"I want to welcome you with the warmest of feelings. The gratitude of the State, but also of myself personally, is but the least sign of debt to the volunteer movement that honours you first and foremost and at the same time our country in particular.
Undoubtedly, the emergence and consolidation of the value of volunteerism by citizens has been a catalyst in addressing various kinds of problems and challenges that local communities are called upon to manage.
In 1973, a group of individuals with sincere feelings of love for their fellow human beings and with the late Michalakis Triantaphyllides as its first President, interpreting the need for coordination of voluntary organizations and for responsible cooperation with the state in the formulation and implementation of its social policy, proceeded to establish the Pancyprian Welfare Council.
It is sufficiently indicative of the importance of the establishment of the Council to note the coordinated action developed by the volunteers after the tragic days of the 1974 coup and invasion.
Since then, the Board and its members, distinguished by the values of solidarity and altruism, have again found themselves in times of crisis and trial for our country on the front line.
At the same time, through their recommendations and initiatives, they put their own stamp on the organized action and effectiveness of volunteerism in our country.
It is characteristic that more than 420 organizations have joined the Pancyprian Coordinating Council, with 2.100 members of Administrative Organizations and tens of thousands of volunteers, developing more than 300 actions and campaigns, such as, among others, for.
→ Supporting vulnerable groups, fighting social exclusion, but also any form of discrimination and inequality, for the benefit of thousands of our compatriots.
→ Supporting vulnerable groups, fighting social exclusion, but also any form of discrimination and inequality, for the benefit of thousands of our compatriots.
→ Supporting our fellow human beings facing health problems, including through the Karaiskakio Foundation, which has achieved the world's first Bone Marrow Donor Registry in terms of population ratio
→ Providing assistance in response to unforeseen humanitarian crises and disasters, both locally and internationally.
It should be noted that in 2018 tens of thousands of euros were collected and 48 boxes of humanitarian aid were sent to support fire victims in Attica, in 2020 after the deadly explosion in Beirut more than 300 boxes of humanitarian aid were sent, In 2021, 50,000 euros were collected to support fire victims in the Larnaca and Limassol regions, while 220 tonnes of food aid, civil protection material, medicines and medical equipment worth more than three million euros were sent to Ukraine thanks to the efforts of volunteers.
→ In addition, by investing in the systematic development of paid staff, board members and volunteers since 2002, it has held over 225 training seminars in which more than 3,380 people have been trained.
→ The development of innovative activities in the field of the environment.
→ Community work aimed at the social rehabilitation and integration of offenders into society, particularly young people. In this context, more than 5,395 wards were supervised throughout the Pancyprian territory.
Activities that are also as a result of the close cooperation that the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteerism had developed with the Executive and Legislative Authorities, Local Authorities, educational institutions and every organized body of the society.
The little I have mentioned demonstrates in the clearest way why the Council is recognized as a strategic partner of the State in terms of the targeted policy adopted for volunteering and the volunteer movement in our country.
A policy which, with the contribution, experience and knowledge of all relevant stakeholders, puts at its heart the upgrading and strengthening of the activity of volunteers.
And it is with great pride that I note that Cyprus is among the few countries in the European Union that has designed and implements a comprehensive policy on civil society and volunteering issues.
It is for this reason that part of the written contributions that we submit regarding these issues are adopted by the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe.
Recognizing the important role played by voluntary organizations, we strive within the financial means of the State, as well as in the adoption of policies, to give back what we owe to organized voluntary organizations.
Indicatively, I would like to mention that. [*]Public Consultations were established, giving citizens a voice and a role. [*]The new legislative framework governing the operation and financial transparency of NGOs has been implemented. [*]Three relevant policy documents have been adopted by the Council of Ministers: The European Declaration of the "Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers", the "Charter of Active Citizenship" and the "Civil Society Policy Document". In these, and many others, the Citizens' Commissioner plays an important role and I thank him warmly. [*]Structured contact of the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteerism with Ministries and Government Agencies was implemented through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding. [*]We created the "Volunteer House", which hosts a significant number of NGOs. [*]A strategy for active citizenship and participatory governance is being finalised. [*]The "Citizens' Initiative Law" has been submitted to the Parliament, which also enables voluntary organisations to submit proposals to the Government and the House of Representatives for the adoption, amendment or repeal of legislation on matters of common interest or public utility. [/LIST]
What I have mentioned demonstrates both the recognition of the work that the voluntary movement is doing and the strong will to build on and strengthen the important role that the movement plays in our country.
I would like to warmly congratulate the leadership of the voluntary movement for taking the initiative to pay due tribute to pioneers of the movement.
Dear honorees, I am absolutely sure that the commendable results of your activity will motivate us to take even more initiatives towards the achievement of our common mission.
A mission that unites and turns into inspiration, strength and acts of altruism for all those who need us through actions that contribute to the progress of our society.
In conclusion, I would like once again to express the grateful thanks of the entire State both to the President and his predecessors, and the members of the Pancyprian Coordinating Council and to the entire volunteer movement for the noble activity that they develop with the sole aim, above and beyond any personal pursuit, of offering to our fellow human beings in need.
For my part, I assure you that until the end of my term of office and beyond, I shall endeavour to be a co-sponsor and supporter of this noble endeavour which distinguishes all of you volunteers."
It is noted that the President of the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteerism, Mr. Elias Demetriou, presented an honorary distinction to the President of the Republic, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades and his wife Andri Anastasiades for their contribution to the volunteerism movement.
(RM/NG)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source
