Amid difficulties and challenges—the most significant of which is the need to upgrade the electrical systems—the installation and operation of air conditioners in schools is moving forward.
“All schools will have them soon. Some schools are facing more problems.” Athina Michailidou, Minister of Education
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Detailed data presented by Athina Michaelidou shortly before the first bell rang show that, as far as elementary schools are concerned, there is still a long way to go. The free district of Famagusta ranks highest, with 65% of its schools equipped with air conditioning. Next is Limassol with 46%, followed by Larnaca with 39%, Nicosia with 24%, and lastly Paphos, where only 16% of elementary schools have fully functional air conditioning.
“We won’t allow air conditioners to operate unless we have certification from experts that everything is in order from a safety standpoint. We won’t be deterred by timelines—whether it’s in January or March. Above all, they must be installed properly.” Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education
Only half of the junior high schools in the free district of Famagusta have fully operational air conditioners. The corresponding percentage for Larnaca is 45%, for Limassol 39%, and for Paphos 37.5%, while Nicosia lags significantly behind at 18%.
In high schools, the picture is better. Larnaca leads the way, with all schools equipped with air conditioning. Limassol follows with 90%, Paphos and Famagusta with 33%, and Nicosia comes in last again with 21%.
Priorities
The Ministry of Education’s priorities for the new school year focus, among other things, on strengthening students’ skills, modernizing special education, and the gradual implementation of the new assessment system. Particular emphasis is also placed on upgrading infrastructure, with projects totaling over 125 million euros.
Watch the report by Rafaela Stavrinou
