FWC attends Luxembourg INSAFE event 19-23 October 2009

Dr. Yiannis Laouris and Lawrence Kalogreades represented CyberEthics (the Cyprus Internet Safety Awareness Node) and the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline respectively in a four-day INSAFE event which took place in Luxembourg on the 19th – 23rd of October.

The event’s rigorous schedule included a meeting of the INSAFE Steering Committee members which lasted an entire day, a day dedicated to training sessions for the Helpline coordinators which included a series of discussions where best practices were shared, and an annual meeting of all the INSAFE members as well as national stakeholders.

Concurrently, the 2009 pan-European Youth Panel on online safety also took place in Luxembourg, beginning on the 20th and culminating in a Youth Panel and INSAFE discussion forum on the 22nd of October which was open to the public.

The meeting was particularly fruitful for CyberEthics, the Safer Internet Helpline, and FWC as a whole, since it strengthened the already existing bonds between European nodes and especially those of the Mediterranean region. Concurrently, the sharing of Safer Internet Helpline best practices between all the European Internet Helplines has assisted in the generation of new service and dissemination strategies for the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline which are based on successes on a pan-European level.

Jumpstart Peace Bus Tour Kick Off Video

A big thank you to Cyprus Community Media Centre for producing this video of the Jumpstart Peace Bus Tour Kick Off Event! Please click here to go the Future Worlds Center YouTube channel to view the video.

FWC 2002-2004 Annual Report

Please click here to download a copy of the FWC 2002-2004 Annual Report.

FWC 2005 Annual Report

Please click here to download a copy of the FWC 2005 Annual Report

FWC Representative elected to the Development Education Forum Steering Group

FWC member Kerstin Wittig has been elected into the Steering Group of the Development Education Forum. The Development Education Forum is one of the core Working Groups of CONCORD - the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development, which has 18 international networks and 22 national associations as members. Kerstin Wittig has been acting as the representative of the Cyprus NGDO Platform to the Development Education Forum since 2007.
For more information please contact Kerstin Wittig.

Youth Leaders designed their own bi-communal projects during workshop in Karpaz

The Youth Leader Training Programme, as part of the Youth Activism Project of the Cyprus Network for Youth Development, held a project planning workshop in Karpaz from 16 to 18 November. Youth from all parts of the island joined this workshop, which was desigend as a follow-up to the week-long residential training held in Kritou Terra in August this year.
During the workshop this weekend, the youth designed their own projects, such as a street concert at the area of Ledra Street and Lokmaci, a 'Trustival' - a big festival celebrating Cypriot cuisine and traditions in the Green Line, and a reality TV show featuring Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Together with the facilitators, the youth leaders set up their own action plan to realise these projects.
The next workshop that will be offered within the Youth Leader Programme will focus on Event Management. The Youth Leader Programme is implemented by Future Worlds Center, Mediation Association and the Environmental Study Centre, and receives funding from UNDP-ACT. For more information about the youth leaders and upcoming workshops please click here. Further information about the Cyprus Network for Youth Development can be found on www.multiculturalcyprus.org.

“JUMPSTART” Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus Kicks Off an Island-wide Peace Bus Tour and Public Campaign

The “JUMPSTART” Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus will hold a Kick Off event that will mark the starting point of an island-wide peace bus tour that will conduct a diverse set of positive youthful activities both in the cities and villages of Cyprus until March 2010.

The Kick Off event will begin Friday 23 October 2009 at 17:00 in the Lokmaci pedestrian area near Al Divan restaurant. The celebration will begin with a cocktail reception and the crowd will hear welcoming words from “JUMPSTART” youth leaders and European Union representatives. Local representatives including Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou will also be present.

Following the opening ceremony, celebration street events will take place until 23:00 and be held in the Lokmaci pedestrian area and in Faneromeni Square and will include live music, drum circles, DJs and fire juggling / dancing. The “JUMPSTART” Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus Kick Off event is open to the public and the media.

“JUMPSTART” Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus is a European Commission funded joint action put forward by Youth Center Union (Genclik Merkezi Birligi), a Turkish Cypriot NGO, which is the leader of the project, and its partner Future Worlds Center, an NGO in the Greek Cypriot Community.

“JUMPSTART” Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus aims to:

“Jumpstart” and re-invigorate the peace process;

Transcend the current trend of apathy and pessimistic mood to an optimistic and creative attitude, that will empower and encourage Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot youth to take positive action;

Create spaces which support positive and constructive dialogue between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots;

Facilitate youth to envision and implement new youth bi-communal projects LED by a network of youth leaders from both communities who will serve as agents of change.

Since March 2009 the “JUMPSTART” Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus has been focusing on creating a core group of youth aged 16-30 from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and developing their leadership, communication and conflict resolution skills through trainings.

