MVP

Tag: students

  • Horizon programme — Protesters Demand Israel’s Expulsion from EU Horizon Programme

    Horizon programme — Protesters Demand Israel’s Expulsion from EU Horizon Programme

    Protesters are calling for Israel’s expulsion from the EU’s Horizon Programme during demonstrations across Europe, including a gathering in Nicosia, Cyprus. On Friday evening, around 30 to 40 activists braved the cold outside the EU Commission building, joining a wider campaign that spanned over 20 cities.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    The Horizon Programme, a €95 billion initiative aimed at funding research and innovation, has been a focal point of criticism. Activists argue that Israel, with its privileged status allowing participation equivalent to that of EU member states, has been the recipient of substantial funding since 2014, totalling around €300 million annually.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    One activist voiced concerns about the implications of this funding, stating, “€3 billion of EU funding going directly to a genocidal state.” The speaker condemned specific projects funded by Horizon, highlighting connections to Israeli aerospace industries and military technologies, including drones and interrogation techniques purportedly linked to human rights violations.

    As temperatures dropped, the protesters raised their voices against what they termed the EU’s hypocrisy. Chants like “EU Horizon, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!” echoed in the evening air. The gathering also served as a poignant reminder of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with one speaker noting the tragic deaths of three children due to the cold weather, underscoring the severity of the situation.

    The activists expressed frustration over the European Commission’s handling of Israel’s participation in the programme. They pointed out that since October 7, discussions of a suspension have been minimal, with proposals suggesting only a partial reduction in collaboration. This, they argue, falls short of the decisive action taken against Russia in April 2022, when the European Commission suspended its involvement in Horizon entirely.

    With calls for accountability and action resonating through the crowd, the protests in Nicosia reflect a growing sentiment among students and researchers in Europe. As the campaign unfolds, it seeks to challenge existing partnerships and highlight the ethical considerations surrounding funding in light of ongoing conflicts.

  • Cypriot students — Cypriot Students Trapped in Tanzania Amid Political Unrest

    Cypriot students — Cypriot Students Trapped in Tanzania Amid Political Unrest

    cypriot students — cypriot students — The 14 students from Cyprus, who visited Tanzania on a voluntary work trip, are now trapped in the country due to severe political unrest. Originally scheduled to return today through Dubai, their plans were disrupted as flights were cancelled amidst escalating violence and civil disorder.

    Cypriot students: Current Situation in Tanzania

    In recent days, Tanzania has witnessed significant unrest, leading to a curfew being imposed. The military has reportedly intervened in the demonstrations, and there are alarming accounts of executions of citizens. This precarious environment has left the students and their parents in a state of distress.

    Concerns from Parents

    The parents of the students have reached out to the President of Cyprus, urging immediate action for the safe return of their children. They have also been actively engaging with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stay informed about the measures being taken.

    Impact on Students

    As the unrest continues, the situation is beginning to take a toll on the students, aged 17 and 18. One student communicated to their family, expressing concern over their dwindling supplies, stating, “We have food for two more days.” Another parent reported that their child was feeling frightened and overwhelmed.

    Support from the Cypriot Government

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the situation and is examining all options for the safe return of the 22 Cypriots currently in Tanzania, which includes the students, two teachers, and two chaperones from Greece. The spokesperson for the Ministry, Theodoros Gotsis, emphasised that coordinated efforts are being made between the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Nairobi and the Crisis Management Centre in Nicosia.

    Continuous Communication

    Gotsis assured that there is no immediate security threat to the group. The Ministry is maintaining contact with the parents and keeping them updated on the situation. Additionally, efforts are underway to collaborate with the EU delegation in Tanzania to facilitate a safe return.

    Emergency Contact Information

    In case of emergencies, Cypriot citizens in Tanzania can reach out to the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Kenya at +254 111051430. They can also send emails to hcnairobi@mfa.gov.cy or hcnairobiconsular@mfa.gov.cy. For further assistance, they can contact the Consular Affairs Directorate at +357 22 651113, or the Crisis Management Directorate at +357 22 801000 or +357 97 775998.

