Students occupy 1st junior high school in Gümülcine over building and education concerns

Students at the 1st Junior High School of Gümülcine (Komotini) began an occupation on Thursday, October 8, protesting building maintenance problems, teacher shortages and issues affecting the school canteen, according to a report by Paratiritis News.

The protest followed student mobilisation that began on Wednesday, October 7. After an initial occupation was turned into a boycott of classes, a student delegation visited the Rhodope Secondary Education Directorate and the Municipality of Gümülcine to raise concerns about the school's conditions. Students subsequently resumed the occupation to draw further attention to their demands.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND TEACHER SHORTAGES
Students reported several maintenance issues requiring repairs, including broken windows and crumbling plaster. They also raised concerns about a shortage of teachers in certain subjects, saying that the gaps had resulted in lost teaching hours.

The students argue that these problems are affecting their everyday school experience and need to be addressed.

SCHOOL CANTEEN FACES COST PRESSURES
The school canteen was another issue raised by the protesters. According to the report, rising costs have put pressure on its operation, limiting the range of products available to students.

SCHOOL ENTRANCE BLOCKED DURING PROTEST
Students placed banners on the school's railings and blocked its entrances with rubbish bins as part of the occupation.

The protest follows students' earlier efforts to bring their concerns to the attention of local education authorities and municipal officials. The report did not provide details of any official response to their demands.

Source: Paratiritis News