Volunteers from 60 Youth Centres across Cyprus have sent an open letter to President Nikos Christodoulides, expressing what they describe as deep concern, disappointment and anger over the situation affecting the Cyprus Youth Board (ONEK).
The signatories, members of the Cyprus Organisation of Youth Centres (KOKEN), say the current state of affairs has pushed ONEK into an impasse and is jeopardising youth initiatives nationwide.
Six months without funding decisions
In their letter, the volunteers note that the Youth Centre movement has operated in Cyprus for almost 65 years, relying on the voluntary contribution of young people who dedicate their time and effort to community projects.
"We are students, parents, employees and professionals who devote our free time because we deeply believe in the value of volunteering and in the power and abilities of organised youth," they write.
The volunteers say no applications for financial support submitted to ONEK for activities and projects have been examined during the past six months, leaving youth centres unable to plan ahead and operating in conditions of uncertainty.
Volunteers bearing the financial burden
According to the letter, some youth centres proceeded with events and activities despite the uncertainty, doing so under conditions of serious financial insecurity.
The volunteers say they have assumed personal financial risks and, in many cases, paid expenses themselves to prevent the cancellation of activities that support their local communities.
They warn that many centres are now facing genuine questions about their long-term viability and continued operation, while the volunteer spirit sustaining them is being stretched to its limits.
They also stress that meaningful planning for the coming year has become impossible, preventing youth centres from organising future activities in a timely and responsible manner.
Demands for immediate action
The volunteers call for the immediate restoration of ONEK's normal functioning through the appointment of suitable and capable individuals to its board of directors.
They argue that public interest, and particularly the interests of Cyprus's youth, must remain at the centre of decision-making.
The letter also calls for:
- Immediate processing of all pending funding applications.
- An end to volunteers personally financing youth activities.
- A substantial review of the legislation governing ONEK.
- The removal of restrictions affecting the President's constitutional powers.
- The creation of a modern, clear and effective institutional framework.
- The establishment of distinct responsibilities, accountability mechanisms and safeguards against conflicts of interest.
- Measures ensuring institutional continuity to prevent similar situations in the future.
Call for dialogue
The volunteers conclude by stating that they remain available for "sincere and institutional dialogue" aimed at strengthening and modernising youth policy in Cyprus.
The letter is signed by volunteers from 60 youth centres located across Cyprus and affiliated with KOKEN.
Source: CNA
