Cypriot students stage walkout over school conditions and textbook shortages
On September 16, 2026, students across Cyprus staged a walkout during the fourth teaching period to protest critical deficiencies in the educational system. The action, organized by the Pan-Cyprian Student Co-ordinating Committee (PSEM), highlighted the lack of functional air conditioning units in many schools and persistent textbook shortages affecting primary and secondary education. The teachers' union OELMEK officially supported the students' protest, noting that poor infrastructure undermines both health and teaching quality.
During a session of the House Education Committee held on the same day, officials discussed the ongoing delays. While the Ministry of Education, represented by deputy director Georgios Koutsidis, insisted that air conditioning installation projects would be completed within the 2026-2027 school year, representatives from school boards argued that the logistical complexity of the work suggests a longer timeline, potentially extending into 2027 or 2028. Additionally, the Ministry confirmed it is exploring a new strategy to order textbooks covering two academic years to prevent future supply gaps.
Students are also demanding a unified policy on school attire, specifically the right to wear shorts during high-temperature months, which currently remains at the discretion of individual school administrations. The Ministry of Education has expressed a willingness to continue the dialogue with student representatives to address these concerns.