Çavuşoğlu: "We've Built Four Schools in Nicosia in Three Years, Yet Classrooms Remain Overcrowded"

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, Çavuşoğlu also expressed support for Prime Minister and UBP leader Ünal Üstel.

As the start of the new school year approaches, Çavuşoğlu emphasized the government's success in school building, claiming it holds the record for the most schools built in the country’s history.

"Education Cannot Be Paused, Prefabricated Classrooms Are a Solution"

Çavuşoğlu emphasized the need to strengthen or evacuate school buildings following earthquakes, stating that prefabricated classrooms have provided a temporary but effective solution to continue education without interruption.

He noted that 48-square-meter prefabricated wooden classrooms equipped with dual air conditioning units can meet the temporary educational needs. Çavuşoğlu also mentioned the recent evacuation of Lefke İstiklal Primary School, explaining that constructing a new school in such a short time was impossible, while halting education for three years was unacceptable.

"Prefabricated classrooms have helped alleviate overcrowded classes during this period," Çavuşoğlu added, stating that despite building four schools in the last three years, crowded classrooms remain an issue.

He further emphasized the importance of solving these challenges without compromising student safety or disrupting education. "We have built 218 prefabricated classrooms and evacuated 290 classrooms and offices," he stated.

"We've Set a Record for School Construction in TRNC History"

Proud of their achievements, Çavuşoğlu reiterated that the current government holds the record for the most schools built in TRNC history, with 20 schools opened in the last four years. He announced plans to open another school within 10 days, with a total of 24 schools set to be completed by September next year.

While acknowledging that prefabricated classrooms aren't a point of pride, Çavuşoğlu expressed pride in their overall solutions and efforts. "We are working until 3 or 4 a.m. every night. Everyone is working double shifts to ensure schools are ready for the new term," he said.

On the technological front, he highlighted significant investments, including the distribution of 2,139 computers, 1,433 air conditioners, and 821 smart boards. Additionally, 12,545 student desks, 859 teacher desks, 426 printers, 1,752 curtains, and 1,495 security cameras have been provided to schools, ensuring that no classroom is without air conditioning.

He also criticized past conditions, pointing out that before their tenure, teachers were sitting on wooden chairs.

"The Secondary Education Union Operates with Empty Rhetoric"

Çavuşoğlu criticized the secondary education union for making unnecessary complaints, accusing it of acting based on rote and hollow rhetoric. However, he praised the primary school union for attempting to contribute to education recently.

Responding to criticism from the CTP, he referred to the recent protest march at Kurtuluş High School. Çavuşoğlu explained that the school, currently undergoing structural reinforcement, is still an active construction site, but such work takes time, with even the columns being rebuilt.

He also reminded the public of the CTP's failure to solve many problems during their time in government. "During their rule in 2008-2009, they couldn't even hold mid-term exams at many schools. They failed to print textbooks, distribute stationery, or resolve internet issues," he stated.

In contrast, Çavuşoğlu claimed to have built 21 schools, while the CTP only added two classrooms during their time in office. He also mentioned that the Rauf Denktaş High School project cost 192 million TL, with an additional 20 million TL spent on electricity.

Çavuşoğlu proudly announced that his government has established 75 laboratories and challenged the CTP to disclose how many they had built.

"If I Can't Deliver, I'll Resign"

"I am bold enough to resign if I can't deliver results, but also courageous enough to take action. My duty is to serve the public. We have dedicated ourselves to the people," Çavuşoğlu concluded.