MVP

Tag: community engagement

  • Exploring How EU Values Have Shaped Cyprus Over Two Decades

    Exploring How EU Values Have Shaped Cyprus Over Two Decades

    How have EU values shaped Cyprus? This question lies at the heart of a two-day event titled Are We European Now?, celebrating 20 years since Cyprus joined the European Union. Hosted by ABR (Alternative Brains Rule) under the project EUnity20, the event invites citizens, artists, researchers, and activists to engage in meaningful dialogue about the essence of being European.

    Taking place at ARTos House in Nicosia on December 19 and 20, the programme features a series of discussions, performances, screenings, and participatory workshops. These activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of how EU values are reflected in daily life and where gaps still exist.

    Critical Conversations on EU Values

    The event encourages open questioning about the impact of EU ideals on Cypriot society. Facilitated by journalist and podcaster Eleni Antoniou, the discussions cover a variety of vital topics, including environmental protection, democratic participation, equality, LGBTQI+ rights, and youth engagement.

    Whose Land, Whose Voice?

    The first panel, featuring Klitos Papastylianou and Andromachi Sofokleous, delves into Cyprus’ environmental challenges. Titled Whose Land, Whose Voice?, this discussion focuses on how EU policies influence land-use decisions and the participation of citizens in these critical matters.

    Bodies, Beliefs, and Who Decides

    Next, Costas Gavrilides and Maria Epaminonda lead a conversation on cultural conservatism in the panel Bodies, Beliefs, and Who Decides. This session examines how societal values shape issues of bodily autonomy, identity, and equality, even within the frameworks established by the EU.

    Fortress or Home

    The third discussion, Fortress or Home, hosted by Giorgos Charalambous and Nicos Trimikliniotis, tackles the complex relationship between migration, identity, and Cyprus’ role in the European project. This panel highlights the shifting perceptions of Cyprus as it grapples with these challenges.

    Permission to Speak

    Finally, Giorgos Koukoumas and Christiana Xenophontos address political participation in the session Permission to Speak. This discussion focuses on the reasons behind the growing sense of disenfranchisement among young people in Cyprus, particularly regarding protest rights and civic engagement.

    Artistic Expression Meets Public Dialogue

    Complementing the discussions, the event features various artistic performances and workshops. Participants can engage in activities like crafting postcards and letters to the EU and the Cyprus Parliament, encouraging a blend of artistic expression with civic participation.

    A notable feature is The Box of Full-Filling, a workshop led by Nurtane Karagil that collects personal statements, slogans, and found objects, creating a collective snapshot of individual experiences. This participatory element aims to capture the essence of what it means to be European in Cyprus today.

    The event kicks off on Friday evening with screenings and performances, including an introduction to the Visual Voices exhibition. This showcase is part of the art collective’s Relate series and highlights the work of artists with migrant backgrounds, reinforcing the theme of artistic engagement throughout the weekend.

    As Cyprus reflects on two decades of EU membership, Are We European Now? serves as a vital platform for exploring the intersection of EU values and everyday life on the island, fostering hope for a more inclusive and engaged future.

  • Child abused — Child abused: One Child a Day Reported as Sexually Abused in Cyprus, Sparks #20ForYou Campaign

    Child abused — Child abused: One Child a Day Reported as Sexually Abused in Cyprus, Sparks #20ForYou Campaign

    child abused — child abused — In Cyprus, one child a day is reported as sexually abused, highlighting a pressing issue with 483 cases documented in 2024 alone, according to the child commissioner’s office.

    Child abused: Alarming Statistics Reflect Reality

    The staggering figure translates to one new case every 20 hours, revealing the urgent need for action. These numbers only represent children who have found the courage to speak up, indicating that the true extent of the problem may be even greater.

    #20ForYou Campaign Launches for Awareness

    To coincide with the European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, the child commissioner’s office announced the launch of the #20ForYou campaign. This initiative aims to cultivate awareness and mobilise the public to break the silence surrounding the sexual abuse of children.

    Empowering Children’s Voices

    Central to the campaign is the commitment to give children a louder voice. The initiative seeks to promote a society that acknowledges, addresses, and speaks out about abuse. By encouraging dialogue, the campaign hopes to foster an environment where children feel safe to share their experiences.

    Five Key Demands for Change

    The #20ForYou campaign calls on individuals and organisations to support five specific demands:

    • Specialised psychological and social support for victims.
    • Enhanced education on the subject in schools.
    • Placement of psychologists in all schools.
    • Recognition of early warning signs of abuse.
    • Immediate removal of online child abuse material.

