Cypriot schools face textbook shortages at start of new academic year

As the 2026-2027 academic year begins in Cyprus, significant concerns have emerged regarding the timely delivery of school textbooks. During a parliamentary Education Committee meeting, lawmakers highlighted that key manuals for subjects including mathematics, history, and science are missing in many primary schools, forcing educators to rely on photocopies and digital resources. Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou stated that 97% of the approximately 700 required titles have been delivered, dismissing claims of a widespread crisis as exaggerated.

Minister Michaelidou explained that delays were caused by a small number of contractors who failed to meet contractual obligations due to technical issues. In response, the Ministry has terminated some of these contracts, reassigned the printing work, and collaborated with the Government Printing Office to produce interim booklets. Despite these measures, teachers and unions, including POED, continue to criticize the administrative handling of the situation. Further discussions are planned between the Ministry, political parties, and unions to address these shortages, alongside ongoing issues regarding school infrastructure and air conditioning maintenance.