Cyprus education ministry plans major school infrastructure projects amid criticism

The Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth has announced 23 large-scale infrastructure projects for the 2026-2027 school year, totaling over €125 million. Key investments include the New Technical School of Limassol and the Pedagogical Institute branch (€33.7 million) and the Saint Lazarus Technical School for Green Professions in Aradippou, Larnaca (€36.5 million). Other significant projects involve seismic upgrades and renovations at schools in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, such as the Second Technical School of Limassol (€6.5 million) and the replacement of the Deftera Primary School (€7.3 million). Meanwhile, a recent Audit Office report criticized the long-term reliance on prefabricated classrooms as a permanent solution to overcrowding. ETEK President Constantinos Constanti argued that this indicates a failure in long-term planning, while OELMEK leader Constantinos Konstantinou highlighted concerns regarding safety and functionality. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou defended the use of these temporary structures as necessary for managing overcrowding and student population growth until permanent upgrades are completed. The Ministry has committed to implementing the Audit Office's recommendations to improve infrastructure management.