A 50 km hike on the Machairas mountains
Machairas Valley is situated circa 40 km away from Nicosia. Early in October, I spent the best weekend so far here in Cyprus, walking for more than 50km in the middle of the nature, switching off my phone, camping at the Kionia...
Unmasking the Shadows
Gender-based violence is a pervasive global concern that knows no bounds, transcending age, race, and nationality. Recent years have illuminated the plight of asylum seekers, a particularly vulnerable group facing many adversities, including the harrowing spectre of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)....
WALKING THROUGH THE DUBLIN PROCEDURE
As one of the main services offered by “Hope for Children” CRC Policy Center in the shelters is Child Protection, some legal counsellors are working hard to follow each child's case by offering them legal help. Being asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors...
Recycling in Cyprus: impressions v. reality
I came here in Nicosia two months ago for my ESC project. Being a volunteer for an environmental organization back in Italy, I have immediately noticed some unpleasant differences regarding waste pollution. For instance, in the neighborhood I am living there is...
A Crescendo of Dreams: the concert that warmed our hearts
On Sunday 3 December, a delightful concert took place at the Municipal Theatre in Nicosia. The children's orchestra of Sistema Cyprus entertained the audience with classical solos and symphonies, offering an evening of serenity and positive energy.
A Tale of Two Christmases
Christmas, a season of celebrations, traditions, and customs, takes centre stage each year. Adapting to holiday celebrations becomes a challenge for those living away from their homes, especially when these festivities are integral to their cultures and households. Recently, during a lively...
THE CMP: AN EXTRAORDINARY HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE
Time has flown by since I started my ESC in Cyprus and I continue to discover the country's rich history with fascination. Every time, I am captured by the stories of the...
Embracing the Unconventional in Art and Dance Workshops
"Embracing the unfamiliar has proven to be a catalyst for personal growth, challenging preconceptions and instilling a newfound appreciation for unconventional approaches."
Uniting Hearts and Nations: The Power of International Volunteerism
As an Algerian volunteer with Hope for Children in Cyprus, I've had the privilege of working at the shelter, which hosts approximately 45 minor asylum seekers from diverse ethnic backgrounds and various national origins, for the past two months. This journey has...
Rekindling Home Vibes: Cooking Workshops for Minor Asylum Seekers
In the wake of displacement and seeking refuge, minor asylum seekers often find themselves in unfamiliar territories, far from the comforts of home. The journey they embark on is fraught with challenges, and one of the greatest losses they endure is the...