    A Call for Public Participation

    As part of the campaign, all adults are encouraged to dedicate 20 minutes from 10am to 10.20am, translating into one minute for every hour that passes until another child is abused. During this time, participants are invited to photograph their teams with the #20ForYou hashtag and share it on social media, amplifying the message.

    Interactive Engagement with Children

    Actions planned across Cyprus include children writing messages about what would make them feel safer on post-its. These notes will be displayed on a board titled ‘The wall has a voice’. Schools are expected to post images of their ‘walls’ on social media, further driving home the campaign’s message.

    Promoting Safety and Support

    The underlying message of the campaign is clear: “No child should grow up in fear, no child should remain unaided, no child should stay silent.” By focusing on support and education, the #20ForYou campaign aims to create a safer environment for all children in Cyprus.

    Collaborative Efforts for Long-Term Change

    In addition to raising awareness, the campaign seeks to engage various stakeholders, including schools, community organisations, and policymakers, to create lasting change. By working together, the hope is to establish a robust support system for victims and a preventative framework to protect children from future abuse.

    Moving Forward Together

    The #20ForYou campaign is not just about raising awareness; it is a call to action for everyone in the community to take part in safeguarding children. Each effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement aimed at ending the silence around child sexual abuse.

  • Youth Workers Embrace Peace Initiatives at Larnaca Seminar

    Youth Workers Embrace Peace Initiatives at Larnaca Seminar

    peace initiatives — peace initiatives — Forty youth workers from eight European countries gathered in Pervolia, Larnaca, for the “PEACE 4 ALL” training seminar, held from November 4 to 12. This seminar, organised by the Ayioi Anargyroi Youth Organisation under the European ERASMUS+ framework, emphasises peace as a proactive endeavour, especially in times of increasing social inequalities and conflicts.

    Peace initiatives: Engaging Activities Foster Skills and Understanding

    The programme is designed to be interactive, featuring workshops, expert lectures, and experiential activities that aim to enhance skills in personal development, active citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution. Participants engage in a variety of exercises that foster cooperation and solidarity across different cultures.

    Cultural Insights from Nicosia’s Historical Landscape

    As part of the seminar, attendees took part in an educational tour of significant sites in Nicosia, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Green Line, and Freedom Square. This experience provided participants with a deeper understanding of Cyprus’s rich historical and social context.

    Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue

    According to the Ayioi Anargyroi Youth Organisation, the visit to key sites was pivotal in reinforcing intercultural dialogue and promoting critical thinking regarding contemporary socio-political challenges. The organisers highlighted that this engagement serves as a dynamic platform for education and the exchange of experiences.

    Recognition of Learning Achievements

    Upon completion of the seminar, all participants will receive a Youthpass certificate. This certification acknowledges their non-formal learning achievements and their contributions to building a more peaceful and inclusive Europe. The organisation noted, “The award of the Youthpass seals the essential contribution of young people to creating a more peaceful, inclusive, and democratic Europe, while enhancing their personal and professional development.”

  • Controversy Surrounds Tree Management at Nicosia’s Academy Forest Park

    Controversy Surrounds Tree Management at Nicosia’s Academy Forest Park

    The tree management practices at Nicosia’s Academy Forest Park, also known as Alsos Forest, have come under scrutiny. Former Movement of Ecologists-Citizens’ Cooperation Party leader George Perdikis has raised concerns about the recent cutting and pruning of approximately sixty trees in the park, questioning the transparency of the Forestry Department’s operations.

    Located between the municipalities of Aglantzia and Nicosia, the 45-hectare park is a beloved green space, only two kilometres from the city centre. Established in the early 20th century, it was originally a wetland area transformed by the British colonial government, which introduced eucalyptus trees to manage water levels. Today, the park is a habitat of various plant species and wildlife.

    On 16 October, the Forestry Department announced planned works in the park, which would occur throughout October and November. These include playground maintenance, flood prevention measures as part of the Holistic Water Management Plan, and forestry interventions aimed at fire protection.

    However, Perdikis expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of information provided by the Forestry Department. He stated that despite his inquiry about the number of trees to be felled, he had yet to receive a response. “I have visited the area and have the impression that the cutting of eucalyptus trees (approximately 20) and the drastic pruning of another 40 or so is being done almost arbitrarily,” he noted in a Facebook post.

    The former party leader highlighted a significant absence of detailed planning from the department, including layouts and cross-section drawings of the affected areas. He pointed out that the process seemed to bypass the necessary Environmental Impact Assessments, raising questions about the approval from the Environmental Authority. “For all the above reasons, despite the fact that the work appears to be necessary, unfortunately a crisis has been caused through the fault of the Forestry Department,” Perdikis added.

