**Ministry Promises Action on School Safety After Damning Audit Report**
In response to a recent audit report highlighting significant shortcomings in fire safety and health standards within public schools, Cyprus' Education Minister Athena Michaelidou reaffirmed the government's commitment to school safety as a "non-negotiable priority." The minister's remarks followed a cabinet meeting where the findings of the Audit Office were discussed.
The audit report, which reviewed 25 public schools, revealed alarming gaps in safety certifications. Notably, only 11 of the schools had valid electrical installation inspection reports, and none possessed a valid fire safety certificate. Furthermore, the report criticized the Ministry of Education for lacking a centralized register of fire safety certificates, which hinders timely identification of schools at heightened risk.
Minister Michaelidou acknowledged that the issues raised in the auditor-general's report were already known to the ministry and had been the focus of ongoing efforts for the past three years. "The safety and health of children, teachers, and staff is a constant priority," she stated, emphasizing that the findings stemmed from administrative shortcomings that had accumulated over decades.
The minister highlighted that the government had invested "tens of millions of euros" to address these longstanding issues. She described the approach as comprehensive, focusing on prevention, intervention, and oversight rather than isolated improvements in individual schools. This strategy aims to create a robust framework for school safety that can withstand future challenges.
Over the past three years, the government has initiated one of the largest school infrastructure upgrade programs in the country’s history. This program includes the construction of new school buildings, extensions, renovations, and maintenance works that incorporate essential fire safety measures and electrical upgrades. Michaelidou noted that more than 90 percent of Cyprus' school seismic upgrade program has been completed, further enhancing the safety of school facilities.
To bolster safety inspections and monitoring, the ministry is implementing clearer timetables to ensure compliance across the education system. Michaelidou assured that the ministry is actively working to resolve the identified problems systematically. "We are recognizing the problems and working systematically to resolve them," she said.
In addition to addressing fire safety concerns, the minister provided updates on air conditioning installations in schools. She reported that progress is being made, with all preschools, lyceums, and most gymnasiums expected to have air conditioning systems in place before the new school year. Approximately half of the primary schools have already completed the necessary upgrades.
Minister Michaelidou's statements reflect a commitment to improving the overall safety and health standards in Cyprus' public schools. By collaborating closely with the fire brigade and the electromechanical department of the Transport Ministry, the ministry aims to strengthen inspections and ensure that every school obtains the required safety certifications.
As the government moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on creating a safe and conducive learning environment for all students and staff. The commitment to addressing the findings of the audit report signals a proactive approach to school safety, aiming to prevent future risks and enhance the overall quality of education in Cyprus.