Start of school year marked by protests and infrastructure pledges in Cyprus

More than 66,000 students returned to schools across Cyprus for the new academic year as of September 14, 2026. President Nikos Christodoulides visited multiple schools, including the Ayios Dhometios middle school and the School for the Deaf, emphasizing that education is a top government priority. During these visits, he announced a firm goal to install air conditioning in all schools by 2028 and confirmed a €1.5 million investment to renovate the School for the Deaf, with works scheduled for January 2027.

Despite the government's announcements, the Pan-Cyprian Coordinating Committee of Students (PSEM) has announced a protest, calling for a one-period classroom walkout on September 16, 2026. The students cited concerns over failing infrastructure and broken promises regarding timelines for school improvements. Meanwhile, parents continue to highlight unresolved issues concerning the supervision of children arriving before official school hours. Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou responded to the upcoming protest by calling for constructive dialogue, asserting that the government is already actively working on the issues raised by the student body.