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Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I accepted your invitation to attend, greet and put under my auspices the 28th "Festival of Joy" organized by the "Theotokos - Amerikos Argyriou" Foundation. Undoubtedly, your presence and the high contribution of the "Theotokos" Foundation to the fellow human being can be seen throughout the Cypriot society. Besides, it is no coincidence that the decision to create the Foundation in 1969 by Dr. Amerikos Argyriou, was closely linked and proved to be of decisive importance in terms of dignified living, deinstitutionalization and integration of people with intellectual disabilities, thus contributing to the global coverage of their needs and desires.
First of all, allow me to express my deep appreciation and congratulations to the President Mr. Alekos Oroudiotis, the other members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, the Management, the Association of Friends and the tireless volunteers, who support the Foundation, but also to your experienced and qualified staff, because you have succeeded in offering these people multiple and innovative services in the fields of prevention, treatment and care. Through your tireless efforts, through your dedication and zeal, you have fully fulfilled the Foundation's mission.
Undeniably, through a lot of hard personal work, through your knowledge, experience and creativity, you have also succeeded in offering creative employment conditions and developing their skills, inspired by a sense of social solidarity and collective action.
In this context, there can be no doubt that your praiseworthy and multi-level humanitarian work is directly linked to your love and sincere offer to your fellow human beings and, by extension, works for the benefit of our entire society. It is in this light and in recognition of the magnitude of the Foundation's contribution that we, as a State, support and will continue to provide practical support for its operation. The services provided by the "Theotokos" Foundation are proof that voluntary activity works as a complement to the role of the State.
The State Ministry of Social Welfare and the Social Welfare Services have developed a close cooperation with the "Theotokos - Amerikos Argyriou" Foundation in order to meet the social care needs identified in the field of disability. The inclusion of people with disabilities is one of the highest goals of the Ministry of State. Within this framework, there are many policies and actions that are being implemented and others that are still on the President's Governance Programme, which are in the process of being implemented.
The aim of the Christodoulides Government is to further improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities. We place particular emphasis on the promotion of reforms in the field of social policy, with a view to improving the quality of life of all citizens.
Dear Friends,
I would like to stress that we are constant helpers, companions and supporters of the Foundation in the multitude of its activities and we will continue to stand by your side, supporting in every way your noble goals.
Let us enjoy this pleasant event organized for us by the Theotokos Foundation.
Thank you and I wish you every success in your commendable work.
(ΘΘ/ΙΣ)
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