The kindergarten-slum in Larnaca remained closed today; photos of it were published by Member of Parliament Dimitris Souglis.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera show, Maria Kyratzi, Director of Social Welfare Services, noted that the issue was well known to the Social Welfare Services and that complaints had already been filed, with the case currently before the court.
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“That particular facility remains closed today. At the same time, for quite some time now, the Social Welfare Services had filed the complaints required by law, even before any reports were published, because we work based on the data we collect from what we find during our inspections.”
As he noted, the complaints had been filed; some of which were forwarded to the court, some are on file with the court, and at the same time, everyone involved in the operation of such licensing programs was notified.
“Since August, efforts have been more rigorous, and in collaboration with the police and by informing parents, so that they themselves—who identify, observe, and see their own children experiencing such situations—can file complaints with the guidance of agency officials.”
When asked who can make the decision to permanently close the kindergarten in question, she clarifies that, under current law, it cannot be removed from the YKE.
“However, current law cannot, on its own initiative, shut down the program. It can forward complaints, revoke the certificate, and refer complaints to the police. That is why a series of complaints have been filed with the police.”
She notes that under the new legislation, there is discussion of allowing authorities to act on their own initiative in certain cases.
He urges parents to make sure that the program their child is enrolled in is registered.
“We are here to assist the public throughout this process—to guide, to help, and to assess on a case-by-case basis whether anything is getting in the way. Whether it’s a position, time, money, or anything else—so that we can help people.”
When asked if the police were also called regarding the closure of the preschool, she stated that the police are assisting with the complaints and have maintained a consistent presence in recent days.
She also clarified that the operating license is granted by the municipality. “The municipality, for its part, had taken certain actions, some of which ended up in court because other cases had been filed,” she adds.
