Solidarity Network Nicosia In Action
by Nicosia Municipality Multifunctional Foundation
Partners Network
The Partners’ Network is an ambitious endeavor of the Foundation to strengthen the collaboration with social actors and create new partnerships in an effort to work together for the benefit of vulnerable populations. A significant number of actors, including NGOs, research institutes, universities and others have signed an MOU with the Foundation adhering to a shared vision and objectives.
The network currently consists of the following actors:
AbleBook is registered as a Non-Profit organization and aspires to be one of the first Social Enterprises established in Cyprus, once the legislation is in place. It is obvious to us, at this point, that we are taking on a high-risk project, since it focuses on a small and neglected part of the population, but at the same time a high-reward project given the social impact we seek to achieve. People with disabilities and people close to them will be enabled to enjoy the city as never before. Furthermore, we believe that the functionalities we aspire for our platform, and the innovative services we will offer, should be included in the infrastructure of any “smart” city, thus giving us prospects for global market penetration.
Ablebook was created with the mission to enable people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to be part of the society and enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else. In addition, we aim to raise public awareness about the problems these people face and motivate innovative solutions to solve those problems.
To realize its mission, AbleBook, vision is to create an online platform that provides all the relevant information and services, around and beyond accessibility, so that both locals and visitors can live the city to the fullest The focus of the platform will be on people with disabilities, where the venues and activities around the city are listed and with suggestions on how to best experience them
The Cyprus Institute of Marketing (CIM) has been operating in Nicosia since 1978 and in Limassol since 1984. The Institute, which is the first Business School in the country, was set up in order to promote the science of marketing in Cyprus and abroad. During the past 43 years CIM has evolved into a major international centre for the development of business education including many diverse fields such as Management, Accounting & Finance, Shipping, Tourism, Banking and many others. CIM has provided the opportunity to more than 5,000 students to acquire qualifications of the highest standards and to excel both personally as well as professionally.
Ever since its establishment, CIM has been a pioneer in the teaching of primarily in-career professionals. Offering exclusively evening classes to working individuals, it attracts especially those who, for one reason or another, missed out on the opportunity to study right after graduating from high school but who have always had the will to learn and further their careers. CIM has thus rightly been characterised as a ‘Second-Chance Institution’; as we like to say here, Learning Never Ends.
The CIM programmes are unique in that they combine theory and practice, giving students the necessary tools for securing employment or for getting promoted at their existing job. CIM offers high-quality education and expert training which is tailored according to your individual needs, be they your personal career, family or any other commitments. The CIM distinguished lecturers and tutors begin with an initial evaluation and then structure a learning programme around the specific strengths and weaknesses of the students, guiding them towards pre-set and pre-agreed goals. As such, in an increasingly competitive market, CIM offers the highest employability prospects and thus the highest possible return on investment.
The Research and Innovation Centre on Interactive Media, Smart System and Emerging Technologies – CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE), empowers knowledge and technology transfer in the region. CYENS CoE is supported by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and its founding Partners, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI), University College London, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Open University of Cyprus.
CYENS, as a Centre of Excellence, cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity in an inspiring environment filled with academics, researchers, creative and onward-looking people, innovators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. The Centre operates under the moto “Inspired by Humans Designed for Humans” with the vision to produce world class research that drives innovation towards social and economic benefit while conducting excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence. It sets out to meet the challenge with a total potential funding of more than 30 million Euros for the first 7 years, from a Horizon 2020 Teaming Action and multiple other sources, and a business plan for long-term sustainability and growth.
“Bridging Occupational Gaps with Refugees and Asylum Seekers” is a Clinical Practice Program organized by the Occupational Therapy Program of the European University Cyprus and designed in such a way as to create and enable occupational opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in Cyprus, while it also educates the students and the local society on the acceptance and tolerance of diversity and multiculturality. The project is realized by Occupational Therapy students, overseen by their clinical supervisors, working on site in Nicosia and Larnaca at various settings, such as shelters for unaccompanied asylum-seeking teenagers, the Kofinou reception Center and community venues.
