Uncertainty, absence of an overall plan and insufficient means for the educational process’ smooth functioning
Statement by Christos Christofides, Head of AKEL Education Affairs Bureau, on the situation in schools
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 6th January 2021, Nicosia
10 months after the outbreak of the pandemic in our country and the Ministry of Education is still unprepared to operate effectively in the new conditions created by the coronavirus. Uncertainty, the absence of an overall plan and the insufficient means for the educational process’ smooth functioning characterise today’s prevailing conditions for thousands of students, teachers and parents. More specifically:
- Not all our schools have upgraded internet and even those that have the correct speeds have problematic networks,
- Computers in our schools are old technology and cannot provide support for distance learning,
- Ten months onwards there are still children without access to technology and therefore cannot participate in distance learning,
- The Education Ministry’s baffling insistence all through the previous period on holding examinations every four months is in fact at a dead end. This inexplicable persistence intensifies feelings of uncertainty and demonstrates an absence of planning,
- Solutions such as educational television are not going to deliver what is expected no matter how prepared they may be, as they are outdated methods,
- Once again the continuation of the educational process is dependent on the will, conscience and love shown by our teachers. The absence of specific instructions and an organized overall plan is more than obvious,
- With regards special integrated education, it must be safeguarded that our children will be able to continue their therapy in contrast to what was happening in the past.
In the face of this difficult situation, we urge the Ministry of Education, even belatedly, to take those measures and elaborate the plan needed to solve the problems and continue the educational process as best as possible.
