Newsroom
Cyprus lawmakers are urging the Education Ministry to step up support for children who can’t go to school for long periods because of health problems, saying no child should be left behind.
The issue was discussed this week in Parliament’s Education Committee, where MPs stressed that while health always comes first, education is a basic right that must continue even outside the classroom.
According to the Education Ministry, nearly 300 secondary school students are currently receiving lessons away from their schools. About 70% of them are at home because of psychological struggles, while another 30% are in hospitals or abroad for medical treatment. MPs clarified these figures refer only to children already out of school, not the student population as a whole.
Committee vice chairman Chrysanthos Savvidis said the current system needs updating. “Children should still be able to learn and keep up with their classes, whether they’re recovering from surgery, fighting cancer, or struggling with mental health,” he said.
Lawmakers called for the creation of a pool of specially trained teachers who could work with children at home or in hospitals. They also pushed for more use of online learning and digital classrooms, so kids can stay connected to their school community while they’re away.
Still, challenges remain. MPs pointed out that it’s harder to provide lessons for children in technical and vocational schools, where courses are more specialized. They also noted the lack of data for younger, primary school students.
DISY MP Giorgos Karoulas said hospitalized children deserve immediate access to learning. “This process gives children hope, continued learning and, most importantly, the feeling that their lives continue normally despite the illness,” he said.
Other lawmakers echoed the need to cut through red tape and speed up the process. AKEL MP Christos Christofides warned that some children wait months before lessons begin, leaving them without structure or support. “These children need stability and a teacher they trust, not bureaucracy,” he said.
EDEK MP Andreas Apostolou said the goal is a clear plan that records what’s working, what’s not, and ensures every child who misses school for health reasons still gets a proper education. DIPA-Cooperation MP Alekos Tryfonidis added that families also need counseling support, and stressed that equality and inclusion must guide all changes.
The Education Committee will revisit the issue on October 8, when the ministry is expected to present updated plans.
