**Cold Water Dispensers to be Installed in 25 Public Schools Annually in Cyprus**
The Ministry of Education in Cyprus has initiated a project aimed at installing cold water dispensers in public schools across the island. This initiative commenced last year with a tender for the installation of dispensers in 25 schools and is set to continue this year, as confirmed by Education Minister Athena Michaelidou in a letter released on Thursday.
In response to an inquiry from Larnaca MP Prodromos Alambritis, Michaelidou outlined the ministry's goal to eventually equip all public schools with cold water dispensers. Currently, there are over 800 public schools in Cyprus, and the ministry has allocated a budget of €130,000 annually for this project.
The tender for the 2025-2026 school year has already been issued, with installation works expected to commence by October for the first group of 25 schools. Additionally, plans are underway for a second tender for the 2026-2027 school year, which will also involve the installation of dispensers in another 25 schools. The selection of schools for this second phase will be conducted in collaboration with local school boards, ensuring that specific needs are taken into account.
In the interim, some schools have already installed cold water dispensers through initiatives led by school boards and parents' associations, with the education ministry's approval. However, these installations are contingent upon meeting all technical, health, and operational specifications.
Minister Michaelidou emphasized that the responsibility for monitoring the quality of the water provided to students, including its temperature, falls to the school boards. This oversight is crucial to ensure that the water dispensed is safe and meets health standards.
The installation of cold water dispensers is part of a broader national strategy for education and green transition aimed at 2030, which seeks to create safe and climate-resilient schools. In alignment with this initiative, the education ministry is also distributing reusable water bottles to all students. This effort is part of a campaign to promote environmental sustainability by reducing the reliance on disposable plastic products.
As the project progresses, it is anticipated that the availability of cold water in schools will not only enhance student well-being but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts across Cyprus.