Paphos Regional Intercultural Network
"Enhancing structures and policies for intercultural integration in Cyprus"
Cross Culture International Foundation Cyprus
Regional Coordinator for the Paphos District Intercultural Network
Paphos Regional Intercultural Network
Cross Culture International Foundation Cyprus
Regional Coordinator for the Paphos District Intercultural Network
LETS BRING INTERCULTURAL CHANGE IN PAPHOS
Join now the Paphos Regional Intercultural Network
Cross Culture International Foundation - Regional Coordinator for Paphos District Intercultural Network
Mission
•Support Education and Research for social inclusion of youth and adults across Europe;
Vision
•Empower youth irrespective of gender, social, cultural, educational backgrounds;
Purpose
•Equip citizens from local and surrounding communities with digital, artistic, cultural matters and soft skills to access today’s labor market and increase their chances of progressing in their lives;
We are heavily involved in the integration process of immigrants, refugee moms, students from diverse backgrounds, asylum seekers and youth living in Pafos, by offering several times a week, Greek and English language courses in non formal education, computer and financial literacy classes, as well as drama, theater and learning by doing classes. Our target groups develop their skills, the capacity of expression to be better positioned not only in the labor market, but also to better communicate with their counterparts for which sometimes different or foreign can seem rather threatening.
•Support Education and Research for social inclusion of youth and adults across Europe;
Vision
•Empower youth irrespective of gender, social, cultural, educational backgrounds;
Purpose
•Equip citizens from local and surrounding communities with digital, artistic, cultural matters and soft skills to access today’s labor market and increase their chances of progressing in their lives;
We are heavily involved in the integration process of immigrants, refugee moms, students from diverse backgrounds, asylum seekers and youth living in Pafos, by offering several times a week, Greek and English language courses in non formal education, computer and financial literacy classes, as well as drama, theater and learning by doing classes. Our target groups develop their skills, the capacity of expression to be better positioned not only in the labor market, but also to better communicate with their counterparts for which sometimes different or foreign can seem rather threatening.
AT A GLANCE
Paphos Regional Intercultural Network
The Paphos Regional Intercultural Network was launched in 2021 as part of the "Building Structures for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus" project. This initiative was implemented through a partnership between the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, and the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus. The project aimed to empower local authorities, NGOs, and migrant organizations to actively participate in the integration process and policy development by designing and implementing a tailored Action Plan/Strategy for each district.
The Paphos Regional Intercultural Network consists of a diverse group of members from various sectors, including city departments, the Municipalities of Paphos, Geroskipou, and Pegeia, the Paphos Police Division, the Ministry of Education, academia, civil society, local and regional organizations, businesses, labor groups, as well as civil servants, artists, migrant organizations, asylum seekers, elected members of municipal councils, immigrants, and volunteers.
Cross Culture International Foundation Cyprus (CCIF Cy) worked closely with the Municipalities of Paphos, Geroskipou, and Pegeia, as well as with the Paphos Regional Intercultural Network, civil society, academia, and migrant organizations in the Paphos District to prepare the Intercultural Cities (ICC) Index Analysis Report for Paphos District. This report compares the district’s achievements with those of similar cities, as well as with the average scores of other cities. The index visually highlights areas of success, identifies gaps, and pinpoints areas that require improvement, while also assessing progress over time. Based on the findings and recommendations of the ICC Index, along with expert consultations from the Council of Europe, the Paphos Action Plan for Inclusion and Diversity was developed.
The information for this process was gathered through a combination of individual interviews, surveys, and focus group meetings. Interpreters were available to assist individuals and groups with limited proficiency in Greek and English.
During the network meetings, which included representatives from the Council of Europe and the Municipalities of Paphos, Geroskipou, and Pegeia, the following key actions took place:
- The Terms of Reference for the Network were adopted.
- The results of the ICC Index Analysis Report for Paphos District (May 2022) were discussed.
- Priority actions for the district were identified.
- The Action Plan for Inclusion and Diversity in Paphos District was approved.
- The local integration strategy was drafted.
The Paphos Regional Intercultural Network is open to everyone living in the District of Paphos.
Learn more about how the Paphos district scores on the Intercultural Index
Results of Paphos District Intercultural Cities Index 2022 Analysis
The “Enhancing structures and policies for intercultural integration in Cyprus” project is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union
October 2023 - November 2024
The Council of Europe and the European Union have provided a grant to CCIF Cyprus to implement activities under the project "Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus" (November 2023 – December 2024). These activities were carried out in collaboration with the Paphos Regional Intercultural Network.
