Learning with Dignity

A geographical crossroads in a politically complex region—itself divided due to an unresolved conflict—Cyprus is witnessing an increase in the number of people seeking refuge and/or asylum and in the complexity of individual cases. In the second quarter of 2018, Cyprus had the highest number of asylum seekers per capita in Europe (1656 per million); more than Greece and Malta and over six times the EU average (267 per million). Weak local systems are proving inadequate to address the resultant needs and as one of the few local humanitarian organizations that provides direct assistance to vulnerable groups, Caritas Cyprus (CCy) has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for its services.As of May 2019, CCy is serving more than 142 school age children (5 – 12 years) in Nicosia alone. We help their families upon arrival, as they transition through temporary housing and once the children begin school. Many attend the St. Maron Elementary School in Anthoupoulis with local and other migrant children. As non-native Greek speakers, they are at an instant disadvantage and must work hard to catch up and integrate. The struggle is compounded when the children go without food, basic school supplies or a school uniform. To ensure that they can attend school in dignity, the Parents Association of St. Maron provides breakfast, lunch, school supplies and uniforms to children in need. Funds raised through this campaign will be used to match those of the Parents Association, which has been stretched to the breaking point as the influx of migrant children has increased 10-fold over the last year.