**Air Conditioning in Classrooms ‘Not a Luxury’ Says Teachers’ Union**
As the start of the new school year approaches on September 14, the primary teachers’ union Poed has raised significant concerns regarding the lack of air conditioning in classrooms, delays in the provision of schoolbooks, and the ongoing use of prefabricated buildings for hundreds of students. The union has called on the Ministry of Education to take immediate action to address these issues, emphasizing the need for a conducive learning environment for all students.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Poed highlighted that the government had previously committed to installing air conditioning units in all public school classrooms over a three-year period. However, the union expressed disappointment that this promise has not been fulfilled, leaving many classrooms without essential cooling systems as the new academic year begins. “Thousands of children and teachers are starting the new school year in classrooms without the fundamental comfortable temperature conditions. Air conditioning is not a luxury; it has to do with the health and safety of children and teachers,” the union stressed.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that many students are still attending classes in prefabricated buildings. Poed pointed out that while these temporary structures were initially intended to serve as a short-term solution, they have now become a long-term arrangement for numerous pupils. The union expressed concern that this trend undermines the quality of education and the overall learning experience for students.
In addition to the infrastructure issues, Poed has also raised alarms about delays in the delivery of schoolbooks. The union criticized the education ministry for allowing the school year to commence without the necessary educational materials, forcing teachers to resort to using black and white photocopies to fill the gaps. This situation is seen as unacceptable, as it hampers the ability of educators to provide effective instruction.
Moreover, Poed pointed out that there are ongoing shortages of teachers and assistants in schools, further complicating the educational landscape. The union is urging the education ministry, government officials, and relevant organizations to take all necessary measures to ensure that quality education is accessible to all children in the public school system.
In response to the concerns raised by Poed, the Democratic Party (Diko) has taken the initiative to address the air conditioning issue in the House education committee. Diko MP Panikos Leonidou announced that the matter would be discussed in the upcoming meeting, allowing MPs to be fully informed about the progress of air conditioning installations, as well as other related problems and pending issues. Leonidou indicated that the initiative was prompted by complaints from teachers, parents, and students regarding the current state of school facilities.
As the new school year approaches, the call for action from Poed and the discussions initiated by Diko highlight the pressing need for improvements in the educational infrastructure in Cyprus. With the health and safety of students and teachers at stake, it remains to be seen how quickly the Ministry of Education will respond to these concerns and implement necessary changes to enhance the learning environment for all.