Students are planning a protest. They won't be able to attend their fourth period on Wednesday.

Secondary school students in Cyprus are to refuse to attend classes during the fourth period on Wednesday, September 16th. The PSEM (Polish Educational Council) has called for the protest, demanding, among other things, faster air conditioning installation, improved safety in school buildings, and a reduction in exam material.

The protest does not mean a full-day absence from school. Students are expected to attend classes but not participate in the fourth period. The action is scheduled to coincide with a meeting of the Parliamentary Education Committee, which is expected to address the situation in schools.

Students want air conditioning in classrooms

PSEM, or the Pancyprian Student Coordination Council, says that more than a week after the start of the school year, many issues have still not been resolved.

One of the most important demands is to accelerate the installation of air conditioning units. The organization reminds that previous announcements assumed completion by the end of 2026.

According to the students, however, the president’s latest statements indicate that the project may take until the end of the current government’s term, i.e. until 2028.

PSEM emphasizes that adequate thermal conditions in classrooms should not be considered a luxury. The problem is particularly acute at the beginning and end of the school year, when temperatures remain high on the island.

The dispute also concerns shorts

Students also pay attention to the rules regarding clothing in hot weather.

PSEM claims that despite the issued circulars and previous arrangements, some principals still prohibit students from coming to school in shorts.

The organization reportedly asked the Ministry of Education for clarification on how these rules are being applied. According to its representatives, the letter remains unanswered.

Unsafe buildings and too much material

Another reason for the protest is the state of the school infrastructure. PSEM believes that some buildings still do not provide adequately safe and decent conditions for students.

The organization demands that repairs and modernization be accelerated and that specific deadlines for the work be presented.

Students are also returning to the demand to limit the amount of material they must cover before exams. According to PSEM, the scope of the material is so extensive that from the beginning of the year, learning becomes a race against time.

The Council expects the Ministry of Education to provide specific answers instead of assurances that schools are operating without major problems.

Protest during a parliamentary committee meeting

The timing of the action was deliberate. On Wednesday, during the fourth period, the Parliamentary Education Committee is scheduled to meet.

PSEM aims to draw the attention of parliamentarians and the ministry to the students' demands. Among them, the organization lists:

• ensuring appropriate conditions in the rooms;
• safe and properly maintained school buildings;
• reducing the scope of the material;
• compliance with summer attire regulations;
• taking into account the voice of the student community.

It is not yet known whether the protest will take the same form in all schools. Parents and students should check the announcements made by the school's administration.

PSEM is waiting for the ministry's response

The organization has announced that it has no intention of abandoning its demands. In its statement, it emphasizes that students are demanding conditions that should be standard in every institution.

Wednesday's action will be the first organized student protest in the recently started school year.

It is not yet known whether, after the meeting of the Education Committee, the ministry will present new deadlines for the installation of air conditioners or will respond to the remaining demands of PSEM.

Sources: PSEM and Philenews.

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