Education Minister: Nearly €12m spent on infrastructure ahead of new school year

Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth Dr. Athena Michaelidou has announced significant investments in school infrastructure, totaling nearly €12 million.

In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Michaelidou pointed out that this year promises to be better than previous ones, thanks to the implementation of strategic goals and policies.

According to the Minister, projects worth €11,860,913.93 have already been completed or will be finalised shortly before the school year begins. These include essential upgrades to school facilities across the country. Additionally, the Ministry plans to continue or initiate 25 more projects during the school year, with a total budget exceeding €140 million.

"We seek collaboration from everyone to ensure these positive results. We are moving towards a modern educational environment step by step, evaluating our outcomes, and making decisions based on solid evidence," Michaelidou noted.

She also provided an overview of the preparations for the new school year, highlighting that the Ministry is as prepared as possible in terms of infrastructure, staffing, textbooks, and climate control in schools. While acknowledging that challenges always exist, she noted that staffing was in an advanced stage and that air conditioning installation, a key policy decision, was underway.

"This process will take less than three years, and eventually all schools will be equipped with air conditioning. However, we are also implementing environmentally friendly measures, such as roof insulation, ceiling fans, and increasing greenery in schools," she explained.

Michaelidou also referred to the updates to the curriculum, focusing on reducing content and emphasising skills and competencies.

She also said in the new school year, 329 primary schools will operate, with 51,590 students and 5,044 teachers. In addition, 274 kindergartens will accommodate 13,117 students, with 1,033 teachers. Special education will be provided in nine special schools and 145 special units.

For secondary education, a total of 108 public schools will operate, including 62 middle schools, 36 high schools, and 10 six-year schools. There will also be five evening schools and specialised music and sports schools in each district. The total number of students in secondary education is expected to be 42,650, with 7,031 teachers.

Regarding school infrastructure, the Minister highlighted that the Ministry's Technical Services Department has been working diligently to ensure the smooth and safe operation of schools. The department has been responsible for new constructions, seismic and energy upgrades, and general maintenance and improvements.

"Before the start of the 2024-2025 school year, infrastructure projects worth nearly €12 million were completed or are about to be completed. Furthermore, 25 additional projects with a total budget of over €140 million will be carried out during the school year," Minister Michaelidou concluded.

(Source: CNA)