Newsroom
Primary schools in Larnaca city and district are facing mounting challenges that threaten students' safety, education quality, and overall well-being. According to the Federation of Primary School Parents' Associations of Larnaca, schools are struggling with overcrowded classrooms, neglected infrastructure, and a troubling rise in delinquent behavior. With no immediate solutions in sight, parents are calling on the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth, along with local school boards, to take urgent action.
Crumbling Buildings and Safety Risks
One of the biggest concerns is the poor condition of school buildings, which have been left without proper maintenance for years. Parents warn that some structures have deteriorated to the point of being safety hazards. They stress that repairs and upgrades are long overdue, urging the government to step in before the situation worsens.
“Many schools are falling apart, and this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a real danger to our children,” the Federation stated. “We need immediate action to ensure safe and healthy learning environments.”
Overcrowded Classrooms and Lack of Resources
Many schools in Larnaca are struggling to accommodate a growing student population, leading to overcrowded classrooms that make learning difficult. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the Ministry of Education has been unable to provide immediate solutions, largely due to a lack of funding. Parents fear that the situation is affecting the quality of education, making it harder for teachers to give students the attention they need.
At the same time, financial support for schools has been inconsistent. Larnaca has not received government sponsorship for three years, leaving schools unable to properly address these growing problems.
“Stable and timely funding is crucial for our schools to function properly,” the Federation stressed. “Without it, we can’t make the necessary improvements.”
Extreme Heat and Air Conditioning Issues
Another major concern is the ongoing struggle to install and maintain air conditioning in schools. As temperatures soar during Cyprus’ long summers, students and teachers are left to suffer in overheated classrooms. Parents say the lack of coordination between school boards, the Ministry, and the AEC (Air Conditioning Service) has resulted in frustrating delays and mismanagement.
Delinquency on the Rise
In addition to infrastructure problems, many schools are also dealing with an increase in delinquent behavior. Acts of vandalism and other disruptions have become more frequent, raising concerns about school security. While some schools have proposed installing security cameras, delays in decision-making have left the problem unresolved.
“Delinquency is a growing issue. Schools need proper security measures to ensure students feel safe,” the Federation emphasized.
Understaffing and the Struggles of All-Day Schools
Parents are also worried about staffing shortages, particularly in all-day schools, where a lack of teachers and resources has led to underperformance. Without enough staff, students are not getting the support they need, and the program is failing to meet its full potential.
Challenges in Integrating Foreign Students
With a rising number of foreign students in Larnaca, there is an urgent need for reception classes to help non-Cypriot children adjust to the school system. Parents argue that without proper support, these students struggle to integrate, affecting both their education and overall school environment.
A Call for Immediate Action
With so many pressing issues, the Federation is calling on the Ministry of Education and local school boards to take immediate action. Parents want solutions that will improve safety, ease overcrowding, and ensure schools receive the resources they need.
“The problems are clear, and they require urgent attention,” the Federation concluded. “We need the cooperation of all relevant authorities to ensure our children receive the quality education they deserve.”
