Ahead of our Chief Executives and Presidents meeting taking place in Nicosia, Cyprus, we have inquired a bit about youth work in Cyprus and their current challanges. Paraskevi Christou, Treasurer on the Board of ECYC, was avaialble to answer our questions.

ECYC: How is youth work organised in Cyprus?

Paraskevi: In Cyprus youth is primarily organized under political youth organizations which are an extension of political parties. At the same time a substantial role has been assigned to non-governmental organizations. And lastly an important role has been given by the state to the Cyprus Youth Board which is the governmental organization in charge of the youth sector on the island. In addition an organization which is one of key stakeholders of youth work in our country is the Cyprus Youth Council, a non-governmental, politically independent umbrella organization, reuniting the majority of Cyprus youth organizations.

ECYC: What are the biggest challenges in youth work in Cyprus, today?

Paraskevi: In my opinion the most important challenge faced in the youth work in Cyprus is the profound lack of interest and involvement of the young generations. This is either due to other priorities associated with today’s materialistic world, lack of social responsibility or lack of information. In addition the current economic crisis which has put the Cypriot youth in an unfortunate position, with high unemployment rates and fewer educational or employment opportunities, poses a substantial challenge to the youth sector on the island. Furthermore in the past few years funding has become scarce and more difficult to obtain, due to the mentioned economic crisis which has struck the island the last few years, jeopardizing in this way the essential and beneficial work done by youth organizations.

ECYC: What is the role/need of European collaborations in youth work?

Paraskevi: It`s obivoius that the role/need of collaborations in youth work in Europe is highly important. Organizations can learn from each other and this sharing of knowledge and experiences is beneficial to youth everywhere in Europe. This sharing of knowledge and experience between European organizations, can yield substantial savings in time and money, whilst proving the European youth opportunities that wouldn’t be available to them. In addition the joined efforts of European organizations by establishing collaborations between them can have better results, as it can easily target at the same time more young people, having in turn greater impact and higher reach out.

ECYC: What is the role of KOKEN in youth work? Are there other similar organisations? Is there one ? (KOKEN is the Greek acronym of Cyprus Youth Clubs Organization)

Paraskevi: KOKEN’s role is highly important especially in rural areas, where unorganized youth has fewer opportunities than their peers in the major cities of the island. KOKEN provides through its local organizations the opportunity for the youth to socialize, be active and participate in a number of youth related schemes and actions, both locally as well as in European level. Through its members, KOKEN provides less fortunate youth living in villages or other rural areas, opportunities to travel abroad and participate in an abundance of actions and programs under the Erasmus + scheme, whilst providing them at the same time with the opportunity to give back to the community, by either organizing or participating local events and actions .

ECYC: Is there something we should know but we do not know to ask? Maybe something inspiring for youth workers from other countries? Or something about the specific conditions in Cyprus?

Paraskevi: We would like to share our strong belief that change is possible is we all try together. The power of change lies within the hands of the youth and if the youth has proper guidance by inspirational leaders such as independent and socially motivated NGOs, then change is possible. It is in our hands to establish these collaborations and organize and implement these schemes and actions, which will enable us to provide more opportunities for improving European youth’s lives, whilst providing them with the means and opportunities for continuous self-improvement, so we can all hope together for a better world. Όλοι είμαστε ένα! (All is One!)

Paraskevi is the new Treasurer of ECYC. She has been in the field of youth work since 2002. She been a president of a Youth Club in Cyprus for several years and also the Treasurer of KOKEN (Cyprus Youth Clubs Organasation) for two mandates. Moreover she is now the treasurer of Cyprus Youth Council. She is as good as managing youth work, as she is at managing funds.