Educational issues linger unresolved, says House education committee chairman

House education committee chairman Pavlos Mylonas on Friday highlighted what he called “enduring issues within schools,” adding that they often remain unresolved and “swept under the carpet.”

He also questioned the allocation of the ministry’s budget, expressing concern over the failure to address what he considers fundamental issues.

Members of the House education committee paid a visit to four municipal schools in the Limassol district on Friday. During their visit, they engaged in discussions with school principals, educational authorities, parent associations, as well as representatives from teachers’ unions, Poed, and Oelmek, addressing key concerns within the education system.

Mylonas admitted that very few issues at the start of the new school year were identified, commending the efforts made. However, he also emphasised that long-standing problems persist and are not being adequately addressed.

Particular attention was drawn to the Karimiótissa Primary School, which has been grappling with significant challenges due to overcrowded classrooms.

“At the school, there is delinquency, lack of support, inadequate teachers, and only three support staff members for 11 children with special needs, with two more children having serious health issues,” Mylonas said. He added that the school falls into a category where “parents and students are considered not just second-class, but third-class citizens.”

He also pointed out that the issue of insufficient support staff in schools is a nightmare for parents and students.

“We usually focus our attention on schools that receive more political support and party affiliations,” he said, adding that “without the help of the parents’ associations, many schools would not function.”

When asked how the House education committee can help, he mentioned that, aside from the pressure applied as a committee, it’s crucial to expose issues to make the political system accountable for addressing them.

Finally, Mylonas said he wonders why there isn’t enough funding to address such issues, “considering that the education ministry’s budget exceeds €1.2 billion.”

“Where does the money go when we can’t even address the basics?” he said.