Selma Eylem: "Our Unions and Teachers Are Under Pressure"

Eylem criticized political appointments in the education sector, claiming that while there are local teachers awaiting appointments, individuals sent from Turkey are being assigned to key educational positions. She alleged that efforts are being made to strengthen unions aligned with the Turkish government within Cyprus.

She also highlighted that officials from Turkey have been assigned to work within the Ministry of Education and that Turkey’s Education Informatics Network (EBA) and National Education Ministry Information Systems (MEBBİS) are being integrated into schools in northern Cyprus. Additionally, she claimed that contracts with certain Turkey-based companies are being enforced, allowing these companies to generate economic benefits.

Regarding teacher appointments, Eylem pointed out that individuals residing in Turkey have been granted citizenship and quickly allowed to take teaching exams, leading to appointments of individuals unfamiliar with the local education system. She cited an example where a candidate answered "the Mufti’s office" when asked who supervises teachers during an interview.

Eylem further stated that there have been past complaints against some teachers assigned from Turkey but that the Ministry of Education lacks the authority to investigate these cases. She recalled an incident at a primary school that had to be referred to the police and the courts, criticizing the ministry’s lack of jurisdiction in such matters.

"Our Union and Teachers Are Under Pressure"

The KTOEÖS President accused the government and the Turkish embassy of working together to weaken unions and restrict teachers’ freedom, aiming for an ideological transformation in education. She claimed that the system has long been shaped by a single-religion, single-sect approach and that teachers have been actively resisting this trend.

"We Will Continue to Resist"

Despite the pressures, Eylem stated that teachers remain committed to their union and will continue to fight for a secular and scientific education system. "We will continue to resist for our free future and secular education. We will not bow to any threats or pressure!" she declared.