In the framework of the action "I live the Archaeological Heritage" and the Autism Awareness Month
The Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works organized on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, in cooperation with the Cyprus Association for People with Autism, activities at the archaeological site of Choirokoitia, as part of the action "Living the Archaeological Heritage", but also on the occasion of the Autism Awareness Month. The action involved the Intervention Centres operated by the Association for People with Autism in the provinces of Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, which serve adults on the Autism spectrum.
Through drawings, clay constructions and collages, with much laughter, joy and inspired by this important UNESCO World Heritage Site, which they toured, the children had the opportunity to unfold their multifaceted talents and show us all that disability is not an inability, but diversity. The archaeological site became a place of creative activity so that the children could cultivate their skills and develop their imagination, inspired by our cultural heritage and nature.
This action is part of the Department of Antiquities' policy of equal inclusion and participation of the whole society in cultural heritage. As a State, we must all work for the common good to highlight diversity as a normality. Our cultural heritage, as a patchwork of different cultural elements in time and space, thus becomes the most appropriate starting point and beacon for all the necessary actions that we have a duty to undertake in order to eliminate past social stereotypes, so that we can accept diversity. After all, we are all equal parts of this diverse cultural mosaic and social change can only come about when we cultivate respect for all members of society, starting with our fellow citizens with disabilities, both visible and invisible.
The Department of Antiquities would like to thank the trainers of the Association for People with Autism for their guidance, cooperation and the enthusiasm with which they approached the initiative, the members of the Association of Parents and Guardians of Choirokoitia who embraced the action by offering refreshments, as well as the archaeologist of the site, Dr. Odile Le Brun, of the French Archaeological Mission, who was also present with the children. Everyone's participation is practical proof that only when we work as a team can we bring about change, while heritage can be preserved and achieve its social role through the participation of the whole community.
On this occasion, the Department of Antiquities invites those community-based organisations and associations for people with disabilities wishing to enjoy similar activities at heritage sites to contact the management.
(MB/SX)
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