The following activities are designed based on the priorities and challenges identified in the Index Analysis Report and developed within the Action Plan for Inclusion and Diversity in Paphos District. The aim is to facilitate positive intercultural encounters and ensure equal access to rights and opportunities for all residents:
1. Intercultural Activities
CCIF Cyprus, the Regional Coordinator for the Paphos District Intercultural Network will organize meetings, preparing agendas, recording participants, and providing summaries that will be included in the final narrative report for the use of the grant.
3. Promote the Intercultural Network through social media and its activities. Efforts will also focus on advocating for political and municipal support, ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the district’s intercultural initiatives.
4. A satisfaction Survey will be developed in coordination with the Council of Europe and distributed to network members and participants involved in activities within the action plan (including local authorities, NGOs, teachers, students, local businesses, third-country nationals (TCNs), and civil society). If necessary, steps will be taken to accommodate TCNs who may face language or technical barriers in responding to online surveys. The responses will be analyzed and included in the final narrative report, providing insights into challenges, good practices, and recommendations for next steps.
5. Completion of the Intercultural Cities Index Questionnaire and Activity Survey in consultation with the members of the network, particularly representatives from the municipalities and communities. The completed survey will be submitted by 1 October 2024.
1. Intercultural Activities
- Welcoming Statement will be adopted in consultation with the municipalities and the network, and will be distributed online via the websites of the local municipalities. The Mayor of Paphos, Mr. Phedon Phedonos, has agreed to sign the statement, officially endorsing the initiative.
- One-page document on welcome policies, a concise guide outlining key welcome policies for the district.
- Welcoming Guide, a roadmap with essential information for newcomers, to be distributed online.
- Online calendar, a calendar to include city-related actions, activities, language courses, events, etc.
- Drafting the Intercultural Ambassadors role. At a later stage, the pilot scheme can be implemented, with a few ambassadors recruited.
- Drop-in Multi-Language and Linguistic Café, an in-person and/or online café where all residents can meet new people and practice language skills in a fun, friendly environment.
- Two learning-by-doing activities focusing on local culture and civilization.
- "A Heroine's Journey", a 6-session personal development workshop using creative expressions.
CCIF Cyprus, the Regional Coordinator for the Paphos District Intercultural Network will organize meetings, preparing agendas, recording participants, and providing summaries that will be included in the final narrative report for the use of the grant.
3. Promote the Intercultural Network through social media and its activities. Efforts will also focus on advocating for political and municipal support, ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the district’s intercultural initiatives.
4. A satisfaction Survey will be developed in coordination with the Council of Europe and distributed to network members and participants involved in activities within the action plan (including local authorities, NGOs, teachers, students, local businesses, third-country nationals (TCNs), and civil society). If necessary, steps will be taken to accommodate TCNs who may face language or technical barriers in responding to online surveys. The responses will be analyzed and included in the final narrative report, providing insights into challenges, good practices, and recommendations for next steps.
5. Completion of the Intercultural Cities Index Questionnaire and Activity Survey in consultation with the members of the network, particularly representatives from the municipalities and communities. The completed survey will be submitted by 1 October 2024.
Explore the activities designed to foster intercultural integration in Paphos.
These initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.
These initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.
Click here to view the activities that have been designed and implemented
Tools, Methodologies & Publications
Are you an intercultural citizen?
Take the Intercultural citizenship test to find out.
It is a test that makes us think about our own attitudes, behaviours and knowledge.
English | French | Basque | Finnish| German | Greek | Italian | Portuguese | Spanish | Turkish | Ukrainian
What is an Intercultural City?
What is an interculturalism?
Video tutorial
Learn more
Anti-rumours: Background information ; full guide ; Online training New!
Alternative narratives and inclusive communication: Background information and Training New!
Publications
Paphos Region Intercultural Network Terms of reference
Action plan for inclusion and diversity in Paphos District (2023-2025)
Results of Paphos District Intercultural Cities Index 2022 Analysis
Blueprint for multilevel governance of intercultural integration policies in Cyprus
Handbook for employers in Cyprus on the employment of refugees and asylum seekers English Greek
Handbook for refugees and asylum seekers on working in Cyprus
Short guide to working in Cyprus for refugees and asylum seekers
Elements of multilevel governance of intercultural integration and their applicability to the Republic of Cyprus
Take the Intercultural citizenship test to find out.
