Over the past three years, one of the largest school infrastructure upgrade programs in recent years has been underway, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth (YPAN) in a statement, noting that it has taken note of the Special Report by the Audit Office on health and safety issues in schools. It also affirms that “the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff is a constant and non-negotiable priority for the Ministry.”

Read more: Schools as “traps” without safety: The Audit Office’s damning report and the Ministry’s response

The announcement states that “the Audit Office’s report is an important tool for improvement for the Ministry of Education” and that its findings will be utilized as part of the planning process already underway. The Ministry clarifies that the issues documented in the Report are long-standing and concern the Ministry, School Boards, and schools.

Regarding planning and the interventions being implemented, the Ministry notes that these include new school facilities, expansions, renovations, maintenance work, upgrades to electrical systems, and the first organized program to install air conditioning in schools. The goal, as stated, is to “create a modern, safe, and functional school environment.” At the same time, the seismic retrofitting of school buildings across Cyprus is approximately 90% complete.”

As part of this plan, the Ministry reports that it has already taken or is currently taking a series of actions. First, it is promoting the creation of a centralized electronic platform with up-to-date information on all public school buildings, infrastructure, technical equipment, and fire safety and electrical safety certificates.

It also states that it is gradually integrating Written Risk Assessments and Civil Defense Plans into the Electronic Education and Training Administration platform, to ensure centralized and systematic monitoring of school compliance.

At the same time, it has designed a process for conducting random checks on the completeness of the Written Risk Assessments, with an emphasis on critical areas and high-risk schools, which will be implemented starting in the 2026–2027 school year. In collaboration with the Pedagogical Institute, it is intensifying training seminars for the Chairs of the School Safety Committees.

Furthermore, it has secured funding and is promoting corrective work at schools, including TESEK facilities, for the issuance of Reports on the Current Status of Electrical Installations and Fire Safety Certificates. It has updated, via a circular dated June 4, 2026, the guidance provided to School Boards regarding the procedures required for issuing Fire Safety Certificates.

At the same time, it is establishing a centralized monitoring mechanism and an updated registry of certifications, with clear compliance timelines and priority given to high-risk school facilities, while also promoting the completion of Electrical Installation Reports and Fire Safety Certificates for all TESEKs, based on the procedure already implemented in the Famagusta District.

The Ministry notes in its announcement that, under the institutional framework, the maintenance and certification of school buildings are the responsibility of the School Boards. It adds, however, that, recognizing the importance of central coordination, it is strengthening its supervisory role through standardized monitoring procedures, specific timelines, and clear accountability.