**Education Minister Calls for Dialogue Ahead of Planned Student Walkout**
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou has urged for constructive dialogue ahead of a planned classroom walkout scheduled for Wednesday, organized by the national students’ coordinating committee (Psem). The protest is strategically timed to coincide with a meeting of the House education committee, highlighting ongoing concerns among students regarding various unresolved issues within the education system.
Psem has articulated several grievances that have prompted the planned walkout, including delays in the installation of air conditioning systems in schools and the heavy workloads associated with examinations. The committee has expressed frustration that their previous concerns have not been adequately addressed by the Ministry of Education.
In response to these issues, Minister Michaelidou emphasized that the government is aware of the challenges raised by Psem and is actively working on solutions. She noted that the Ministry has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the curriculum and has allocated €132 million for infrastructure improvements in school facilities. This investment is aimed at enhancing the overall educational environment across Cyprus.
Regarding the air conditioning installations, the Minister assured that all schools in Cyprus would eventually be equipped with the necessary systems. However, she did not provide a specific timeline for when these installations would be completed. Recent data from the Ministry of Education indicates a significant disparity in progress across different districts. For instance, Famagusta has achieved a 65% completion rate for air conditioning in primary schools, while Paphos and Nicosia lag behind with only 16% and 24% respectively.
Psem has raised concerns that comments made by President Nikos Christodoulides suggested a potential extension of the completion deadline for air conditioning installations to the end of the current government’s term in 2028. This has further fueled student discontent and calls for immediate action.
Another area of contention involves school uniforms. Minister Michaelidou stated that the issue had been resolved months ago, with circulars issued to schools allowing for relaxed dress codes during periods of high temperatures. These adjustments are to be made in consultation with school management and parents’ associations, applicable only as exceptions. However, Psem has reported that some schools continue to enforce restrictions on wearing shorts, despite the existing guidelines.
As the planned walkout approaches, the Education Minister's call for dialogue reflects an effort to address student concerns while maintaining open lines of communication between the Ministry and the student body. The outcome of the meeting with the House education committee may play a crucial role in shaping the future of these unresolved issues and the overall educational landscape in Cyprus.
The situation remains dynamic as both sides prepare for potential discussions that could lead to resolutions for the pressing concerns raised by students.