Serious heating problems forced students of Akropolis Lyceum to remain outside their classrooms for two teaching periods as a form of protest, as the school’s heating systems were not functioning. The low temperatures made it impossible to stay in the classrooms, resulting in students feeling extremely cold and being unable to follow the lesson.
Despite repeated complaints submitted both to the school management and to the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the issue has so far not been substantively addressed. This situation has caused justified frustration among students, parents, and teachers, who are understandably demanding safe and humane teaching conditions.
It is noteworthy that the problem is not limited to a single school. In several school units across Cyprus, students and teaching staff face similar difficulties, as heating systems are either not working or are inadequate due to age and lack of maintenance.
A particular contradiction arises from the fact that in 2025 air-conditioning units were installed in more than 80 schools, so that students could sit the Pancyprian examinations under humane and sustainable conditions. However, these air-conditioning units are not being utilised, while the fundamental problem of outdated systems remains unresolved.
This situation stands in stark contrast to Cyprus’ role as a modern European country and, moreover, as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2026. At a time when the country promotes European values and progress, students and teachers are being asked to conduct lessons in freezing classrooms.
The right to education presupposes dignified conditions. The immediate resolution of the heating problem in schools is not a luxury, but a fundamental obligation of the state towards the student and educational community.
Also read: Teacher evaluation reactions – POED rejects consensus
