Ministry of Education upgrades over 300 secondary school laboratories in Cyprus

The Cypriot Ministry of Education is upgrading more than 300 Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Design and Technology laboratories in gymnasiums, lyceums, and six-year secondary schools across all districts. This initiative is part of the C5.1R1 reform within the national Recovery and Resilience Plan, aimed at addressing skills mismatches between education and the labor market. The first phase, covering over 200 laboratories, is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2024. A second phase, launched through an open tender, will expand the program to reach a total of over 300 laboratories by June 2026. According to Giorgos Koutsidis, Deputy Director of Secondary General Education, the equipment includes laser cutters for Design and Technology, mechanics apparatus for Physics, and advanced tools for Biology and Chemistry. Specifically, Chemistry labs are receiving UV-VIS spectroscopy and conductometric titration equipment, while Biology labs will incorporate augmented and virtual reality tools. Design and Technology rooms are also being equipped with 3D printers, and Chemistry facilities will receive fume cupboards. The project aims to align school infrastructure with contemporary educational requirements.