**Students to Stage Classroom Walkout Over Lack of Air Conditioning**
Secondary school students across Cyprus are set to stage a walkout on Wednesday, expressing their dissatisfaction with ongoing issues related to air conditioning, infrastructure safety, and heavy exam workloads. The protest, organized by the national students’ coordinating committee (Psem), is scheduled to take place during the fourth teaching period and coincides with a meeting of the House education committee.
The decision to protest comes just a week into the new academic year, as students voice their frustrations over unresolved problems that have persisted from previous years. Psem has highlighted the delays in the installation of air conditioning units in classrooms, a project that was initially promised to be completed by the end of this year. However, recent statements from President Nikos Christodoulides have suggested that the timeline may be extended to the end of the government’s term in 2028, raising concerns among students about the adequacy of their learning environments.
According to figures released by the education ministry, the progress of air conditioning installations varies significantly across different districts. Famagusta leads with 65% of primary schools fully equipped, while Paphos and Nicosia lag behind at 16% and 24%, respectively. This disparity has prompted Psem to call for immediate action to ensure that all students have access to comfortable and conducive learning conditions.
In addition to air conditioning issues, Psem has raised concerns about safety in school facilities. The organization argues that many infrastructure problems affecting students have gone unaddressed for years, creating an unsafe learning environment. Furthermore, despite circulars from the education ministry permitting the wearing of shorts, some schools continue to impose restrictions, adding to students' frustrations.
Another significant issue highlighted by Psem is the heavy exam workload that students are required to manage. The organization claims that the volume of material remains excessive, despite previous commitments from the education ministry to reduce it. Psem has accused the ministry of dismissing student concerns and is demanding a reduction in curriculum content, as well as greater respect for the student voice in educational matters.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou has acknowledged the students' concerns, reiterating the government's commitment to equipping every school with air conditioning. However, she emphasized the importance of ensuring that the work is conducted safely, particularly in older school buildings where the existing electrical infrastructure may not be able to support the additional load without necessary upgrades.
As the protest approaches, students are hopeful that their actions will lead to meaningful discussions and resolutions regarding their concerns. The walkout serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by students in Cyprus and their determination to advocate for their rights and well-being within the educational system.