It is a test that makes us think about our own attitudes, behaviours and knowledge.
English | French | Basque | Finnish| German | Greek | Italian | Portuguese | Spanish | Turkish | Ukrainian
What is an Intercultural City?
What is an interculturalism?
Video tutorial
Learn more
Anti-rumours: Background information ; full guide ; Online training New!
Alternative narratives and inclusive communication: Background information and Training New!
Publications
Paphos Region Intercultural Network Terms of reference
Action plan for inclusion and diversity in Paphos District (2023-2025)
Results of Paphos District Intercultural Cities Index 2022 Analysis
Blueprint for multilevel governance of intercultural integration policies in Cyprus
Handbook for employers in Cyprus on the employment of refugees and asylum seekers English Greek
Handbook for refugees and asylum seekers on working in Cyprus
Short guide to working in Cyprus for refugees and asylum seekers
Elements of multilevel governance of intercultural integration and their applicability to the Republic of Cyprus
The ICC Journey
The "Building structures for intercultural integration in Cyprus" was a 2-year project (June 2021 to June 2023) implemented by the Intercultural Cities Programme and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support, in partnership with the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus.
The project aimed at supporting the Republic of Cyprus in implementing its National Action Plan on the Integration of Third-Country Nationals 2020-2022, by empowering local authorities, NGOs, and migrant organisations to be part of the integration process. It has used the Intercultural Cities conceptual, analytical and policymaking tools to address the challenges of migrant integration, in particular related to building trust, fostering community cohesion and managing diversity as a resource. Following consultations at the national and local levels, the created “Blueprint for multilevel governance of intercultural integration policies in Cyprus” was presented at a national event on 25 May 2023, and proposed the establishment of a new National Authority for integration.
"Enhancing structures and policies for intercultural integration in Cyprus" is a 14-month project being implemented by the Intercultural Cities Programme and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support, in partnership with the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus (31 October 2023 - 30 December 2024). It is a follow-up of the previous "Building structures for intercultural integration in Cyprus" project. This follow-up project aims at enhancing and strengthening the previous project's achievements and at supporting the rollout using the new tools that were developed. It further aims at providing recommendations on their sustainability as well as at supporting Cyprus in the establishment of the new National Authority to co-ordinate a multilevel governance of integration policy and the preparation of the national integration strategy.
The new National Authority, decided by the Republic of Cyprus will provide capacity building for the proposed Focal Points, at national level (representatives of ministries, social partners, unions of local authorities, national NGOs) and at local level, the regional intercultural network coordinators, representing the local NGOs, municipalities, migrant representatives, and civil society.
Cyprus: Regional intercultural networks
Stay Tuned
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15 DECEMBER 2021 PAPHOS, CYPRUS
Yesterday, the Paphos Regional Intercultural Network held its first meeting online. With a high level of participation, it proved to be a dynamic meeting with discussions about a common vision for the Paphos region and what could be the priorities for the regional intercultural integration action...
Yesterday, the Paphos Regional Intercultural Network held its first meeting online. With a high level of participation, it proved to be a dynamic meeting with discussions about a common vision for the Paphos region and what could be the priorities for the regional intercultural integration action...
11-15 OCTOBER 2021 CYPRUS
On 11-15 October, the project team and the regional intercultural coordinators will meet with key stakeholders in Cyprus for the ‘Building structures for intercultural integration” project. The programme includes meetings with the mayors and staff of: Larnaca, Limmasol, Nicosia, Paphos and...
On 11-15 October, the project team and the regional intercultural coordinators will meet with key stakeholders in Cyprus for the ‘Building structures for intercultural integration” project. The programme includes meetings with the mayors and staff of: Larnaca, Limmasol, Nicosia, Paphos and...
21 SEPTEMBER 2021 CYPRUS
As part of the "Building structures for intercultural integration in Cyprus" project, co-ordinators have been selected to lead the process of establishing intercultural networks for the regions around five cities in Cyprus:
As part of the "Building structures for intercultural integration in Cyprus" project, co-ordinators have been selected to lead the process of establishing intercultural networks for the regions around five cities in Cyprus:
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This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of the projects of CCIF Cyprus and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
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