Filenews 14 April 2022 - by Despina Psilou
Absolute chaos seems to prevail in the way private schools of dance and music operate, as there is no regulation either as to their building facilities or to the qualifications of the instructors. A number of problems were mentioned yesterday, during the examination of the issue in the Education Committee of the House, where, among other things, it was mentioned that today there is an antiquated legislative framework, which is not being implemented. However, the intention to solve long-standing problems was expressed, with the Ministry of Education noting that the consultations with the stakeholders will be completed, at most, in 1.5 months.
Specifically, the president of the Cyprus Dance Association, Antigone Tasouri, said that education is very important, as dance teachers handle the body and soul of children. "Unfortunately, we see that nothing is being done. Every year that we delay, new schools open that lack knowledge, that do not know how to manage issues, that do not offer proper floors or even ventilations. They are too dangerous for children." As he testified in a memorandum, "The Dance Art Law of 1997 has not been implemented by the Ministry of Education. The absence of regulations, the incorrect or incomplete teaching by untrained teachers, often in facilities that do not meet the standards, creates problems and establishes situations that have an impact on the physical and mental health of children. Failure to implement the legislation creates phenomena of exploitation." Their request is to create as a matter of urgency a Register of Teachers of Art Dance in the Ministry of Education, as provided for by law. They also call for the immediate activation of a control committee of the building facilities of the dance schools.
On her part, the President of the Association of Dance Schools of Cyprus, Evi Dionysiou Michaelidou, underlined the need for the smooth and efficient operation of dance schools and at the same time the creation of conditions of equal treatment and equal opportunities within the sector. "The legislation that exists on the one hand is not applied and on the other hand is very limited to very specific types of dance. As Mrs Michaelidou clarifies, the Association expresses three requests to them. A) The amendment of the legislation of 1997, so as to include the establishment and operation of all dance schools, regardless of type or form of teaching, provided that they meet specific criteria and standards. B) To establish, at last, a special committee / autonomous body where the Association will participate, in order to secure building facilities that meet specific criteria. C) To ensure a VAT exemption for all dance schools and not only for ballet schools, as is the case today.
The president of the Association of Conservatories of Cyprus, Chloe Mavronikolas, expressed the hope that a legislative framework will be prepared together and implemented. "There are too many problems we face," she said, adding about the qualifications of the instructors: "Right now anyone who wants to can open a conservatory. We believe that he should either hold a university degree or have a title from a conservatory." Today, if someone is knowledgeable about a musical instrument, he can open a studio or teach in houses, she complained.
Finally, the President of the Pancyprian Organization of Private Music Teachers, Maria Diamantidou, underlined that they have too many problems in the sector. She urged the creation of a provision for the issue of a license to practice the profession. "It doesn't go any further. We have problems and a lot of complaints." Some, she said, are giving lessons in their homes.
Katsada by the MPs
On his part, the chairman of the Education Committee and member of the DIKO, Pavlos Mylonas, made reference to a serious issue that must be taken forward. "It is about the body, soul and mind of children. We need a legislative framework, operating criteria and evaluation of qualifications." He also said that the Commission will wait for the bill by June.
Disy MP George Karoulas said that it is important to create a bill, an evaluation committee for the opening of such schools and the creation of a registry. Disy MP, Prodromos Alampritis, expects the consultations to be completed and the final framework to be submitted.
The MP of AKEL, Andreas Kafkalias, found that you do not seriously deal with this issue for decades. "We have a problem with the structure of the ministry," he said, adding that nothing is being implemented. AKEL MP Christos Christofides said that on 13/1/21 he sent a letter to the Ministry of Education, in which he asked about the establishment of an advisory committee as well as the regime governing the operation of other types of dance. This letter, he stressed, has not been answered to date. He also said there are 400 schools operating out of context.
Reflection of certificates and qualifications offered
The immediate need for a legislative framework, said the Director of Secondary Education, Kyprianos Louis, clarifying that the issue has been handled for some time by the Directorate of Secondary Education, while consultations have begun with the relevant associations. He admitted that this is an issue that is lingering, and said that next one to one and a half months the consultations will be completed.
Among the points that emerged, he said, is that "an immediate legislative framework is needed. The legislation of 97 already exists as a basis", he stressed. It is also necessary "to define the criteria for the registration of conservatories and dance schools, i.e. the specifications". For example, he said, there should be planning permission for the premises as an organization, a fire safety certificate and more. "In addition, these organizations should have the necessary equipment as well as the corresponding programs. All these parameters are so that they can be licensed."
It is true, noted Mr. Louis, that they are trying to create a register. "They asked the associations to send us their members so that we can have an informal record of the situation. We expect that some will not meet the criteria," he said.
At the same time, the ministry was concerned with what the qualifications of the trainers are. A third action, he said, to be taken is to set up an advisory committee, as provided for in the legislation. They also troubled the certificates and titles offered. Finally, he assured that before the closure of the House next June, they will submit their progress. "We will not filibuster," he underlined.