    Encouragement for Cypriot Citizens

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is encouraging Cypriot citizens abroad to register on the online platform, Connect2CY, to ensure their safety and receive timely updates on travel advisories and emergency situations.

    Future Steps

    As the situation unfolds, the parents and students maintain hope that the Cypriot government will take the necessary steps to ensure their safe return. The collective efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the cooperation with international bodies are crucial in navigating this challenging scenario.

  • Cypriots tanzania: Efforts Underway to Bring Home Cypriots Stranded in Tanzania

    Cypriots tanzania: Efforts Underway to Bring Home Cypriots Stranded in Tanzania

    cypriots tanzania — cypriots tanzania — Efforts are ongoing to bring home 22 Cypriots trapped in Tanzania, as confirmed by ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis on Sunday. Among them are 14 teenage students from a private school in Nicosia, who were in the country for a volunteer programme. They are currently accompanied by four adults.

    Gotsis assured that the group is safe, being located far from any areas of unrest. The foreign ministry has been in regular contact with the parents of the students to provide updates on their situation.

    To facilitate the safe return of those stranded in Tanzania, the Cypriot authorities are coordinating with the UNHCR in Nairobi. They are also reaching out to the EU delegation in Tanzania to assist in the repatriation process.

    In light of the ongoing unrest in the region, Gotsis has urged any other Cypriots currently in Tanzania to make contact with the authorities. The foreign ministry issued a travel advisory last Friday, warning Cypriots to exercise caution if travelling to Tanzania due to the volatile situation.

    Citizens in Tanzania have been advised to reach out for assistance through the contact numbers provided in the advisory. The high commission in Kenya can be reached at +254 111051430, while the ministry in Cyprus can be contacted at +357 22 651113, +357 22 801000, or +357 97 775998. Cypriots are also encouraged to register with the online platform Connect2CY to ensure they stay connected while abroad.

  • School walkouts: Teens Stage Walkouts Over School Conditions, Nationwide Action Planned

    School walkouts: Teens Stage Walkouts Over School Conditions, Nationwide Action Planned

    school walkouts — school walkouts — Students at Polis Chrysochous gymnasium and Kykoss A lyceum in Nicosia have staged walkouts in protest of unbearable classroom conditions, caused by broken fans and malfunctioning air conditioning units. The teens expressed their frustration on Friday at 10am, with the students’ association Psem asserting that they are “not second-class pupils” and deserve better facilities.

    Reports from television channel Alpha indicate that complaints about the state of schools are frequent, with many students and teachers in the Paphos district describing the situation as “unbearable.” One spokesperson highlighted that although air conditioning units have been installed, the electrical systems in many schools are inadequate, unable to handle the load required to operate them effectively. This has led to issues where turning on the units trips the fuse switch, leaving classrooms excessively hot.

    Psem has announced plans for a nationwide walkout on Monday, highlighting that in numerous schools, not only are the air conditioning units ineffective, but the fans that previously provided relief have also been removed. “Instead of taking two steps forward regarding the conditions of our education, we have taken two steps back,” the association lamented. They further noted that the infrastructure in many schools is in dire straits, with reports of frequent power outages and even plaster falling from classroom ceilings. The association stressed that it is fortunate that no injuries have yet occurred among students or staff.

    The Ministry of Education has responded to the planned walkout, characterising it as “truly surprising and puzzling.” They pointed out that for the first time, the government has committed to installing and operating air conditioning units in all schools at every level. The ministry expressed that it is unthinkable to continue the outdated policies of the past that deprived students of basic wellbeing.

    In their statement, the ministry cautioned that the upcoming walkout could negatively impact students themselves, emphasising the need for collaboration between pupils, parents, and teachers to ensure that the necessary improvements can be carried out smoothly. They reassured that their doors remain open for discussions on any concerns.

    This wave of protests follows a similar incident earlier in the week, where students at Makarios III high school in Larnaca staged a one-hour sit-in to protest ongoing power outages linked to their school’s outdated electrical system. Students and parents there reported that the issues stemmed from an inability of the existing infrastructure to support modern demands, resulting in classrooms that are often unbearably hot and without proper airflow.