The government aims to ensure that all public schools are fitted with air conditioning within a few months, as confirmed by Education Minister Athena Michaelidou on Thursday.
- The government aims to ensure that all public schools are fitted with air conditioning within a few months, as confirmed by Education Minister Athena Michaelidou on Thursday.
During a visit to the 19th Primary School of Limassol, Michaelidou expressed gratitude to private enterprise XM for their generous donation of new air conditioning units. She emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors in accelerating the implementation of this initiative.
According to the school administration, 24 air conditioning units have already been installed, effectively covering all classrooms and facilities. The director of the school, Christofis Christofis, noted that this development aligns with government policy and highlights the role of private sector involvement in enhancing educational infrastructure. He remarked, “Companies have realised that investing in education is a stock market in which whoever invests always wins.”
The installation of air conditioning in schools is part of a broader government programme aimed at addressing the current shortfall of units in educational settings. However, the rollout has not been without its challenges. Electrical contractors have raised concerns regarding the existing infrastructure capacity and the limitations of the electrical grid.
Industry representatives have indicated that the electrical loads in some schools may not be adequate to support the simultaneous operation of multiple air conditioning systems, which could lead to potential overloads and power outages if necessary upgrades are not made.
Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Education has asserted that the installation work is proceeding in coordination with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). Most schools are expected to have their air conditioning systems installed within the projected timeframe.
Additionally, the ministry confirmed that examinations scheduled for this summer will take place in classrooms equipped with air conditioning systems that are already operational. This proactive measure aims to ensure a comfortable environment for students during crucial assessment periods.
