The Pancyprian Coordinating Students’ Committee (PSEM) has called on pupils to leave classes on Wednesday, 16 September, in protest against conditions in educational institutions. The main demands include speeding up the installation of air conditioners, ensuring the safety of school buildings, and reducing the volume of the curriculum.

PSEM decided to hold the strike on the day of a meeting of the parliamentary education committee. Students are demanding that the Ministry of Education give “substantial answers” to the accumulated issues.

According to PSEM, the Minister of Education had previously promised to complete the installation of air conditioners by the end of 2026. However, the organisation claims that the President of the Republic stated that the completion deadline has now been postponed to the end of the government’s term of office — 2028.

PSEM said that more than a week after the start of the new school year, many problems remain unresolved and accused the government of repeatedly changing its own deadlines.

“Students can no longer wait,” the organisation stated, stressing that humane and decent conditions in classrooms are not a luxury but a necessity.

Another reason for discontent has been restrictions on summer clothing.

According to PSEM, despite circulars that have been issued and concessions already obtained by students, the administrations of some schools continue to ban pupils from wearing shorts.

The organisation says it sent a letter to the Ministry of Education on this matter but has still not received a reply.

PSEM also draws attention to the state of school infrastructure. According to the organisation, the buildings of several educational institutions are still considered unsafe.

A separate complaint concerns the volume of the curriculum. Students say the school year has effectively turned into a race to cover all the material before exams, despite earlier promises to reduce the programme.

PSEM accused the Ministry of Education of a dismissive attitude towards existing problems. In the organisation’s view, the ministry behaves as if the education system is operating without serious difficulties, which is causing growing discontent among schoolchildren.

The committee stated that it does not intend to abandon its demands and will not allow students to be treated with disdain.

Source: en.philenews.com
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