The Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS) gathered in front of the Education Ministry to voice their opposition to the proposed amendments set to be discussed at the High Advisory Council meeting. The union argues that changes to the “Regulation on Class Advancement Exams for Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions” and the “Regulation on the Equivalence of Educational Club Activities to Class Hours” will negatively impact teachers’ lives.
KTOEÖS President Ahmet Karaoğulları highlighted the lack of seriousness in the manner they were invited to the meeting. He noted that the call made by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education was received only one day before the meeting and the official document was delivered to them in the morning. He stated, “It is unacceptable for such an important issue to be handled in this way.”
Karaoğulları expressed that the union will stand against any attempts to undermine the rights and will of teachers by exercising their democratic rights. He remarked, “These changes regarding teachers and students’ motivation are unacceptable; we are voicing our protest.”
Karaoğulları also delivered harsh criticisms regarding past statements made by the Minister of Education Ünal Üstel. Referring to Üstel’s remarks questioning the qualifications of teachers, he said, “There is a respect due to the teachers working in this country, but we can never accept the disregard of this respect.”
The KTOEÖS President stated they would participate in the High Advisory Council meeting, reiterating their commitment to fight for teachers’ rights. He declared, “We will not accept this situation quietly, and we will express our demands on every platform.”
The union leader emphasized that teacher transfers must be conducted fairly. He described unilateral transfers made behind closed doors as infringing on the rights of thousands of prospective teachers and labeled this situation as theft.
Karaoğulları stated that investments in public education are insufficient, highlighting that teacher shortages have not been resolved and necessary budgets for school infrastructure have not been allocated. He said, “This lack of investment in education will adversely affect the future of this society at large.”
KTOEÖS announced that in addition to the response they will provide today, they will also strive to raise societal awareness. They emphasized that the struggle for teachers’ rights will continue indefinitely.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
