The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, who visited Agios Dometios Middle School on Monday morning to mark the start of the new school year. The President referred to the ongoing reforms school infrastructure, and the expansion of full-day schools, while also answering questions about Cyprus–U.S. relations and the Cyprus issue.
“For us, education—in practice, not just in words—is the most important area of governance,” said Nikos Christodoulides, noting that it has a broad impact on all policy areas and represents the country’s future. As he explained, an ongoing reform effort is underway, focusing on teachers, their evaluation and professional development, as well as the curricula, with the aim of making them more targeted and equipping students with more skills.
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He made special mention of school infrastructure, noting that the government is investing over €132 million in this sector. When asked about students’ complaints regarding the lack of air conditioning, he acknowledged that “the children who are protesting are right” and reiterated his commitment that the issue in schools will be resolved by the end of the current government’s term. As he noted, in some districts the work has already been completed, while in others it is nearing completion.
The President also referred to the expansion of the optional full-day school program, noting that 63 more schools are being added this year. As he noted, there are currently more than 350 such schools operating throughout Cyprus, with the government’s goal being for all elementary schools to also operate as optional full-day schools by 2028. He linked the expansion of the program to parents’ concerns about childcare before and after school hours. Addressing the students, and especially the first-graders, he noted that they are embarking on “a new journey,” urging them to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