Sistema Cyprus is a social-music orchestra and choir programme established in 2018. Sistema Cyprus offers music education to the children and young people of Cyprus, including migrants, refugees and children and young people with less opportunities, and ensures that these groups are respected, recognised, and included in the society.
Sistema Cyprus is inspired by the El Sistema social action music programme that was first founded in Venezuela in 1975. Through the formation of orchestras and choirs, El Sistema acts as a superb model, reaching children and young people to many of the world’s challenging neighborhoods. El Sistema and other El Sistema inspired programs, like ours, offer free classical music education that gives children and youth with less opportunities all over the world the opportunity for personal development. Sistema Cyprus is focused on the personal development of its participants focusing primarily on empowerment and helping them in reaching their full potential.
STOCHOS is a cooperative program between the Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health and the Pancyprian Anti-Drug Association. It is a manned and supervised by the Nursing Services. All the expenses of STOCHOS are coved by the Association from income which comes from various events, sponsors, and contributions.
- Free entrance without registration and daily care
- Needle and syringe exchange
- Administration and training of Naloxone spray
- Outreach interventions (mobile unit)
- Interventions adapted to pandemic conditions and the consequences of COVID-19
Generation for Change CY is committed to positive social change through supporting vulnerable and marginalized
communities – including but not limited to persons with disabilities, low socioeconomic status, refugees, asylum
seekers, LGBTQI, and any persons facing discrimination. We seek to harness the power of diversity to advocate
a fair and inclusive society.
Our current projects include our Donation Drive project that focuses on supporting persons of low socioeconomic
status with basic needs such as food, hygiene essentials, clothes, kitchen utensils & bedding. We provide online
Greek as a second-language-classes to non-Greek speakers and migrants to assist with their economic and social
integration. Finally, in combination with our multicultural community library housed at our office, we organize
cultural events to promote
cultural diversity and provide the opportunity for individuals from different communities to interact and build
relationships with others. You can find more about our activities by visiting our social media platforms in the
attached links.
Areas of operation in Cyprus and/or in abroad
Generation for Change is committed to promoting diversity and advocating for an inclusive society. Our
operations focus on empowering vulnerable groups while impacting the mainstream community to provide
equal access to opportunities in Cyprus.
The Association is a non-governmental, non-profit, voluntary organization with a rich contribution in the field of sexual health, healthy relationships, and sexual rights.
Line 1455
The Line provides information and support on issues of sexuality, relationships, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, sexual violence, and abuse, etc. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 pm. anonymously, confidentially, and free of charge.
Education – Information
One of the main priorities of the Association is prevention through education. The Association offers sex education training programs, seminars and experiential workshops on sexual health and well-being. Topics of education include, among others, healthy relationships, sexuality, communication, sexual abuse, the role of parents in sex education, etc. The programs are designed according to the needs of the participants.
Psychological support
Psychological support is offered to people who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood (under 18). Those interested can contact 22751093 for information and to arrange a personal appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Social Welfare Programme constitutes a part of the broader policy of Cyprus Red Cross Society (CRCS), which aims to prevent and alleviate the human suffering, to address any emergencies in times of peace or war, without any discrimination relating to race, gender, age, social status, religious or political convictions. The main effort of this programme focuses on ensuring a livelihood with dignity and social reintegration of all vulnerable individuals that come to the Nicosia Branch, seeking assistance.
Friends of the Earth Cyprus is a non-profit, non-governmental, environmental organization, based in Limassol. The organization was established in 1980 and since then has campaigned on a number of local, national, regional and international environmental issues. Our goal is to raise awareness on the importance of preserving the natural environment and to campaign for solutions to environmental and social problems by promoting sustainable policies. Friends of the Earth Cyprus is part of the Friends of the Earth International network. We are also a member of the Federation of Environmental and Ecological Organizations of Cyprus. Also recently, we created the Youth Section of Friends of the Earth Cyprus, a group of young people concerned about their future and campaigning actively for it. Currently we have approximately 300 members from all over Cyprus. The actions of the Friends of the Earth focus on informing and raising public awareness on environmental and social issues but also on exerting political pressure through advocacy actions to change the agenda on environmental issues.
