13,463 Children Received Free Breakfast in Cyprus Schools

Nearly 13,500 students in Cyprus received free breakfast at their schools during the past academic year, according to data from the Ministry of Education. Specifically, 13,463 students of all educational levels benefited from the program.

The distribution of students by level is as follows:

• 907 children in Kindergartens
• 6,008 students in Elementary Schools
• 3,404 students in Junior High Schools
• 430 students in Six-Year High Schools
• 1,677 students in High Schools
• 1,037 students in Technical Schools

The program, integrated into the co-funded program «Θ.Αλ.Ε.Ι.Α.», aims to support vulnerable social groups. The provision of free breakfast will continue during this academic year as well.

The Ministry of Education has informed schools to gradually start offering breakfasts from the first day of classes. School administrations have been asked to establish Advisory Committees and inform stakeholders about the provisions of the program.

The offered breakfast includes a sandwich or pita with halloumi and lountza, costing €1.65. Special dietary needs will be handled discreetly, respecting religious restrictions and medical recommendations.

Student selection criteria:

• Families receiving Guaranteed Minimum Income or public assistance
• Unemployed parents
• Orphaned children
• Single-parent families
• Large families
• Particularly insufficient income of parents/guardians for other reasons