Around 13,317 or 12% of students in primary and secondary education in Cyprus received free food through the schools, Education Minister Costas Kadis said on Monday.
Speaking after a meeting to discuss the nutrition of needy students for the new academic year starting in September, the Minister said that 12% is an extremely high percentage which indicates the extent of the problem.
He added that the number of students on the breadline this year will potentially be bigger but the exact figures will be known at the beginning of the new academic year in order to establish the precise needs of each school.
The minister said due to the sensitivity of the issue there will be a circular sent from the ministry to explain the procedures so that help is offered in a discreet way that respects every individual’s dignity.
“This is why it is necessary to collaborate and coordinate with all schools, as well as parent associations and school boards, and we want all those players with us this year,” Kadis said.
“This is a collective effort that involves many organisations and we want the whole effort to be carried out with confidentiality and discretion so that the children are supported this year too,” he added.
The minister stressed that the fact that all children were covered by the plan implemented last year shows that the method was successful.
Over 13,000 Cypriot school kids receive free food through schools