The Advisory Center for the Support of the Family (SIKESO), was established in 2007, aiming to provide counselling and guidance to individuals, groups, and families in need and fewer opportunities. SIKESO, utilizing the expertise of the scientists that constitute its Scientific Board and its wide network of collaborators operates a Counselling Center while at the same time it implements projects at local, national and EU level in cooperation with NGOs, Local Authorities, Associations, and governmental departments. Among its priorities are the protection of the rights of the child, the promotion of gender equality, the confrontation of gender-based violence and the empowerment of young people.
Caritas Cyprus works at the grassroots level providing relief to those who need it and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. It has been responding to humanitarian crises on the island since 1976 and was registered as an official Cypriot charitable association in 1986. It is a member of the international Caritas Internationalis confederation. Its work is conducted through local parish initiatives as well as island-wide programs that focus on migrants, local community needs and youth engagement. It provides access to information and humanitarian aid and other support services and offers opportunities to learn skills and socialize.
“Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center (HFC) is an Independent, International and Humanitarian Institution based in Nicosia, Cyprus with representation in other nine countries.
HFC implements multifaceted humanitarian programs related to the promotion of children’s rights, prioritizing their wellbeing, their education and the prevention of any kind of violence against children, as well as providing psychosocial and legal support.
At the same time, HFC also focuses on the implementation of European funded programs that involve research, capacity building for professionals and policy making on issues pertaining children’s rights.
The University of Nicosia in collaboration with Cyprus University of Technology and CARDET under the co-financing by the Asylum, Migration, Integration Fund and the Republic of Cyprus
implements the Action entitled: ‘’Migrant Information Center (MIC)’’ –
(CY/2020/AMIF/S02.N02.1.3/4).
The aim of the project is the provision of psychosocial services to migrants that reside in Cyprus, in order to achieve social inclusion in the local society. The centres operate in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos and amongst other offer informational services on migrants’ rights and obligations, translation and interpretation services, job and accommodation assistance, opportunities for learning courses and referrals to other organizations.
The provision of services is implemented under a range of different methodologies such as:
social and psychological support and use of technological advancement, direct and indirect
communication with governmental and other services.
The main pillars of the provision of services are the following:
- Job finding assistance
- Education Courses
- Health
- Social Support
Our centres’ working hours are from 10:00 until 18:00 Monday-Friday and from 10:00 until 17:00 on Sunday.
The Cyprus Federation Patients’ Associations (CyFPA) was founded in November 1986 and represents 36 Associations dealing with chronic and other diseases.
The CyFPA goal of is to be the umbrella organization that will represent all patients’ organizations. CyFPA is a member of the European Patients Forum (EPF), an associate member of Eurordis International and an associate member of the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO). CyFPA has also launched the Patient Rights Observatory – toll-free telephone line (1403) where patients can complain about the violation of their rights and receive a response or other feedback.
The CyFPA based on the “On the Process of Consultation of Government and Other Services on Issues Concerning Patients” Law of 2016 is a partner of the state in matters of patients and health. Through the institutionalized participation of CyFPA representatives in the consultation on health issues, it demands the respect and implementation of patients’ rights.
The Cyprus Federation Patients’ Associations (CyFPA) until 2023 has set as a goal the strengthening of the claim of patients’ rights (advocacy) but also the effective implementation of patients’ rights. Also another very important goal is to strengthen and upgrade the role and work of CyFPA. Finally, CyFPA aims to promote and defend policies to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases and to improve public health in Cyprus.
Cyprus Autism Association was founded in 1990 and is recognized by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus as a Non-profit Organization. The main purpose of our Association is to safeguard the rights of people with Autism and guarantee them a better quality of life. To achieve this, we have established centers all over Cyprus. Since its establishment, the Association has been vigorously fighting to ensure the rights of people with Autism are safeguarded and a decent life, within the community, for life is provided for them.
