**Christodoulides Pledges Air Conditioning for Every School by 2028**
Nicosia, Cyprus – President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Monday that all schools in Cyprus will have air conditioning units installed by the year 2028. This commitment was made during his visit to Ayios Dhometios middle school in Nicosia, where he attended the opening of the new school year. Christodoulides emphasized that education is a top priority for his government, stating, “We do not approach decisions regarding education as a mere accounting exercise.”
The president highlighted the government's significant investment in educational infrastructure, noting that over €130 million has been allocated for various school improvements, including the installation of air conditioning systems. This initiative aims to enhance the learning environment for students across the island.
However, the rollout of air conditioning units has seen varying levels of progress across different districts. According to figures released by the Ministry of Education, Famagusta leads the way with 65 percent of its primary schools fully equipped with air conditioning. Limassol follows closely with 46 percent, while Larnaca has 39 percent of its primary schools operational. In contrast, Paphos and Nicosia lag behind, with only 16 percent and 24 percent of primary schools, respectively, having functional air conditioning systems.
The installation of air conditioning units has progressed more rapidly in secondary education facilities. Most middle and high schools are either already fitted with air conditioning or are nearing completion. Notably, every high school in Larnaca has operational air conditioning, and approximately 90 percent of high schools in Limassol are equipped as well.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, who joined Christodoulides during his school visit, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every school is equipped with air conditioning. However, she cautioned that the installation process must be conducted safely. Many older school buildings have aging electrical infrastructure that may not support the additional load required by air conditioning units. As a result, necessary upgrades to electrical systems are essential before any new units can be activated.
Michaelidou explained that the Ministry of Education is collaborating with school boards and the electricity authority to assess school buildings. This assessment includes confirming that all electrical and fire safety requirements are met before proceeding with installations. Electricians have previously raised concerns about inadequate wiring in certain schools, which could lead to tripped switches and power failures if air conditioning units are activated prematurely.
The initiative to provide air conditioning in schools is part of a broader strategy to improve educational facilities and create a conducive learning environment for students across Cyprus. As the government continues to prioritize education, the successful implementation of this plan will depend on addressing the existing infrastructure challenges and ensuring that safety standards are upheld.
As the school year begins, students and educators alike are hopeful that these improvements will enhance their daily experiences in the classroom. The commitment to installing air conditioning units is seen as a significant step towards modernizing school facilities and supporting the well-being of students in Cyprus.