Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will expand its all-day school programme in September with the addition of 60 schools, Education Minister Athena Michaelides said on Thursday. The decision raises the total number of schools in the programme to 378 across all districts.
Expansion plan
The decision was taken at Thursday’s cabinet meeting and forms part of the government’s commitment to gradually extend the programme to all schools by 2028.
Objectives of the programme
Michaelides said the aim is to provide equal opportunities to all students and support their families in both urban and rural areas through extended school hours until 3pm or 4pm.
Quality and staffing
She said emphasis is being placed on improving the quality of all-day schools as well as increasing their number. The teachers employed are drawn from the waiting list for appointment, while outsourcing has been abolished.
Curriculum changes
According to the minister, all-day schools are now intended to function not only as childcare units but also as spaces for learning and creativity. Information technology and English language are being strengthened in the curriculum for the new school year, and efforts have been made to connect afternoon classes with the main school programme so they operate as a unified educational structure.
Government priority
Michaelides said the optional all-day schools are among the government’s most emblematic actions.