To this end,
- We have launched extensive campaigns to inform the public about Autism.
- Pressure has been put on Cyprus government to act and take seriously their responsibilities regarding people with Autism, and their families, in accordance with European Treaties and relevant Law.
- At the same time, we put together and operate new programs to meet the needs of people who are in the Autism Spectrum and the needs of their families.
THE PROGRAMS OF OUR ASSOCIATION ARE THE FOLLOWING:
- Adult Education Program – Socialization Program: Today there are 4 Adult Centers, and we are in the process of operating another 2 centers in Cyprus (another one in Nicosia and first centers in Larnaca).
- Children’s after-school programs.
- Children’s Individual Therapies Program in two towns, Limassol, and Nicosia. Our plan is that this program operates soon in other towns too.
- Pancyprian Home Visits Program
- Pancyprian Family Support and Counselling Program
- Summer School Care Program
- Supported Living Homes
THE NEW PROGRAMS OF OUR ASSOCIATION ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Program “Bridge’’
UCLan Cyprus was established in 2012 and it is located in Larnaca, Cyprus.
It is the first Branch Campus of the University of Central Lancashire and at the same time a fully licensed University in Cyprus. A unique and innovative model
of a Cypriot and British University Educational Experience, accredited by the UK Quality Assurance Agency and the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) respectively.
UCLan Cyprus operates under the academic umbrella of UCLan UK, and further to the latest political changes of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (BREXIT), it is considered a unique University, bridging the UK and Europe in terms of research, academic standards, student experience and student exchange.
The completion of studies at UCLan Cyprus will result in a Double Degree (two certificates) from the two Universities, UCLan UK and UCLan Cyprus, recognised not only in Cyprus and UK, but also across Europe and beyond.
KESY was founded in 2004 by the University of Nicosia and part of the Psychology Program of the University. It functions as a coordinating institution and as a practicum placement and training site for the students of the MSc Programs in Clinical, Counselling and School Psychology of the University of Nicosia.
The Center provides psychological support and psychotherapy services in a comfortable and specially designed environment and at relatively low cost to individuals or groups of individuals, couples and families, as well as psychometric assessment services. It also develops cooperation with community bodies, e.g. Schools, Municipalities or other Organizations, with the aim of undertaking actions or developing programs/interventions that contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in the community and to the treatment and prevention of various psycho-social problems.
The Systemic Institute of Cyprus (SIC) is an education and research Centre for systemic applications and theoretical development. The Systemic Institute of Cyprus (SIC) is a certified training institute by the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA-TIC) the European Association of Psychotherapy and is accredited to offer the standard required for the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP).
Systemic therapy is understood as a certain form of relationship and communication between the therapist and the client, which is oriented towards an agreed goal. The procedural goal of this meeting is to guide and improve the client’s self-reflection. The content of the goal is the dissolution of the conditions that the customer sees as problems. At SIC, individuals and groups have the opportunity to attend personal psychotherapy and counselling. Therapeutic interventions aim to make psychological patterns clearer, to activate the reserves of each individual or of a group and to expand the possibilities of action.
individual or of a group and to expand the possibilities of action.
Alkionides Charity was founded in Nicosia in 1998. It is a non-governmental and non-profitable organisation supported by the voluntary contribution of its members. The organisation’s activities and actions take place all over Cyprus
Our funds come mainly from fundraising events, sales of jewellery and other handmade items and from donations of individuals and companies with social awareness.
Our mission is to offer relief promptly to people in need, who qualify our set criteria.
Alkionides Charity was founded in Nicosia in 1998. It is a non-governmental and non-profitable organisation supported by the voluntary contribution of its members. The organisation’s activities and actions take place all over Cyprus
Our funds come mainly from fundraising events, sales of jewellery and other handmade items and from donations of individuals and companies with social awareness.
Our mission is to offer relief promptly to people in need, who qualify our set criteria.
