The Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announces that, as part of the International Autism Awareness Day, on Saturday, 2 April 2022 will once again participate in the global awareness campaign Light it Up Blue, by lighting up the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, the Medieval Castle of Paphos and the archaeological sites of Choirokoitia and Amathus in blue. The aim of the illumination, as every time, is to raise awareness in society about the particularities and difficulties faced by people on the Autism spectrum and their families. In this way, the Department of Antiquities wishes to highlight the need for ongoing education, care, meaningful support and acceptance of those whose lives are affected by this condition, which nowadays is growing very rapidly.
Furthermore, as it is the belief of the Department of Antiquities that all our fellow human beings should be able to enjoy our common cultural heritage, during the month of April, a month entirely dedicated to Autism, activities will be implemented as part of the action launched last year online, entitled "Living the Archaeological Heritage". These activities will take place at the archaeological site of Choirokoitia and for their implementation the Department of Antiquities will cooperate with the Cyprus Association for People with Autism and the Autism Support Association of Famagusta. Through this action, our fellow human beings with Autism will have the opportunity to get to know the prehistoric settlement of Choirokoitia and come closer to the values represented by this important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aim is for these creative activities to become the starting point for the creation of a meaningful relationship, over time, between the whole of society and the archaeological wealth of our land. This initiative will launch similar activities for other disabilities.
This year, the Autism Blue Rays, which will illuminate our cultural heritage, will be nothing but a necessary reminder, in difficult times, of the diversity that characterises us all and the obligation we have to embrace it. Our ancient monuments and the Cyprus Museum once again become the voice of our vulnerable fellow human beings, to remind us that the future can only be better if it is based on the universal values of our heritage and that social cohesion, in order to be achieved, must first be based on inclusion, solidarity and respect.
(MGM/IK)
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