🇨🇾 PEHELI 4 ALL—Extended Research Report from Cyprus

Conducted by: NGO ACPELIA
Country: Cyprus
Date: May 2025

1. 🕊️ Understanding Peace & Conflict Resolution

Cyprus has experienced one of the longest-running conflicts in Europe. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, following a Greek-backed coup, and since then, the island has remained divided. The northern part of Cyprus is under Turkish military occupation, and only Turkey recognizes it as a separate state. The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, maintains sovereignty over the whole island according to international law.

The continued division is primarily due to Turkey's refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus and its ongoing military presence, along with the lack of political will from key actors to reach a fair solution. The invasion and occupation have deeply affected generations, leaving thousands of Cypriots internally displaced and fostering a lasting wound in the national memory.

Despite the ongoing division, civil society and youth organizations from both communities engage in peacebuilding efforts and bicultural cooperation.

Conflict Resolution Techniques:

Key Peacebuilding and Dialogue Initiatives in Cyprus

  • Home for Cooperation (H4C): Located in the UN Buffer Zone, it hosts events and dialogue sessions between youth and educators from both communities.

  • Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR): Promotes multiperspective history education and intercultural projects.

  • Youth Exchange and NGO Projects: NGOs like ACPELIA, YEU Cyprus, and System & G support Erasmus+ initiatives that build empathy, understanding, and shared action among young people from both sides.

Conflict Resolution Techniques:

  • Dialogue circles between youth from both sides.

  • Storytelling and shared history projects.

  • Cross-cultural youth trainings with mediation tools.

2. 🍎 Healthy Lifestyle & Well-being

Nutritional Habits:
Cypriot diet is part of the Mediterranean tradition, rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, and fish. However, modern lifestyle has increased fast food consumption and sedentary habits, especially among youth.

Mental & Spiritual Well-being:

  • Stress and anxiety among young people have risen post-COVID.

  • Initiatives like yoga sessions, nature retreats, and mindfulness practices have grown in popularity.

  • Church and local traditions still play a role in providing spiritual grounding for some communities.

Traditional Sports & Relaxation:

  • Tavli (backgammon) and village festivals promote community bonding.

  • Sports like football, basketball, hiking, and sea-based activities like swimming are common.

  • Yoga classes and wellness studios have increased in both urban and rural areas.

3. 🌍 Cultural Exchange & Diversity

Cyprus is a diverse cultural space, influenced by Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite, and British traditions.

Intercultural Dialogue Examples:

  • Events like Cyprus Rainbow Festival and International Cultural Days hosted by universities.

  • Folk dances (e.g., sousta, zeibekiko), traditional music, and handicrafts are regularly shared in cross-cultural exchanges.

Peace & Culture:

  • Stories from both sides of the island are collected in projects like "Cyprus Oral History Archive."

  • Art and mural projects in cities like Limassol and Nicosia promote peace through creativity.

4. 🤝 Local Youth Engagement & Community Work

ACPELIA and similar NGOs like YEU Cyprus, System & G, and Hope for Children are highly active in youth empowerment.

Youth-Led Peace Initiatives:

  • ACPELIA's workshops on digital empathy, anti-discrimination, and circular economy.

  • Youth Parliament and municipal youth councils that promote dialogue and civic engagement.

Volunteering Opportunities:

  • Youth Volunteer Network Cyprus and Platform for NGOs regularly publish calls.

  • Activities range from environmental cleanups to working with refugees and vulnerable groups.

5. 🇪🇺 Erasmus+ & European Youth Work

Erasmus+ in Cyprus:

  • Managed by the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes.

  • Many NGOs use it to implement youth exchanges, trainings, and job-shadowing.

Examples of Relevant Projects:

  • "Green Innovation and Circular Economy" by ACPELIA

  • "Digital Empathy" (KA153YOU), tackling inclusion via digital tools

  • "Speak Up Your Feelings" on mental health among youth

Youthpass Benefits:

  • Recognizes non-formal learning

  • Helps with employment and CV building

  • Encourages reflection and growth

6. 📱 Digital Tools & Storytelling

Campaign Examples:

  • "Love Cyprus, Don't Trash It": Social media campaign on environmental health

  • NGOs use Instagram Reels, Facebook posts, and YouTube to document activities

Tools Used by Youth:

  • Canva for posters

  • CapCut and InShot for video editing

  • Google Sites and Webnode for blogging and sharing results

Tips for Documentation:

  • Use a project hashtag (e.g., #Peheli4AllCyprus)

  • Take high-quality photos during activities

  • Interview local participants and create short reels

Posters