FWC conducts another SDD co-laboratory in Italy

Three FWC associates travelled to Pisa, Italy from September 15 - 17, 2009 to join other concerned EU citizens and migrants who live in Europe to explore original and innovative methodology such as Structured Dialogue Design, with the potential to encourage citizens’ participation and to stimulate dialogue between European citizens and the institutions of the European Union on the importance of intercultural dialogue in the context of an increasingly multicultural European Union. The participants focused on specific activities they could conduct themselves to reach the following objectives:

* The active interaction and discussion among citizens on the importance of intercultural dialogue at national and European level;
* The collection of citizens’ opinion on a key challenge for the future such as the intercultural dialogue in a multicultural Europe;
* The development of civic competences, to formulate views and opinions on the European integration process in the form of recommendations for policy makers at European level;
* Bringing the institutions of the EU closer to the European citizens.

Particpants were from Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Portugal. Please visit the project website by clicking here to keep up-to-date on the progress.

Next Youth Leader Training in Karpaz

Building on the success of the residential Youth Leader Training in Kritou Terra, a follow-up Youth Leader Training will take place in Karpaz on the 17 and 18 October. Like the previous one, this training will be organised jointly by Future Worlds Center, Mediation Association and Environmental Study Centre and funded by UNDP-ACT. During the weekend workshop, the focus will be on providing support to the youth leaders in project design, fundraising, and on exploring ways for them to be involved in the overall activities of the Cyprus Network for Youth Development.
For more information, please contact Nicolina Markidou or Nazif Fuat.

Global Education at Lykeio Agiou Ioanni in Limassol

On the occasion of the International Peace Day (21 September), FWC facilitated a workshop on Global Education for teacher of the Agiou Ioanni Lyceum in Limassol. The headmaster, Mr. Demetriades, and eight teachers participated in the interactive workshop, which focused on the concept of Global Education and how it can be integrated into the various lessons. The teachers actively discussed the role, which global skills, values, attitudes and knowledge can and should play at school, and came up with their own proposals on how to include a global approach in their lessons. The lyceum is participating in the Europe-Aid funded Global Connections Project (ONG-ED/2007/136-419), coordinated by FWC, and is pioneering in in bringing a global perspective into the school. Teachers are planning further happenings and events in the context of the Global Education Week in November this year.
For more information about Global Education, teacher trainings and the project, please contact Kerstin Wittig.

Youth Leader Training in Kritou Terra a Success

From 28 August until 04 September, FWC together with the Mediation Association and the Environmental Study Centre (ESC) organised a one-week bi-communal training for youth leaders. The training, hosted by the ESC in Kritou Terra, was implemented within the framework of the Cyprus Network for Youth Development and was funded by UNDP-ACT.

The Kritou Terra Residential Training remains an unforgettable experience for all those who attended. It all began at the Ledra Palace where we met and cautiously though friendly checked each other out. We started mingling in the bus and most of the bonding that occurred from them on was in the free time at night after 8 o clock. We talked about different heated subjects that concern youth, ranging from relationships, careers and the Cyprus problem. One night we even made crepes with nutella! We did a lot of constructive work throughout these days as well with our trainers as well. The icebreakers were good to get everyone comfortable to participate in the discussions, so everyone’s voice was heard. We learned how to be better leaders, how to understand conflict, how to manage conflict. We saw the different ways Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots perceive Cyprus History. We also learned how to cooperate with people, how to communicate without violence – peacefully. We also explored what needs are, and related them to conflict. We also explored the need of empathy. We saw a film “Home” which was about the state of our planet, we discussed environmental sustainability and one day we went on a excursion into Akamas, visiting a number of sites to carry out sustainability evaluation. Furthermore learned what Structured Dialogic Design Process (SDDP) is. Also we were introduced to project development , and developing project ideas and elements. Last but not least we touched upon the subjects of project structures and fundraising. Overall it was a comprehensive and fun trip and I believe I’ve definitely grown an person and as an activist from this experience." (Monica, participant)

For more information about the Cyprus Network for Youth Development, and the Youth Leader Training Programme, please visit the network's website, or contact Nicolina Markidou at FWC.

Annual back to school essentials donation drive

Summer has come and gone. The leaves are far from turning yellow, but have no illusions, autumn is here! Reason for being sad? Not at all!!!

Autumn has a beauty, we all secretly miss. Only recall the first days of school, your days or your children’s ….. or grandchildren maybe? Remember the excitement in their faces?? …. And your frustration in shopping for uniform (formal, casual, physical education, for summer, for winter), school bag, coloring pencils, markers, pens, (of all sorts and colors!!) shoes, and the list can go on and on and on! … If one is able to do all these, then the excitement is double, parents are happy, kids are glowing. But what if one can not?

We turn to the kindness and giving spirit we all have within us and ask for your genuine support and contribution! We only ask you go just a bit out of your way and send our way back to school essentials! We collect: pants, shirts, skirts, sweaters, physical education clothes, bags, and other essentials always in good quality, you might be willing to give.

On our end, the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture and the UNHCR funded project ‘Strengthening Asylum in Cyprus’ – will forward to families of refugees in Cyprus who are in need of these products. Begin your autumn in a positive spirit, help a fellow human being and feel good!

Drop off point: Future Worlds Center Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture, 5 Promitheos Street, Apt 4, (behind Cleopatra hotel), Between 10:00 am – 17:00 pm. Interested individuals please contact us via email at: andria@urvt.org

Thank you for your support!

FWC hosts Conflict Resolution Graduate Students from USA

On September 14, 2009 20 Graduate Students from Portland State University's Conflict Resolution Department came to the FWC headquarters in Nicosia to hear presentations from the FWC staff about our work in Cyprus, Europe and Internationally. The group was brought by Dr. Harry Anastasiou for the Study abroad course: "Cyprus in Transition" The course is taught annually in Cyprus over a two-week period. For more information about Portland State University please click here

Jumpstart Conflict Resolution Workshop successfully implemented in Agros

A conflict resolution workshop, organized by Future Worlds Center as part of the Jumpstart-Youth Peace campaign, was successfully implemented from 11-13 September 2009, at Rodon hotel in Agros village.

During the workshop, 30 youth, aged 18-30, from both Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities had the chance to develop understanding of conflict, and explore different ways of handling it, by the use of interactive participatory methods.

After this introductory session, the participants focused exclusively on the Cyprus problem and engaged in discussions during which they explored their perceptions about the past, as well as their concerns about the current situation in Cyprus.

They also watched the documentary movie “Women of Cyprus”, which deals with Cyprus recent history and political developments of 2004, and had the chance to engage in discussions on Media representation along with the film maker Vasiliki Katrivanou.

These sessions proved to be really productive for all participants. The youth were very interested to explore each other’s perspective and learn more about the other’s perceptions. Ultimately, this strengthened the communication of the group and created better possibilities for them to work together, organize further activities, and be proactive in the framework of “Jumpstart”.

“Jumpstart, Youth Peace Campaign” is a joint initiative, implemented by Future Worlds Center and Youth Center Union, aiming at promoting intercultural dialogue and co-operation between Greek –Cypriot and Turkish –Cypriot youth, so that they can act as agents of change in their respective communities.

Follow-up actions include capacity-building trainings, further activities proposed and organized by the youth, as well as the implementation of a bus tour around the island that will carry the message of Peace and Reconciliation.

For more information, you can contact the co-coordinators of the project: Nicolina Markidou at: nicolina.markidou@gmail.com(Future Worlds Center) and Huseyin Kursat at huseyin.kursat@gmail.com