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Tag: children

  • Charity swim — Little Heroes Foundation Hosts Charity Swim for Children Battling Cancer

    Charity swim — Little Heroes Foundation Hosts Charity Swim for Children Battling Cancer

    The Little Heroes Foundation held its ninth charity swimming event for children suffering from cancer on Saturday in Limassol, raising funds and awareness for families affected by the illness.

    • The Little Heroes Foundation held its ninth charity swimming event for children suffering from cancer on Saturday in Limassol, raising funds and awareness for families affected by the illness.

    Charity swim: A Meaningful Challenge

    Participants swam a challenging 1.5-kilometre route, culminating at the picturesque pier of the old Limassol port near the Marina. This event not only showcased the bravery of the young swimmers but also highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting children in need.

    Support from Local Authorities

    Adding to the significance of the day, the local police took part in the event, with Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis officially starting the swim. His presence underscored the collaborative effort between the community and authorities in raising awareness about childhood cancer.

    A March for Love

    Following the swim, participants and supporters took part in a heartfelt “March for Love” at the old port. This was not just a celebration of the swimmers’ achievements, but also a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families of hospitalised children. The march aimed to gather donations, directly benefiting these families during their difficult times.

    Community Engagement

    The event drew attention not only for its noble cause but also for the camaraderie it fostered among participants. Families, friends, and supporters gathered to cheer on the swimmers, creating an atmosphere filled with hope and determination. The Little Heroes Foundation continues to inspire local communities and encourages everyone to contribute in any way possible.

    Looking Ahead

    As the Little Heroes Foundation looks to the future, the success of this charity swim reinforces the importance of ongoing support for children battling cancer. The foundation is dedicated to creating more initiatives that will provide assistance and hope to those in need.

  • Mitsikouri Festival Brings 11 Exciting Performances for Children

    Mitsikouri Festival Brings 11 Exciting Performances for Children

    mitsikouri festival — The Mitsikouri Festival, officially known as the Mitsikouri International Performing Arts Festival for Children and Young People, promises an engaging experience with 11 performances from 9 countries. Scheduled from October 11 to 19, this vibrant festival will be held across multiple cities in Cyprus, including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Lefkara.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    This year marks the festival’s second edition, continuing its mission to provide dedicated performances for children and families. Following the success of its inaugural event, the festival returns under the theme ‘Discovering’, offering a diverse range of productions that cater to children of all ages.

    The festival’s programme showcases an array of artistic expressions, including theatre, dance, music, object theatre, and contemporary circus performances. Many of these productions have been featured at esteemed international festivals focused on children and young audiences. Notably, the majority of the performances are non-verbal, making them accessible and enjoyable for children from various backgrounds.

    According to the festival organisers, the initiative aims to connect the Cypriot public and local artistic community with global contemporary trends in performing arts for children. “The festival is designed to create unique experiences for the whole family,” they state, highlighting its family-oriented approach.

    In addition to the performances, the festival will offer a parallel programme that includes workshops, lectures, seminars, discussions, and other engaging activities. These events are intended for children, parents, educators, and arts professionals, enriching the overall experience of the festival.

    This year’s festival also features collaborations with notable institutions like the National Betting Authority and Nicosia Bookfest, as well as partnerships with two candidate cities vying for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Furthermore, all international productions are presented under the auspices of the respective embassies in Cyprus.

    Participating countries include The Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Cyprus, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Ireland. With just over a month remaining until the festival kicks off, the full schedule of performances can be found on the festival’s official website, and tickets are currently available for purchase via the SoldOut platform.

  • Primary school — Over 50,000 Primary School Children Begin New Academic Year

    Primary school — Over 50,000 Primary School Children Begin New Academic Year

    Over 50,000 primary school children have returned to classrooms this week, signalling the start of the new academic year across the island. On Monday, primary schools reopened following the summer holidays, welcoming a total of 51,950 children enrolled this year. Alongside them, 13,117 children are attending nursery schools, with a dedicated workforce of 7,557 teachers ready to educate them.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Primary school: Investment in Education and Infrastructure

    The return to school was marked by a special visit from President Nikos Christodoulides, who attended the Paralimni middle school. This visit coincides with the full reopening of middle and high schools, which commenced their academic year on the preceding Friday. During his visit, President Christodoulides highlighted the importance of education, making a particular mention of the smallest school on the island located in the village of Kampos.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Highlighting Kampos School

    Kampos, a remote village nestled in the north of the Paphos forest, faces unique educational challenges. President Christodoulides noted that the school there serves just two children, a situation that typically would not justify the operation of a primary school according to existing laws. However, the government has decided to allow the school to remain open for another year to ensure these children have equal educational opportunities.

    “We decided that these two children should have the same rights and the same opportunities as the children of their age who are in Strovolos, in Nicosia,” he stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to education for every child, regardless of their location.

    School Upgrades and Future Plans

    During his address, the President also discussed significant investments made in educational infrastructure, announcing that €5.5 million has been allocated to upgrade the Paralimni middle school. Furthermore, plans are underway to construct a new athletics school in the area, projected to cost around €15 million. Contracts for this project are expected to be signed on the same day as his visit.

    Improvements in School Facilities

    A key topic of interest during the President’s visit was the ongoing issue of air conditioning in schools. Currently, 45 per cent of schools are equipped with air conditioning, and the government has set an ambitious goal to ensure that all schools will have this essential facility by 2028.

    Special Educational Needs Support

    In addition to regular primary and nursery schools, there are nine special schools and 145 special units dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs. This framework is part of the government’s broader strategy to provide inclusive education for all children, recognising the diverse needs of the student population.

    Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives

    The President’s engagement with local communities, such as his visit to Milikouri, reflects a commitment to understanding the educational landscape across various regions. These visits serve to foster relationships between the government and local communities, ensuring that educational policies are responsive to the needs of all students.

    Looking Ahead to the Academic Year

    This new school year promises to be filled with opportunities and challenges as educators, parents, and students adapt to ongoing changes in the educational environment. The commitment demonstrated by the government through investments and policy decisions aims to enhance the quality of education throughout the island.

    As schools across the island embark on this new academic journey, the focus will remain on providing equitable access to education, improving facilities, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.