MVP

Tag: air conditioning

  • School walkouts: Teens Stage Walkouts Over School Conditions, Nationwide Action Planned

    School walkouts: Teens Stage Walkouts Over School Conditions, Nationwide Action Planned

    school walkouts — school walkouts — Students at Polis Chrysochous gymnasium and Kykoss A lyceum in Nicosia have staged walkouts in protest of unbearable classroom conditions, caused by broken fans and malfunctioning air conditioning units. The teens expressed their frustration on Friday at 10am, with the students’ association Psem asserting that they are “not second-class pupils” and deserve better facilities.

    Reports from television channel Alpha indicate that complaints about the state of schools are frequent, with many students and teachers in the Paphos district describing the situation as “unbearable.” One spokesperson highlighted that although air conditioning units have been installed, the electrical systems in many schools are inadequate, unable to handle the load required to operate them effectively. This has led to issues where turning on the units trips the fuse switch, leaving classrooms excessively hot.

    Psem has announced plans for a nationwide walkout on Monday, highlighting that in numerous schools, not only are the air conditioning units ineffective, but the fans that previously provided relief have also been removed. “Instead of taking two steps forward regarding the conditions of our education, we have taken two steps back,” the association lamented. They further noted that the infrastructure in many schools is in dire straits, with reports of frequent power outages and even plaster falling from classroom ceilings. The association stressed that it is fortunate that no injuries have yet occurred among students or staff.

    The Ministry of Education has responded to the planned walkout, characterising it as “truly surprising and puzzling.” They pointed out that for the first time, the government has committed to installing and operating air conditioning units in all schools at every level. The ministry expressed that it is unthinkable to continue the outdated policies of the past that deprived students of basic wellbeing.

    In their statement, the ministry cautioned that the upcoming walkout could negatively impact students themselves, emphasising the need for collaboration between pupils, parents, and teachers to ensure that the necessary improvements can be carried out smoothly. They reassured that their doors remain open for discussions on any concerns.

    This wave of protests follows a similar incident earlier in the week, where students at Makarios III high school in Larnaca staged a one-hour sit-in to protest ongoing power outages linked to their school’s outdated electrical system. Students and parents there reported that the issues stemmed from an inability of the existing infrastructure to support modern demands, resulting in classrooms that are often unbearably hot and without proper airflow.

  • Primary school — Over 50,000 Primary School Children Begin New Academic Year

    Primary school — Over 50,000 Primary School Children Begin New Academic Year

    Over 50,000 primary school children have returned to classrooms this week, signalling the start of the new academic year across the island. On Monday, primary schools reopened following the summer holidays, welcoming a total of 51,950 children enrolled this year. Alongside them, 13,117 children are attending nursery schools, with a dedicated workforce of 7,557 teachers ready to educate them.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Primary school: Investment in Education and Infrastructure

    The return to school was marked by a special visit from President Nikos Christodoulides, who attended the Paralimni middle school. This visit coincides with the full reopening of middle and high schools, which commenced their academic year on the preceding Friday. During his visit, President Christodoulides highlighted the importance of education, making a particular mention of the smallest school on the island located in the village of Kampos.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Highlighting Kampos School

    Kampos, a remote village nestled in the north of the Paphos forest, faces unique educational challenges. President Christodoulides noted that the school there serves just two children, a situation that typically would not justify the operation of a primary school according to existing laws. However, the government has decided to allow the school to remain open for another year to ensure these children have equal educational opportunities.

    “We decided that these two children should have the same rights and the same opportunities as the children of their age who are in Strovolos, in Nicosia,” he stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to education for every child, regardless of their location.

    School Upgrades and Future Plans

    During his address, the President also discussed significant investments made in educational infrastructure, announcing that €5.5 million has been allocated to upgrade the Paralimni middle school. Furthermore, plans are underway to construct a new athletics school in the area, projected to cost around €15 million. Contracts for this project are expected to be signed on the same day as his visit.

    Improvements in School Facilities

    A key topic of interest during the President’s visit was the ongoing issue of air conditioning in schools. Currently, 45 per cent of schools are equipped with air conditioning, and the government has set an ambitious goal to ensure that all schools will have this essential facility by 2028.

    Special Educational Needs Support

    In addition to regular primary and nursery schools, there are nine special schools and 145 special units dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs. This framework is part of the government’s broader strategy to provide inclusive education for all children, recognising the diverse needs of the student population.

    Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives

    The President’s engagement with local communities, such as his visit to Milikouri, reflects a commitment to understanding the educational landscape across various regions. These visits serve to foster relationships between the government and local communities, ensuring that educational policies are responsive to the needs of all students.

    Looking Ahead to the Academic Year

    This new school year promises to be filled with opportunities and challenges as educators, parents, and students adapt to ongoing changes in the educational environment. The commitment demonstrated by the government through investments and policy decisions aims to enhance the quality of education throughout the island.

    As schools across the island embark on this new academic journey, the focus will remain on providing equitable access to education, improving facilities, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.