Shift in Student Demographics in Northern Cyprus
In a recent statement, Burak Mavis, the head of the Turkish Cypriot teaching union (Ktos), brought to light significant changes in the student population across schools in the north of Cyprus. Mavis reported a stark decrease of more than 50 percent in the number of Turkish Cypriot pupils, alongside a notable increase in students from Turkey and other foreign backgrounds.
Specifically, the number of Turkish Cypriot students has plummeted by 57 percent, while the number of students from Turkey has surged by a third. Furthermore, there has been a 10 percent rise in the number of foreign pupils, as per data from the press and information office. This demographic shift has not been accompanied by a comprehensive population or ‘citizenship policy,’ leading to challenges within schools and other public services in the region.
Mavis highlighted an overall increase in the student population by at least five percent, which includes a rise in the enrollment of four-year-olds, students with special needs, and foreign students. He underscored the pressing need for new educational facilities in areas such as Omorphita, Kioneli, Kyrenia, and Ayios Sergios. Additionally, he advocated for an increase in linguists within schools to cater to the educational needs of approximately two thousand foreign students requiring Turkish language instruction at the primary level.
The integration of these foreign pupils into the school system involves more than just language proficiency. Mavis emphasized that efforts must be made to equip these students with social and cultural skills as well. He also noted a concerning trend where families opt out of certain school activities and reject vaccination programs based on personal beliefs and cultural practices.
Addressing the evolving educational landscape, Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), acknowledged the growing presence of non-Turkish speaking students during his visit to a primary school in Kioneli. Erhurman stated that establishing a population policy would be a priority should his party come into power, recognizing the critical need for strategic planning in response to these demographic changes.
