Students and their families in eastern Limassol braved the icy weather on Tuesday to demonstrate against the education ministry’s decision to dismiss plans for a regional gymnasium in Parekklisia.

The students, attending 13 primary schools in the area, missed the two first hours of lessons to demonstrate, holding banners to support their pledge for better education in eastern Limassol.

According to the parents’ associations, over 820 children in the area’s primary schools were expected to enrol in gymnasiums over the next years, which made building a new school imperative.

In a letter to the education ministry and the president of the Republic, parents and teachers said the children in remote areas, such as Arakapas and Dierona, commuted over long distances every day to attend school in Limassol.

The parents called on the state to look into the matter again, taking into consideration the true needs of the families in the area.

“Education is the right of all children. We want a solution that will serve the communities and ensure equal access to knowledge,” a representative of the parents said.

The demonstration was peaceful and students, teachers and parents alike expressed hope their message would be heard.