Parents in Ypsonas and the wider western Limassol area have issued an ultimatum to the Ministry of Education, demanding a strategic plan with clear timelines to address what they describe as a deepening school infrastructure crisis affecting 2,682 children.
In a strongly worded statement titled "2,682 children are looking for a responsible state", the Coordinating Committee of Parents' Associations of Ypsonas Public Schools said it had exhausted all avenues of dialogue after seven meetings with the Education Minister over the past three years, numerous consultations and repeated correspondence.
The committee, representing parents from the area's seven public schools, said it had decided to take action to protect pupils and had already filed a complaint with the Department of Labour Inspection.
"Public education is on the verge of collapse"
Parents argue that it is unacceptable that, in 2026, pupils are still being taught in:
- Temporary prefabricated classrooms.
- Deteriorating structures.
- Facilities lacking suitability certificates.
- Overcrowded schools forced to place temporary classrooms in neighbouring school yards.
The statement says Ypsonas, one of Cyprus's fastest-growing residential areas, urgently requires a second gymnasium and second lyceum to meet growing demand.
Parents also highlighted the continued operation of 12 mobile classroom units at the local lyceum, describing the situation as unsustainable.
Criticism of government response
The committee criticised claims by the Ministry of Education regarding the allocation of €800,000 to the area, arguing that the funding had already been earmarked for an alternative school and repairs elsewhere.
According to the parents, the ministry has focused on presenting completed projects in western Limassol while failing to address overcrowding and infrastructure shortages in Ypsonas itself.
"The Ypsonas municipal district is a community where the entire public education system is operating on the verge of collapse and children simply do not fit into the schools available," the statement said.
Deadline set for 10 September
Parents said that after a complaint was submitted to the Department of Labour Inspection on 4 September, the Ministry of Education contacted them and promised a response regarding a long-pending building programme.
Technical Services are also expected to inspect temporary classrooms at the Third Primary School of Ypsonas.
As a gesture of good faith, parents said they were giving the ministry until 10 September to convert those verbal assurances into written commitments accompanied by specific implementation dates.
Key demands
The committee is seeking detailed timetables for:
- Expansion of the Third Primary School of Ypsonas.
- Expansion of the Third Kindergarten of Ypsonas.
- Construction of a Fourth Primary School.
- Construction of a Fourth Kindergarten.
- Construction of a Second Gymnasium.
- Construction of a Second Lyceum serving Ypsonas and western Limassol.
Parents are also demanding:
- Health and safety guarantees for all temporary classrooms.
- Suitability certificates for prefabricated facilities.
- Full fire-safety compliance and certification.
- Immediate implementation of projects already announced or agreed.
Warning of further action
The committee warned that if no satisfactory response is received by 10 September, additional measures will be considered, including:
- A complaint to the European Committee of the Regions.
- A complaint to the European Parliament's Petitions Committee.
- A two-period warning boycott of classes on 14 September.
The parents' campaign is backed by the Limassol Federation of Primary School Parents' Associations, the Limassol Federation of Secondary School Parents' Associations, the chairman of the Western Limassol School Board and the Mayor of Kourion Municipality.
Source: CNA
