The Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) unites Greek and Turkish Cypriot teenagers through activities like public speaking and cultural exchanges to foster peace and understanding. With over 100 participants annually, the program aims to bridge the gap between divided communities in Cyprus and the US, creating a tapestry of unity in a once-divided homeland.
What is the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) and how does it foster peace?
The Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) is an initiative that brings together Greek and Turkish Cypriot teenagers to promote peace and mutual understanding through connection. It involves over 100 Cypriot teens in peacebuilding activities, including public speaking, workshops on identity, and cultural exchanges, both in Cyprus and the US, aiming to bridge the gap between divided communities.
Bridging Communities in Cyprus
In the heart of the Mediterranean, an inspiring initiative is taking shape, aiming to sow seeds of unity in a soil long divided. The Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP), also known as Creating Friendships for Peace, is a beacon of hope, gathering Greek and Turkish Cypriot teenagers to weave a tapestry of peace across their shared homeland.
Inspired by the Children’s Friendship Project in Northern Ireland, which profoundly impacted over 2,000 teenagers across 20 years, CFP extends its roots deeper into the Cypriot community with the same ambition: bridging the gap between divided groups through the power of connection and mutual understanding. Annually, more than 100 Cypriot teens take part in these peacebuilding activities, which span the island and even stretch to the United States, offering a diverse platform for engagement and learning.
A Personal Journey Through CFP
Liana Liu Ioannides recounts her transformative experience with CFP, one that has spanned four enriching years. Her journey has taken her from the pine-clad slopes of Troodos to the corridors of power in Washington DC, engaging in everything from public speaking courses to intense workshops on identity, human rights, and the dynamics of peace.
The programme has not only cultivated her understanding of global and local politics through interactions with influential figures but also fostered a rich environment for participants of various interests. It transcends academic inclinations, attracting a mosaic of youths, each with their own unique aspirations, yet united by the desire for a harmonious future.
Education and Empathy: Tools for Change
Through CFP, Liana and her peers have had the opportunity to delve into the island’s complex history and confront narratives that have long fueled division. They’ve embraced their role as active contributors to peace, equipped with knowledge and empathy to drive change. This journey is not just about acquiring a world-class peace education; it’s about forming profound connections and gaining an unwavering commitment to a shared, peaceful future.
Liana’s narrative brings to life the unforgettable bonds formed in Maryland, where her host parents opened their hearts and home, offering a glimpse into a life beyond prejudice. The programme’s ability to dismantle long-standing barriers is exemplified through the story of her hosts, a Protestant and Catholic couple, mirroring the unity CFP strives to achieve.
The Power of Inclusive Narratives
Moreover, Liana has observed the influential role of women in peacebuilding, a contrast to the often male-dominated narratives of politics and conflict. Through CFP, she and many others have found their voices as Cypriot changemakers. Embracing a multidimensional approach to history and conflict has allowed participants to step away from a past marred by strife towards a future where every child can believe in peace.
The programme’s holistic approach is a testament to the potential of education in transforming societies and building bridges where walls once stood. It is a clarion call for continued support and commitment to such initiatives that can reshape narratives and create a foundation for enduring peace.
What is the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) and how does it foster peace?
The Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) is an initiative that brings together Greek and Turkish Cypriot teenagers to promote peace and mutual understanding through connection. It involves over 100 Cypriot teens in peacebuilding activities, including public speaking, workshops on identity, and cultural exchanges, both in Cyprus and the US, aiming to bridge the gap between divided communities.
What is the goal of the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP)?
The goal of the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) is to bridge the gap between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities by fostering friendships, promoting peace, and creating a sense of unity in a once-divided homeland. Through activities like public speaking, cultural exchanges, and workshops on identity, CFP aims to break down barriers and build connections among Cypriot teenagers.
How does the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) address the complex history and narratives in Cyprus?
Through the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP), participants have the opportunity to delve into the complex history of Cyprus and confront narratives that have fueled division. By engaging in workshops on identity, human rights, and the dynamics of peace, CFP equips teenagers with knowledge and empathy to challenge existing narratives and work towards a shared, peaceful future.
How does the Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) empower participants to be changemakers in their communities?
The Cyprus Friendship Programme (CFP) empowers participants to be changemakers by providing them with tools such as education, empathy, and a platform for dialogue. Through interactions with influential figures, exposure to global and local politics, and engaging with diverse perspectives, CFP cultivates a rich environment for participants to develop a deep understanding of peacebuilding and become active contributors to building bridges between divided communities in Cyprus.
