The Cyprus Youth Dialogue Project is an exciting initiative sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme – Action for Cooperation and Trust (UNDP-ACT).
UNDP-ACT
On 1 October 2005 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched its peace building project in Cyprus, Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT). The purpose of ACT is to create opportunities for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to work together on concrete projects which will benefit all people on the island, while at the same time promoting inter-communal tolerance and mutual understanding. The ACT project is managed directly by UNDP and has a total budget of US $26.5 million for three years (October 2005-September 2008). The project is funded principally by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with additional funding from UNDP.
ACT provides opportunities for Cypriot organizations to design and implement projects which will help build the foundations for lasting relationships islandwide. One of the main objectives of ACT is to encourage Cypriots to demonstrate the benefits of islandwide cooperation. To this end ACT funds projects and initiatives which focus on multicultural education and youth empowerment, promoting civil engagement, support to environmental protection and the preservation and promotion of Cyprus’s rich cultural heritage. In each of these areas ACT works with Cypriots to emphasize the need for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to work together to achieve a prosperous and healthy future for the island and its people.
Providing Opportunities for Young Cypriots to Learn About Multicultural Values
The overall objective of ACT’s education and youth work is to promote learning within a multicultural society, based on a common value system founded upon justice, tolerance and mutual respect. Giving an opportunity to young people to take a leadership role in promoting education on multiculturalism and tolerance is a vital aspect of these efforts. One of the main areas of work focuses on support to youth skills development programmes that teach and encourage volunteerism and community service, responsible citizenship and diversity in the workplace. Activities bring young people from across the island together through residential camps and training sessions, which not only impart new skills but also break down barriers and prejudices. Using communications tools such as film and discussion forums ACT also creates opportunities for young Cypriots to express themselves and to tackle issues which are common to young people across the island. ACT also supports efforts to create supplementary history teaching materials in both communities, while other initiatives focus on youth entrepreneurship, addressing learning difficulties, road safety and youth delinquency.
For more information on UNDP-ACT, please visit their website at: www.undp-act.org