To actively contribute to the overall improvement of the quality of life of people suffering from a Neuro-Mental/ Neuro-biological (Mental) disease, as well as of their relatives or important other persons for these people. This is expected to be achieved by setting up a mechanism for recording research data and designing best practices based on scientific evidence. More specifically, it is expected that: A) The initiation of a public discussion in relation to the psycho-social rehabilitation of people with Neuro-Mental/ Neuro-biological (Mental) diseases. B) The initiation of a public debate on the rights of people with Neuro-Mental/ Neuro-biological (Mental) diseases. C) The improvement of attitudes and opinions of the public for people with Neuro-Mental / Neuro-biological (Mental) diseases and by extension the reduction of social stigma. D) The contribution to the development of a coordination mechanism for mental health G) The promotion of the participation of users of psychosocial services at all levels of decision-making, concerning their lives. H) The promotion of research as a parameter for improving interventions for people with Neuro-Mental / Neuro-biological (Mental) diseases and their families I) Organization of seminars, lectures, experiential workshops of strategies for information and prevention on mental health issues
The Cyprus Refugee Council (CyRC) is an independent, non for profit organization, that strives to safeguard, support and advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups in Cyprus, promoting their effective integration into the host society. Focusing our servives on refugees, asylum seekers, detainees, trafficking victims and survivors of torture, CyRC offers free legal, social and psychological support, promoting their effective integration into the host society.
Τhe Youth Board of Cyprus was founded in 1994 to offer young people multiple opportunities for active participation in social activities in Cyprus and abroad.
The YBC implements programs and services that enhance the skills of young people, inform them of local as well as European opportunities, grand them funding to implement their own projects and provide psychosocial counselling services.
Furthermore the YBC has an advisory role in order to provide suggestions and policy papers in matters that affect the daily lives of young people. The Youth Board submits these proposals after taking in consideration the research data from the surveys it conducts.
The aims of the YBC are:
- The progress and welfare of all young people in Cyprus
- Providing opportunities to young people and their organizations to actively participate and be responsible for the social, economic and cultural development of their community and country
- Young people’s creative engagement and entertainment
- Dealing with youth related problems directly and effectively
Prisoners’ Rights Protection CY is a non-governmental and non-profit organization which is operating as an independent link between the Cyprus Prison, the Release Council, and State Authorities such as Commissioners / Ministers / and a wider group of stakeholder Services. The organization’s projects are implemented in close partnership with the aforementioned when needed and will assist in overcoming the identified shortcomings and practical deficiencies related to any sentenced person, inmates or ex-inmates and their families. Our organization promotes inclusion, equity and advocates for human rights. In addition, we aim in changing the conversation around imprisonment by promoting alternative ways of sentences and improve life quality of prisoners, ex inmates and their families. We strongly believe that as long as less fortunate people are empowered and heard they can reverse their lives to positive turn.
The NGO Support Centre is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to the development and strengthening of civil society in Cyprus. Established in December 1999, the NGO Support Centre has since developed a substantive experience and expertise in the fields of active citizenship, peace and reconciliation, development education, human rights education, intercultural dialogue, and participation.
The NGO Support Centre, in consortium with Grant Xpert Consulting, is currently contracted as Fund Operator for the Active Citizens Fund Cyprus Programme, funded by the EEA and Norway Grants 2014 – 2021 with the main objectives of strengthening civil society and active citizenship and empowering vulnerable groups in Cyprus.
“KyklOIKOdromio” is a non-profit organization, which aims to implement educational and research programs, conduct studies, as well as organize events, workshops and other activities in the fields of energy, environmental protection, climate change and Circular economy. It also aims to develop information technologies on related topics.
The vision of “KyklOIKOdromio” is to develop actions that improve the community’s quality of life, promote environmental protection and sustainable development, creating relationships with companies, organizations, local authorities and organized groups to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, promoting at the same time the values of volunteering.
The “KyklOIKOdromio” is founded with the aim and vision of protecting the environment and is dedicated to the memory of the distinguished teacher Elli Themistokleous Achilleos.