İncirli targets more special education teachers and a phased move to full-day schooling

The shortage of special education teachers and the support needs of students with special educational needs were raised during visits to schools in the Değirmenlik-Akıncılar area by CTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli. İncirli said they aim to increase the number of teachers and special education institutions, and that the move to full-day schooling would be planned alongside provisions for meals, transport and safe spaces.

As part of its visits in the area, the CTP delegation called at Şehit Mehmet Eray Primary School, Değirmenlik High School, Özle Türkel Social Activity Centre and Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Municipality. Discussions with teachers and students covered schools’ needs, equality of opportunity in education and ongoing work.

Target to expand special education capacity

İncirli said ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the support they need was among their priorities. In addition to increasing the number of teachers, she said they aim to expand the number of special education institutions and are seeking an inclusive system in which education, health and social services work together.

Emphasising that families’ economic circumstances and the areas where they live should not determine children’s educational opportunities, İncirli said they aim to ensure equal access to opportunities from Karpaz to Nicosia. She also said they would prioritise vocational education and seek to improve teachers’ working conditions.

Joint planning for full-day schooling

Setting out a five-year target for meaningful change in education, İncirli said the transition to full-day schooling should be implemented in a planned and phased manner. She said they envisage assessing children’s meals, safe spaces, transport and the curriculum together.

İncirli said the process would be planned and scheduled with the participation of teachers, experts, families and school administrators. The comments were presented as targets and proposals for the education sector.