Issues regarding the safety of children and staff are non-negotiable, according to POED, which calls on the Ministry of Education to make decisions that will help improve public school infrastructure, noting that responsibility for building safety lies exclusively with the Ministry of Public Works, while noting that “even newly completed school buildings continue to have unresolved issues that hinder the educational process.”

In a statement, POED notes that “Issues concerning the upgrading of school infrastructure are directly related to the safety of children and school staff, which is why they are high on the Organization’s list of priorities.”

“Cases of public schools where serious issues related to building infrastructure are occasionally identified, some of which have recently come to public attention, confirm the Organization’s long-standing position that the competent authorities must remain vigilant and implement the necessary procedures that will ensure appropriate and modern building infrastructure,” the statement emphasizes.

The Organization further states that “it has repeatedly and publicly expressed its positions” on the matter, noting that “comprehensive and timely planning is needed that anticipates the need to expand existing buildings or construct new school facilities, in order to meet the needs that arise.” 

Specifically, he points out that, with regard to lowering the age limit for preschool education, the installation of prefabricated classrooms continues, rather than the construction of classrooms based on a specific plan. A similar situation is observed in special education schools due to the upward expansion of the age limit, resulting in a need to expand the building infrastructure, it adds.

At the same time, POED reports that “the Ministry of Education has not communicated the overall plan for the installation and operation of air conditioners in classrooms, even though air conditioners have already been installed in a number of schools across Cyprus”. The organization is asking for an update on the progress of the entire project and whether it will be completed within the timeline set by the Ministry of Education itself.

“The safety of children and staff is non-negotiable,” POED points out, adding that “the Ministry of Education should proceed with the procedures under which school buildings will be inspected and relevant certificates of suitability will be issued.” It further emphasizes that “responsibility for the safety of the buildings lies exclusively with the Ministry of Education.”

At the same time, he notes that “even newly completed school buildings still have outstanding issues that hinder the educational process.”

In conclusion, the Organization calls on the Competent Authority to address this specific issue and make decisions that will effectively and meaningfully contribute to the further improvement of public school infrastructure.

Source: CNA