Two-hour walkout during lessons
Students staged a two-hour walkout during the third and fourth periods on Monday, following a call from the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee of Pupils (PSEM).
The action had been announced last week, with PSEM citing “non-functioning air conditioners, poor infrastructure and indifference from the Ministry of Education,” and warning of escalation if immediate solutions are not provided.
A Mesimeri kai Kati news crew visited a school and spoke with pupils. They described the conditions as unacceptable:
“It is outrageous to be asked to attend lessons in such temperatures, with thermometers hitting 40 degrees, pupils fainting in class and nothing being done.”
They demanded that the Minister of Education keep her promises to install air conditioners, saying:
“If she does not, let her shut off the air conditioning in her own office for six hours and see how we feel.”
Students also chanted the slogan: “No more in the fire.”
PSEM statement
PSEM president Georgia Grigoriou told CNA that today’s walkout was meant to send a message of anger and demand results.
In a letter to the Minister dated 18 September, PSEM warned that unless concrete answers were given, stronger action would follow.
Grigoriou noted that many schools had prepared banners with slogans such as: “Schools need solutions, not excuses,” “Student health above all,” “Human conditions in our schools,” “We want air conditioning,” “Only words,” “A state that doesn’t care,” and “We walked out because it’s too hot.”
Asked whether a deadline had been set, she said no specific timetable had been given but confirmed that escalation was on the table if concerns were ignored.
She also stressed that the action was peaceful, aimed at sending a message, and responded to criticism that PSEM was “serving interests”:
“PSEM is elected, while the Minister of Education is appointed by the President. I’ll leave it to you to decide who is serving interests.”
PSEM announcement after the walkout
In its statement after the protest, PSEM praised the thousands of students who took part across Cyprus, despite attempts by the Ministry, school administrations and teachers to discourage participation.
The group criticised the Ministry for a “180-degree change” between private meetings — where officials expressed agreement with students’ concerns — and public statements dismissing the protest as misguided or politically motivated.
PSEM added:
“Every year the issue is ‘about to be solved’. Enough promises- it is time for action.”
It also highlighted safety concerns, noting that on the very day of the protest, a fan fell off a wall in a Nicosia district high school, narrowly missing a pupil.
Letter to the Ministry
In its letter to the Ministry, PSEM said the situation in schools is “tragic” and far removed from official claims that everything is under control.
On air conditioners, it recalled public statements by the Minister in May that “the bet has been won.” PSEM replied:
“The bet will be won when the air conditioners actually work in classrooms, rather than sitting as costly decorative items.”
Four months later, they said, AC units are still not functioning, and in some schools fans were removed once AC systems were installed — leaving students worse off.
PSEM also criticised the Ministry for failing to respond to a 10 September letter requesting reinstatement of a circular allowing shorts during summer months, saying that even this relief measure was ignored.
The committee further highlighted dangerous infrastructure in many schools, including repeated power cuts and plaster falling from ceilings — issues that could easily cause injuries.
Ministry of Education response
In its own statement, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (MoESY) dismissed the protest as “unjustified” given that projects are already underway.
It said the installation of air conditioning in all schools, along with the upgrade of school buildings, is an “unalterable priority” for the government, backed by significant investment and a set budget and timeline.
The Ministry described the walkout as “excessive” and accused some of exploiting the issue for political gain, contrasting current efforts with the “inaction of previous governments.”
It reassured that the AC project is proceeding, including necessary upgrades to electrical systems and safety checks:
“There will be no shortcuts for the sake of appearances. The safety of pupils, teachers and staff is our highest priority.”
Finally, the Ministry called on all stakeholders to support what it described as a major reform effort, which, once completed, will significantly improve learning and working conditions in classrooms across Cyprus.
Also read: First school bell in Nicosia high schools marked with flares
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
