Private kindergartens in Cyprus have announced a strike on February 27

Private kindergartens declared a peaceful strike on Tuesday, February 27. They are protesting against the Ministry of Education's attempt to gradually extend the compulsory preschool education age from four years old.

The Cyprus Private Preschool Education Association (SIPEK) informs parents and guardians that on the specified day, private kindergartens will remain closed. Parents have been urged to take necessary measures for the care and supervision of their children.

The statement notes that initially, the Ministry of Education's plans to increase the compulsory preschool education age included the private sector to ensure appropriate places for children to learn.

However, as reported by SIPEK, the Ministry of Education, changing its plans, decided to allocate 127 million euros for the construction and/or extension of additional classrooms in the public sector, as well as hiring additional staff.

The statement states that these actions will burden taxpayers without any support for parents who prefer their children to attend private schools and kindergartens.

The Ministry of Education's plans were formulated in a way that benefits the public sector without significant measures to support the private sector, parents, and children who attend it.

In connection with this, the Association is organizing a peaceful protest action in front of the parliament building on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.