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LAUNCH OF CYPRUS NETWORK FOR MULTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
15-11-2007
Nicosia, 5 November 2007- Today the ‘Multicultural Cyprus for Children and Youth’ network was launched at the Fulbright Center. This network is bringing together people and organizations from all over Cyprus that are active in promoting the concept of multiculturalism amongst children and youth on the island. In today’s world, where more and more people from different backgrounds tend to live together in the same space, and especially on an island like Cyprus which has a long history of multi-ethnicity, it is important that children grow up with a positive attitude towards each other. Multiculturalism contributes to creating such positive attitudes amongst children and youth, so they can help build a peaceful future for the island. 'This is a very positive initiative. In the past we have not had much opportunity to meet with the other community, and we need to make this sustainable' (Greek Cypriot) 'Since the 2004 referendum the Cypriot public need to be reminded that there are still people fighting for re-unification. We need each other to do this' (Turkish .Cypriot) The idea was initiated by the multicultural youth camps, which are organized by Cypriot non-governmental organizations. The European University Cyprus and the Mediation Association, together with International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI) from Holland provide organizational assistance to the network, in the framework of the program “Multicultural Youth Camp Trainings in Cyprusâ€, which is supported by Action for Cooperation and Trust. (www.undp-act.org). The network involves thirteen organizations from all over Cyprus that are working with children and youth on multicultural issues. These include organizations that are implementing multicultural youth camps, or organizations that are running awareness campaigns on issues like discrimination and violence against foreigners, or groups that are educating children in schools on multicultural issues. The organizations present at the launch have committed themselves to the network and will come together at regular intervals throughout the year. The goals and aims of the network are being developed by the members and it is hoped it will become an umbrella for all multicultural activities involving children and youth on the island. Participating Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot organizations expressed the hope that this network will support them in developing and implementing multicultural activities with children and youth more effectively. Organizations interested in joining the network are very welcome. To find out how to become a member, please visit: www.multiculturalcyprus.org
