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Optional All-Day Schools will reopen on Monday, but education officials are already warning of serious staffing problems that could undermine the program.
Myria Vassiliou, president of the Cyprus Primary Teachers’ Organization (POED), told CNA that many teachers are reluctant to take up posts in the program because of part-time contracts that don’t provide a steady income.
“We had anticipated this problem and warned the authorities in time,” Vassiliou said. “Part-time contracts simply don’t offer a framework that ensures a decent salary. Unless the Ministry of Education recognizes this and acts, the program will keep struggling.”
The government has announced plans to expand all schools into optional full-day schools, including primary schools, kindergartens, and special schools. But POED argues that only full-time contracts will make the jobs attractive enough for teachers.
Vassiliou also raised alarms about substitute teachers, warning that a lack of interest there could cause widespread understaffing. “It is imperative to finally create a proper working framework for substitutes, something that motivates rather than discourages them,” she said. “Otherwise, we will keep hearing the phrase ‘we cannot find teachers,’ with serious risks for the quality of public education.”
On another hot-button issue, air conditioning in classrooms, Vassiliou stressed that installation alone is not enough. “The systems need to be fully operational. Cyprus’ weather cannot stand further delays. All services should speed up so that by May 2026, every classroom is equipped and ready,” she said.
The Ministry of Education has not yet responded publicly to POED’s latest warnings.
