Limassol: With strategy and 8-year action for the integration of TCNs
The practical contribution of Limassol to the smooth integration of Third Country Nationals through the program “Limassol: One City, the Whole World” was highlighted by the Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nicolaides, underlining its successful implementation for 8 consecutive years. This event was widely recognized by all local government bodies in Limassol participating in the program, the Mayors of Agios Athanasios M. Kyriakos, Mesa Geitonias D. Antoniou and Germasogeia Th. Xydia, as well as by the competent department of the Ministry of Interior – the European Fund Unit approving funding through the European Migration, Integration and Asylum Fund.
Speaking during the online press conference today (Tuesday, July 28), the Mayor of Limassol underlined that “the services offered in the program have a practical effect on the lives of immigrants in Limassol and benefit all our citizens.” He also stressed that “it is in our interest, to join the local community, to learn about the way of life in Cyprus, to know their rights and obligations.”
The conference concluded with the completion of this 18-month cycle of efforts to integrate refugees and immigrants into the local community. The representative of the European Funds, Sofia Theodosiou, welcomed the successful implementation of the program and announced its renewal for another 18 months. As a matter of fact, Limassol will complete 10 years of continuous implementation of TCNs integration policies by the local community. The Mayors, in their own speeches mentioned that Limassol is the most multicultural city of Cyprus and expressed their satisfaction for the success of the program.
Haris Trikkis, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs of the Municipality of Limassol, presented the actions of the project, noting that its actions were not interrupted during the pandemic but instead were adapted using online platforms. The direct beneficiaries of the program in the form of social support services exceeded 300, while hundreds of others participated in public activities.
The social worker of the Municipality of Limassol, Christina Tsiabarta spoke about the importance of social work on the street and the intervention in schools. Nenad Bogdanovic referred to the successful operation of the Intercultural Council and the efforts to create a comprehensive intercultural strategy of the Municipality of Limassol.
Andri Agathokleous, officer of the Municipality of Ag. Athanassiou commented on the response of immigrants to actions aimed at familiarizing them with the culture and gastronomy of Cyprus.
The press conference was coordinated by Christina Zanti, Municipal Service Officer at the European Affairs Department of the Municipality of Limassol and the journalist Kyriakos Pierides. It was also attended by representatives of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
During the press conference, videos were shown with immigrant testimonials about the benefits they received from the program.
The videos are posted on the project website www.inlimassol.com.cy
The program is co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Republic of Cyprus.
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