For more details contact Project Coordinators:
Huseyin Kursat at +90 533 830 0744 or huseyin.kursat@gmail.com
Nicolina Markidou at +357 99 358 442 or nicolina.markidou@gmail.com

FWC invited to La Strada International NGO platform meeting in Berlin, Germany

The Humanitarian Affairs Unit of FWC has been selected to participate in the 4th NGO platform meeting in Berlin, Germany, on 9 and 10 November, organised by La Strada International (LSI) together with the German hosting organisation, Ban Ying. The decision to organise this year’s NGO platform in Berlin rather than in a La Strada member country was taken to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989. A public debate with invited guests will celebrate the special occasion and discuss the impact of the fall of the wall on migration and trafficking, under the title: “The fall of the Berlin Wall - where do we stand 20 years on?”

At the NGO meeting, LSI wants to discuss, with FWC and its partners in the field, how non-governmental organisations and service providers cope with current realities in the anti-trafficking field and how to best serve the interests of trafficked persons within the system.

LSI believes that we need to redefine where we stand and how to set standards for La Strada’s services, cooperation, its independence, advocacy and images, in order to remain successful in the anti-trafficking work. Thus the main focus of this year’s NGO platform is to put on standards and agreements, set services and to look critically at the La Strada’s position as a non-governmental organisation. LSI has invited 30 European anti-trafficking NGO representatives, next to La Strada member organisations, as well as LSI advisory council members and representatives of international anti-trafficking (and related) networks and organisations. To receive more information on the NGO platform, please contact Bobby Gerasimov at LSI, at bg@lastradainternational.org.

First National Debate in Cyprus about the MDGs

We invite you to honour us with your presence and attend the first National Debate in Cyprus about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The National Debate will take place 10 October 2009 in Nicosia, Cyprus from 10:00 to 13:00 at Vet Hall in the UN Protected Area. The event is hosted with the support of UNDP-ACT. There will be a panel of distinguished guests including representatives from UNDP-ACT, The European Institute of Cyprus, the Cyprus Family Planning Association, the Cyprus NGO Platform ‘The Development’ and the Cameroonian Students Association. We also will have Cypriot members of the European Parliament such as Kyriacos TRIANTAPHYLLIDES to open the debate.

Space is very limited and there has been a high demand so it is requested that you please RSVP to this post by 6 October 2009 in order to include you in the debate. You must be on the list in order to be sponsored into the UN Protected Area.

The National Debate is part of the European Union funded project: Youth Ambassadors for Millennium Development Goals (Project No.: ONG-ED / 2007 / 136-678) that Cypriot NGO Future Worlds Center is coordinating with three other European countries (Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary) as well as D.R. Congo, Cambodia and Argentina regarding empowering youth in the promotion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Additionally, one of our associates in this project is the United Nations Development Programme Country Office in Poland based in Warsaw.

Please contact Larry Fergeson at larry.fergeson.cyprus@gmail.com for any further information you may require about the main goals and objectives of the project.

Thank you for considering our invitation and we look forward to seeing you at the first National Debate in Cyprus with Youth Ambassadors for Millennium Development Goals. Please RSVP at the above email.

Jumpstart Youth Training on Campaigning and PR

What is this?
The training will bring together approximately 30 youth aged 18-30 island-wide to engage in a three-day workshop on Campaigning and Public Relations (PR). It is the third of five trainings expected to be implemented for the youth being actively involved in the Jumpstart Peace Campaign.

The training will include sessions on Social Marketing, Communications and PR as well as Visual Communication. It will also include a practical session during which the youth will engage with the decorations for the Jumpstart activities expected to begin on 23rd October. (Participants are therefore advised to bring suitable work wear for painting)

The Campaigning and PR training will utilize interactive methods which promote capacity-building, co-operation and understanding. It will be conducted by experienced trainers who will facilitate the participants throughout the activities, and make sure that certain skills are prioritized during the sessions. The workshops will also be coordinated by the Jumpstart Youth Campaign coordinators.

Participants will also be expected to get actively involved in the many planned follow-up activities over the next year as part of the Jumpstart Youth Campaign, and serve as agents of change in their respective communities.

When is this?
Training Course duration: The training course will be from 27 – 29 November 2009.

Where is this?
Training Course Location: The Campaigning and PR training will take place at LA Hotel and Resort in Lapta (Lapithos). *Accommodations for the participants will also be at LA Hotel and Resort http://www.la-hotel-cyprus.com/

Why is this?
Jumpstart Youth Campaign: The actions within the Jumpstart Youth Campaign aim to increase confidence-building and co-operation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot Youth (18-30), by creating opportunities for them to get actively involved in peace-building activities. Jumpstart ultimately aims to enable youth from both sides to challenge their own stereotypes and explore the possibility of envisioning a common future together.

