Students once again staged a walkout on Monday, demanding proper air conditioning in Cyprus’ classrooms. Despite repeated government pledges, only a handful of schools have installed and functioning units. In some cases, even when systems are switched on, power cuts out due to inadequate electrical infrastructure.
Frustrated by sweltering conditions and the government’s refusal to relax uniform rules, students abstained from lessons for two hours — warning more protests may follow. Parents and teachers are also pressing for urgent action, calling air conditioning in schools a “social and educational necessity.”
The Ministry of Education has floated a pilot scheme for 50 schools, followed by a three-year plan to cover all classrooms. But delays and infrastructure shortcomings continue to stall progress.
Cyprus’ long, hot summers and high humidity make classrooms stifling from May through October, hampering concentration and learning. Beyond health and comfort, the issue raises concerns of fairness: some schools enjoy air-conditioned classrooms, while others are left behind. “All students have the right to conditions that support their learning,” parents argue.