Supported by
Cypriot schools are using 469 modular classrooms. In Latsia, parents are raising concerns about shortages.
Some 469 modular classrooms serve students in Cypriot schools and kindergartens, according to information presented to the Parliamentary Education Committee on Wednesday, October 7. MPs, teachers, and parents cited a lack of space, safety concerns, and difficult access to facilities for children with disabilities.
An example of the difficulties is the public kindergarten in Latsia, where parents report that the new modular classroom lacks basic equipment and the toilets are not connected to the sewage system. Lowering the compulsory preschool age increases the demand for places, while the ministry's technical services report a staff shortage.
The rest of the article is below
New hall, but work unfinished
The Latsia Kindergarten Parents' Association has sent a letter to the local school management body and the technical services of the Ministry of Education. The document, obtained by Philenews, describes problems with equipment and hygiene.
According to parents, the new classroom lacks a whiteboard or projector. They question whether the children are provided with the necessary tools for conducting classes.
A more serious problem is the toilets. According to the letter, they were installed but not connected to the sewer system. Parents are waiting for clear information about the completion date, as they have received inconsistent responses.
Children also have to go to another room to wash their hands. Parents fear that this arrangement will be even more burdensome in winter. They emphasize that they want to address deficiencies and ensure appropriate conditions, not provoke conflict.
Temporary solutions last for years
During the committee meeting, parent representatives reported that approximately 400 modular rooms are located in primary schools and kindergartens, and another 69 in secondary education institutions.
They pointed out that the solution, intended as a temporary measure, serves to meet permanent needs in many locations. Additional structures also occupy parts of school yards, limiting space for play and sports.
Commission Chairman Chrysanthos Savvidis estimated that the scale of use of these classrooms roughly corresponds to the needs of approximately 20 new schools. This comparison reflects the infrastructure shortage, not the announced plan to build 20 schools.
Data presented to the Education Committee
Modular rooms in Cypriot facilities
about 469
Modular rooms in schools and kindergartens.
about 400
Classrooms in primary schools and kindergartens.
69
Classrooms in secondary education institutions.
The information was presented during a meeting of the Parliamentary Education Committee on October 7, 2026. The number of rooms alone does not determine their technical condition.
Younger children need places in kindergartens
The development of infrastructure is becoming particularly important as the age of compulsory pre-school education is gradually lowered.
For the 2026/2027 school year, the obligation applies to children who turned four years and four months old before September 1. The rules also apply to children of other nationalities living in Cyprus, including children of Polish families.
A larger number of preschoolers means the need for additional classrooms, equipment, and adequate sanitary facilities. A case reported by parents in Latsia demonstrates that simply erecting a new structure doesn't complete the preparation of a space for classes.
Safety, accessibility and school playgrounds
The parliamentary discussion also covered ramps, lifts, accessible toilets and the ability of children with mobility difficulties to use all parts of the school.
Members of Parliament asked about earthquake protection, electrical inspections, fire protection, and water quality. The committee requested a detailed list of facilities with the required certificates of fitness for use.
There have also been reports of water leaking into modular classrooms during rain, as well as deficiencies in sports infrastructure. It has been alleged that even some sports schools lack adequate facilities.
Technical services need employees
A representative of the ministerial technical services said that the unit employs about 30 people, while it needs about 60.
She assured that services respond immediately to urgent security matters. Expansion and modernization of facilities are taking place within the limits of available budgets.
Meeting participants demanded increased funding, clear priorities, and specific deadlines. In the case of the kindergarten in Latsia, parents are primarily seeking answers about when the classroom will be equipped and the sanitary facilities will be ready for use.
Sources: Philenews, CNA, Ministry of Education of Cyprus.