Who is this?
Jumpstart Peace Campaign is a joint action put forward by Youth Center Union (Genclik Merkezi Birligi), a Turkish Cypriot organization, which is the main applicant of the project, and Future Worlds Center (legally reg. Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute) which is the partner organization for the Greek Cypriot Community.

Participation Criteria: Participants will be selected based on their experience in other youth projects and seminars as well as their willingness and availability to contribute to future activities as part of Jumpstart Youth Campaign. Those who have taken part in the previous Jumpstart trainings and have already been actively involved in Jumpstart Peace Campaign will be given priority as far as participation is concerned.

Note: *Accommodation and food are covered by the Jumpstart Youth Campaign project. Transportation from Nicosia will be provided by bus. Participants coming from other areas will have some reimbursement for their transportation costs.

Participation form:
If you wish to participate in the upcoming training, please contact Jumpstart co-ordinators at : nicolina.markidou@gmail.com and huseyin.kursat@gmail.com by Monday 9 November 2009.

FWC participated in “Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being of Children and Young People: Making it happen”

Lawrence Kalogreades represented the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline at the “Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being of Children and Young People: Making it happen” conference which took place on 29th-30th September 2009, in Stockholm, Sweden.

The conference was organized jointly by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumers, the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and the Swedish National Institute of Public Health, under the auspices of the Swedish Presidency of the EU. The conference was one of a series of five conferences which are key elements to the implementation of the European Pact for Mental health and Well-being, established in June 2008.

The conference had three objectives, namely:
1. To raise the visibility of the importance of promoting mental health and well-being and preventing mental disorders in children and young people.
2. To enable an exchange at EU-level on policy activities, good practices by stakeholders and research projects in Member states, supported by a Commission database.
3. Discuss and endorse an implementation framework for action on mental health in children and young people.

The presentations and discussion sessions revolved around work done by various research centers, NGOs, the World Health Organization, and governmental agencies from throughout the EU. A presentation regarding FP7 funding was also given.

The concluding remarks of the conference focused on the need to stimulate research and development in order to understand the pit-falls which youngsters face in the EU, especially in light of the current economic crisis, and to generate the necessary changes in the educational, social and economic systems in order to guarantee the well-being and economic survival of future generations, and to concurrently generate jobs and cost-effective measures towards this end in order to also counter the current economic climate in the EU.

FWC participated at the BioID_MultiComm '09 Conference

Lawrence Kalogreades represented FWC at the BioID_MultiComm '09 event, a joint International Conference organised cooperatively by COST Actions 2101 & 2102. The conference was held in Madrid, Spain, between the 16-19th of September.

As per the conference’s website (BioID_MultiComm '09), “the aim of COST 2101 is to investigate novel technologies for unsupervised multimodal biometric authentication systems using a new generation of biometrics-enabled identity documents and smart cards. COST 2102 is devoted to develop an advanced acoustical, perceptual and psychological analysis of verbal and non-verbal communication signals originating in spontaneous face-to-face interaction, in order to identify algorithms and automatic procedures capable of recognize human emotional states”.

The participating researchers and graduate students of the COST 2101 Action presented their respective work in the cutting-edge of identification technologies using biometric traits, such as gait, body movements, speech analysis, cross-lingual signature analysis (i.e drawing comparisons between the Western and Chinese signatures of the same individual) as well as multi-modal approaches.

Those who were part of the COST 2102 Action, although less in number, presented their work in the analysis of the relationship between music, acoustics, and emotions, as well as new methods for high-definition speech analysis and processing.

Lawrence also represented Yiannis Laouris, director of FWC, at the COST 2102 Action Management Committee meeting, which concluded that another 2102 Action meeting is to take place in the fall of 2010, for which applicant countries and organizations may submit their proposals. A discussion also ensued regarding the submission of an application in order to further continue the COST 2102 Action, or whether it would be best to submit an application for a new Action.

NGOs working in the area of development cooperation and development education plan common actions in Cyprus

On 30 September 2009 the member NGOs of CYINDEP - Cyprus Island-wide Development NGO Platform participated in a joint event to discuss and strategise common actions. The event was held at the Fulbright Centre and was organised by the Coordinating Committee of CYINDEP, which includes representatives of Future Worlds Center, NGO Support Centre, The Management Centre and Cyprus Diabetes Association. CYINDEP's aims to bring together NGOs working on international development, development education, and development cooperation to improve the effectiveness of their work and advocacy. The Platform is currently in the process to apply for membership in CONCORD - the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development, which with its 18 international networks and 22 national associations from the European Member States represents more than 1600 European NGOs vis-à-vis the European Institutions.
As main priorities for the next year, CYINDEP members agreed on media outreach to raise awareness about development issues, seek opportunities for capacity building for the CYINDEP member organisations and increase collaboration among the members.
For more information about CYINDEP, please contact Kerstin Wittig.

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