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Strategic Fire Safety Program Enhances School Preparedness In Cyprus

New Initiative Sets A High Standard For School Safety

Cyprus has launched a fire safety programme for primary and secondary schools, with the initiative officially presented at Astromeritis Primary School. The programme aims to strengthen prevention awareness and emergency preparedness among students from an early age.

Collaborative Efforts Across Sectors

The initiative was developed through a partnership involving the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the Cyprus Fire Service, the Association of Retired Firefighters of Cyprus, and the Bank of Cyprus SupportCY network. Through this collaboration, public institutions, emergency services and community organisations are working together to promote fire safety and preparedness within schools.

Building Knowledge And Resilience

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou described safety as a fundamental component of the learning process and said promoting a culture of prevention and preparedness remains a priority. Cyprus Fire Service Chief Nikos Longinos said the programme goes beyond teacher training and is designed to equip students with fire prevention and emergency response skills through practical and experiential learning methods.

A Strategic Investment In Prevention

Bank of Cyprus Corporate Social Responsibility Director and SupportCY representative Elli Ioannidou highlighted the importance of investing in prevention and education, particularly as climate-related risks become more pronounced. Activities planned under the programme include school visits, educational presentations, the distribution of safety equipment and practical exercises led by members of the SupportCY Volunteer Corps.

Interactive Learning And Community Engagement

Following the official presentations, students took part in interactive sessions with members of the Fire Service and the Association of Retired Firefighters of Cyprus. Participants were introduced to fire safety procedures and had the opportunity to examine firefighting vehicles and equipment, providing practical insight into emergency response and prevention measures.

Fostering A Responsible Future

By incorporating fire safety education into school activities and involving multiple stakeholders, the programme seeks to strengthen awareness and preparedness among young people. The initiative also aims to support the development of safer and more resilient school communities as environmental and climate-related risks continue to evolve.

Cyprus Employment Rises 1.7% To 525,167 In Q2 2026

Cyprus employment increased 1.7% year over year to an estimated 525,167 people in the second quarter of 2026, according to the state statistical service, Cystat. Employees accounted for 472,254 of the total, while 52,913 were self-employed. The increase points to continued labor market growth across both wage employment and independent work.

Trade, Construction And Leisure Lead Employment Growth

Wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, recorded some of the strongest employment gains, alongside construction and arts, entertainment and recreation.

Those sectors are closely linked to domestic economic activity, with trade reflecting consumer demand and construction reflecting investment. Employment growth in leisure-related industries also points to continued activity in consumer-facing services.

Hours Worked Rise Faster Than Employment

Labor input increased faster than headcount. Cystat estimated that employees and other workers put in 246.57 million hours during the second quarter, up 2.2% from a year earlier.

The increase suggests that businesses were not only employing more people but also recording higher total hours worked. Wholesale and retail trade, construction, and arts, entertainment and recreation again recorded the strongest gains.

Labor Market Expansion Remains Broad-Based

The combination of higher employment and hours worked points to continued expansion in Cyprus’ labor market during the second quarter. The pace remains moderate, but gains across several major sectors indicate that labor demand continued to support economic activity.

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