The Pancyprian Student Coordinating Committee (PSEM) staged a walkout from classes and took its concerns to the House of Representatives, pressing for action on four unresolved issues. Secretary General Despina Kyprianou, speaking on the programme Deuteri Matia sta Gegonota with Andri Daniil, said the Ministry of Education's original timelines for installing classroom air conditioning will not be met. Students are also seeking a uniform policy on summer uniforms, faster delivery of textbooks and a lighter curriculum focused on critical thinking.
Air conditioning timelines in question
Kyprianou said students had received no clear explanation for the delay, despite the issue being discussed in the House. "We want action, and immediately," she said, adding that students are demanding a clear timeline for when the units will be installed and brought into full operation. She noted that MPs and other stakeholders, including OELMEK (the secondary school teachers' union) and parents' associations, agree on the need for installation and full operation of the units.
A single policy on summer uniforms
A further demand behind the walkout concerns students' right to wear a summer uniform, specifically shorts. Kyprianou explained that the decision currently rests with each school's management, resulting in inconsistent practice: some schools permit the summer uniform, while others do not. PSEM is calling on the Ministry of Education to issue a single decision for all schools. She said a letter on the matter had already been sent, with no response received to date.
Textbook shortages until October
The House session also raised the issue of school textbooks, including English-language books, that have not yet been delivered to students. According to Kyprianou, the Ministry told PSEM the books are expected to arrive between the end of September and mid-October. The delay adds to a list of problems recorded at the start of the new school year.
Curriculum and critical thinking
Students are also seeking a reduction in curriculum content and substantive changes to the syllabus. Kyprianou said that although the Ministry maintains it is making changes, students consider them insufficient. "We want a curriculum based on critical thinking and skills development, not memorisation," she said.
No meeting yet scheduled
Despite PSEM's presence at the House, no new session involving students has been scheduled. Kyprianou said discussions have taken place with Ministry of Education representatives to arrange a meeting, though no date has been set. PSEM is awaiting responses to its demands, and Kyprianou noted that students continue to discuss the issues concerning them. The decisions already taken remain in force for now, with further discussion expected once the organisation's new leadership is elected.
