Nicosia, Cyprus. Parent and guardian associations of the third public primary and nursery schools of Kaimakli said the transfer of Greek Cypriot students to other schools is the main issue affecting their schools. They criticised remarks by House education committee chairman and Diko MP Pavlos Mylonas following a meeting held on Friday.
Dispute over comments and data
In a statement, the associations said they were disappointed by Mylonas’ comments and argued his statements did not reflect their views or what was said at the meeting. They said the data he presented was “entirely inaccurate”.
On Friday, Mylonas said there were serious problems related to demographic changes in the area, citing that the nursery school had six Greek Cypriot children and 170 children from third countries. He also said many Arabic-speaking families move their children from other areas to the nursery school because it has the most Arabic-speaking children.
Parents cite transfers and segregation concerns
The associations said the issue repeatedly raised by parents was the transfer of Greek Cypriot students to other nearby schools, which they said occurs with the tolerance or approval of the education ministry. They said this results in uneven student distribution, creates segregation between schools, and worsens declining enrolment in certain school units.
Proposals submitted to authorities
The associations listed proposals submitted to the education ministry and other authorities, including extending the all-day school schedule until 5pm, expanding activities offered in the all-day programme, reducing class sizes to 18 students, increasing funding for the Drase programme, and reviewing transfer criteria and admission criteria for public nursery schools.
They said they had expected Mylonas to mention some of these proposals publicly to support efforts to improve conditions, rather than amplifying an existing issue with inaccurate data.
Call for action and meeting outcome
The associations said the meeting allowed parents to highlight the high standard of teaching staff and the positive aspects of the Drase programme at their school. They called on the state and competent authorities to address the issues affecting the schools and to work with parents on solutions.
They also welcomed the prompt response from relevant authorities who attended the meeting and the school board’s commitment to provide support until the end of the year.
What measures do you think would most effectively address student distribution and support the Kaimakli schools?