    In response to the backlash, the Forestry Department issued a clarification on 26 October, stating that the flood prevention works are part of the Cyprus Flood Risk Management Plan. This initiative aims to control flood flows from the Kateva River, protect residential areas downstream, and retain rainwater within the park to combat drought.

    The department assured the public that the decision to create a retention lake covering 3.8 decares was based on thorough hydrological studies aimed at minimising the environmental impact. They emphasised the project’s role in addressing significant flooding issues while also enhancing the park’s natural environment.

    Despite these reassurances, Perdikis warned that the park remains vulnerable to fires due to unmanaged biomass, including dry branches, grass, and debris. He recounted instances where citizens intervened to extinguish fires during summer, highlighting a lack of automatic monitoring systems. “There was no timely intervention,” he remarked, raising further concerns about the park’s ongoing safety.

    Calling for a more collaborative approach, Perdikis urged the Forestry Department to engage with local organisations and citizens for cooperation on safeguarding the Pedagogical Academy forest. He acknowledged the importance of the department’s role, especially in light of discussions about its potential dissolution by the government, and expressed hope for a more transparent and informed management of the park in the future.

  • Nicosia Advances Sopaz Redevelopment and State Fair Grounds Transformation

    Nicosia Advances Sopaz Redevelopment and State Fair Grounds Transformation

    Nicosia’s Ambitious Plans for Urban Renewal

    Nicosia is pressing ahead with the Sopaz redevelopment and the future of the old state fair grounds, two projects seen as interconnected developments poised to reshape the capital.

    • Nicosia is pressing ahead with the Sopaz redevelopment and the future of the old state fair grounds, two projects seen as interconnected developments poised to reshape the capital.

    Community Support for Green Spaces

    According to a report from Philenews, the municipality is treating these projects as complementary to each other. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos highlighted a municipal survey indicating that 90 per cent of local residents favour transforming the state fair grounds into a metropolitan park. This proposed park would cover an impressive 250,000 square metres, addressing a long-standing shortage of green space in Engomi, which has increasingly become dominated by housing and concrete.

    Plans Moving Forward

    The government, alongside local community and parliamentary support, appears to be shifting towards the park concept. Relevant studies for the park are anticipated within the next two to three months. If approved, it would stand as the largest park in Cyprus, while only around 10 per cent of the area would remain dedicated to cultural, sports, educational, and exhibition uses.

    Transitioning the State Fair Grounds

    While the state fair moved to Makedonitissa in the early 1970s, the old grounds have hosted various events, from exhibitions to concerts. The new plans mark a significant departure from a cabinet decision made in September 2022, which aimed to establish a “research and tech zone” featuring offices, a hotel, and a conference centre. Local opposition has also led to the shelving of a proposed park-and-ride station near the site.

    Strategic Steps for Sopaz Redevelopment

    Simultaneously, progress at Sopaz is gaining momentum. The municipality has engaged an international consultancy to conduct a viability study, scheduled for completion in 2025. Additionally, there are plans to merge at least four state-owned plots with existing land, expanding the redevelopment area to over 300,000 square metres. This project envisions an exhibition and conference centre, along with facilities for sports, culture, housing, and green spaces.

    Improving Accessibility

    Accessibility to Sopaz is being enhanced with the ongoing reconstruction of Famagusta Avenue, which will directly connect the site to the highway via the University of Cyprus. This infrastructure improvement aims to facilitate easier access from both the city centre and surrounding areas.

    Public Sentiment and Future Engagement

    The interconnection of the state fair grounds and Sopaz redevelopment has seemingly unlocked their progress. The municipality asserts that the state fair can function as a green lung for Nicosia while temporarily accommodating a limited number of pavilions until all exhibition activities transition to Sopaz. Public sentiment is strongly in favour of the Metropolitan Park, with residents expressing eagerness for its creation on social media, especially as Nicosia ranks low among European capitals for green space.

    Involving the Community in Decision-Making

    Local authorities are committed to holding public consultations and presentations, ensuring community involvement in shaping the project. The government is expected to appoint a representative to a tripartite committee alongside the municipality and council to oversee the final planning and decision-making process.

    Presidential Support for Urban Development

    President Nikos Christodoulides has indicated his backing for these initiatives, linking them to a broader plan of over 80 projects worth more than €1 billion for Nicosia and its suburbs. In June, he described this programme as a “coherent and progressive plan” aimed at tackling urban challenges while enhancing the quality of life for residents.