Support for Working Parents: Extended Hours for Afternoon and Summer Schools
In a move to support working parents, the education ministry has announced an extension of the operation hours for afternoon and summer schools. This decision comes as a relief to families struggling to balance work commitments with their children’s educational needs. The optional afternoon schools are set to commence in September and will run until the end of June. Summer schools will welcome students on the first Monday following the regular school year’s end, continuing until the end of July.
Moreover, the ministry has taken a significant step by ensuring that children with disabilities will receive support from educational assistants throughout the summer months, expanding beyond the traditional school year framework. This amendment is scheduled to be presented to the plenary next week.
Members of Parliament have expressed their approval of the revised schedule. Diko MP Pavlos Mylonas, Chairman of the House education committee, highlighted that these changes are among the most crucial decisions made recently, which also includes the ban on mobile phones in schools. Disy MP Prodromos Alambritis has confirmed that the new schedule for afternoon schools will be effective from this academic term, marking it as “a step in the right direction.”
Akel MP Christs Christofides took the opportunity to point out that the initiative was originally proposed by his party and emphasized the need to increase state support for children’s meals, especially in light of inflation and rising costs.
The financial implications of extending afternoon schools have been assessed by Edek MP Andreas Apostolou, who estimated the cost to exceed €1 million. In addition, Diko MP Alekos Tryphonides brought attention to the necessity of including rural and remote areas in this extension, ensuring that villages and technical schools also benefit from these extended services.
The collective efforts of the MPs and the education ministry reflect a commitment to fostering an environment that accommodates the diverse needs of families across the nation, ensuring that every child has access to supportive educational structures throughout the year.
