The Cyprus Ministry of Education and the secondary school teachers’ union OELMEK remain at odds over the location of a new alternative schooling programme for students with behavioural issues.
The programme, set to be implemented for the first time in Cyprus, has sparked controversy regarding its proposed site.
OELMEK staunchly opposes locating the programme near or within existing school premises, even if in a separate, autonomous space. The Ministry, however, initially favoured a site at Pancyprian Gymnasium, based on expert opinions and data.
Education Minister Athina Michaelidou and OELMEK President Demetris Taliadoros publicly aired their disagreements on an APHA TV programme.
Michaelidou questioned the message sent by OELMEK’s stance, suggesting it stigmatises the programme’s future students. She highlighted that the programme was requested by OELMEK and other organisations, approved twice by the Council of Ministers, and planned by experts for a year.
Taliadoros defended OELMEK’s position, stating the union supports the programme but with two conditions: it should operate outside school units and be implemented in multiple districts to gather scientific data.
He accused the Ministry of “exploiting the children who will attend the programme”.
The public dispute has reportedly caused second thoughts among some students and parents who had agreed to participate in the programme, with some now expressing reluctance or fear to attend.
Despite the controversy and the decision to cancel the programme’s implementation at Pancyprian Gymnasium, the Ministry of Education remains determined to proceed.
They are currently seeking an alternative suitable location, which will likely delay the programme’s start beyond its planned October launch.
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