted before the members of parliament. Seventeen minutes during which the room was completely silent. No one interrupted her. No one intervened. Everyone listened. And when she finished, for a few seconds, no one spoke – not from awkwardness, but from the weight of the truth that had just been spoken. As she noted herself, "When you talk about your life and not theories, there is no room for argument."
"You had to pray just to finish school"
Paola Frantzi spoke as a person with a disability who had gone through every stage of the education system. She began in a special school, which, as she described, was poorly structured and lacked the necessary facilities.
"When I entered the education system, I was told ‘you should pray just to finish school’," she said. She emphasised that this message was not said once but repeatedly, systematically cultivating low expectations and limiting the dreams of children with disabilities from a very early age. A phrase that, as she said, stayed with her for years and reflected the low expectations the system itself had for children with disabilities.
She then referred to the evaluation process by the provincial special education committee, which, she stressed, did not have a true understanding of the daily realities and abilities of the children. "If we had been told what they tell us today back then, I would not be where I am now," she remarked, adding that decisions were made without genuine knowledge and without the voices of the children themselves being heard.
"People like you should not be here"
Her narrative continued into the years after school, when she expressed her desire to continue her studies at the University of Cyprus.
"I entered university because I insisted on it," she said, describing her persistence in the face of those who told her it was enough to just get a certificate. She explained that her entry into university was not seen as natural, but almost a “ridiculous” choice by her surroundings.
Even in the university environment, however, she faced doubt and exclusive attitudes. When she raised the difficulties she faced, even in accessing academic resources, she heard – as she testified – the phrase: "People like you should not be here."
Despite the challenges, she also highlighted the teachers who supported her, noting that in a system with serious deficiencies, human empathy can make a real difference. "If some teachers had not believed in me, my journey would have been different," she said. She did not speak about exceptions to beautify the situation, but to show what could – and should – be the norm.
In closing, Paola Frantzi delivered a clear message to the State and decision-makers: "Decisions cannot be made for children without the children." She stressed that it does not matter whether a child with a disability becomes an academic, an employee, or a supermarket worker. What matters is that society gives them opportunities, possibilities, and dignity.