Focus group with Public servants

🧾 Final Report and Proposals to the Pissouri Community Council

📣 Introduction: Why We Must Act – Now!

Empowering Pissouri's Youth – Strategic Proposals Based on Real Data

The youth of Pissouri are not invisible. They are present, creative, full of ideas and willingness to participate. However, as highlighted by the major "Cities4YOUth" project study, conducted with hundreds of young people, teens, local stakeholders, and entrepreneurs, there is a lack of opportunities and adequate infrastructure for youth to express themselves, create, and remain active in their community.

Key activities conducted:

• 500 questionnaires completed by local youth

• 6 dialogue meetings with teenagers, youth, stakeholders, and local groups

• 1 public debate with over 50 participants

• Co-design workshops with youth participation

📎 All results are available here: https://cerv1.webnode.page/

This process led to 10 key proposals, addressed to the Pissouri Community Council.

🛑 Why the Community Council Must Take Action

Youth participation doesn't happen on its own. It requires structures, support, and opportunities. Without these:

• Youth feel isolated

• Youth leave the community

• Youth feel their voice doesn't count

When given space, a role, and a voice, the community:
✅ Becomes more vibrant
✅ Gains ideas and voluntary contributions
✅ Builds a sense of belonging
✅ Prepares the next generation of active citizens

🔑 The First Two Proposals Are Key to All Others

The following proposals (3–10) touch on crucial issues like transportation, mental health, communication, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship. However, for these to be implemented effectively, two core structures are needed:

1. A Youth Center, to host the activities

2. A Youth Council, to give youth a voice and role

If the Community Council supports these two proposals immediately:

• All others can be implemented smoothly and systematically

• The community gains permanent structures for youth participation and growth

• Youth will feel heard, trusted, and supported

🟦 "The first community in Cyprus with a Comprehensive Youth Strategy – Pissouri leads the way!"

✅ Proposal 1: Creation of a Youth Center in Pissouri

Why it is needed
Pissouri currently lacks a stable space dedicated to youth. A Youth Center would be a safe, open, and welcoming place for ages 12–30 to gather, develop, learn, and socialize.

The Center will offer:

• Creative workshops (music, art, graffiti, digital production)

• Quiet corners for studying with Wi-Fi

• Training sessions (robotics, technology, languages, CV writing)

• Activities for mental health and personal development

• Environmental actions, volunteering, and access to EU opportunities

Why ACPELIA is the ideal operator
ACPELIA is a recognized NGO with experience in over 70 European and local youth projects.
They have the expertise and the team to organize meaningful activities, provide educational and emotional support to youth, and connect them with Erasmus+ opportunities.
With ACPELIA in charge, the Youth Center will not just be a space – it will become a beacon for local youth.

Annual cost
Estimated at €5,000–7,000/year, covered by the Community Council.
Includes:

• Staff salary (ACPELIA representative present each morning and selected afternoons)

• Activity materials (tech, arts, games)

• Event and workshop coordination

• Promotion and outreach

Community Benefits
✅ Stronger social cohesion – youth have a space for communication and cooperation
✅ Less isolation and youth outmigration – they stay and engage
✅ Skills development – digital, artistic, professional training
✅ Mental wellness – support for self-confidence and growth
✅ EU connection – participation in exchanges and projects
✅ Inclusive space – open to all regardless of gender, origin, income, or ability

✅ Proposal 2: Establishment of Pissouri Youth Council

Youth want to be heard and involved in decision-making. The creation of a Youth Council with representatives from schools, NGOs, sports and cultural clubs is proposed.
This council would act as an advisory body to the Community Council, hold monthly meetings, and manage small youth activity budgets.

🎯 Purpose
To give Pissouri youth a voice and meaningful participation in local decision-making.

👥 Proposed Composition (10–15 members):

• 1–2 students from local schools (Pissouri Primary, Episkopi Gymnasium, Kolossi High School)

• 1 youth from each NGO (e.g., ACPELIA, NOSTOS, Expat group, Hunting Club)

• 1 youth from each sports club (THOI, AEN)

• 1 youth from cultural groups (NOSTOS, Environmental Committee)

• 2–3 open-call youth members

• 1 Community Council member as liaison/observer

🎯 Initially members may be appointed, but participation is expected to grow organically through collaboration and volunteer spirit.

⚙️ Formation Process

• Open call issued by the Community Council

• Selection committee includes Council and ACPELIA reps

• Member term: 1–2 years (renewable)

• Gender balance and age diversity (15–30) ensured

🗓️ Functioning

• Monthly meetings at the Youth Center or alternative venue

• Election of leadership (Coordinator, Vice-Chair, Secretary)

• Creation of thematic working groups (culture, environment, EU programs)

• Ability to present proposals to the Community Council

💶 Resources

• Annual microbudget (€1,000–2,000) for youth-led activities

• EU program access (Erasmus+, ESC) via ACPELIA

• Admin & logistical support from Council & Youth Center staff

🎯 Expected Benefits

• Strengthens democratic participation

• Builds responsibility and ownership

• Fosters trust between youth and institutions

• Develops the next generation of active local citizens

✅ Proposal 3: Improved Transportation Access for Youth

What we heard:
Many young people, especially teens, lack the means to move around easily – especially to nearby cities (e.g., Limassol, Episkopi, Kolossi) or within Pissouri. This limits their access to education, activities, jobs, and social life.

Proposed actions:

• Secure better bus connections from Pissouri to nearby cities and schools.

• Community minivan for local transport to activities and events.

• Offer free or subsidized transport for youth participating in community or youth center programs.

Why it matters:
✅ Ensures equal access to opportunities
✅ Reduces isolation
✅ Encourages participation in education, training, volunteering, and cultural life

✅ Proposal 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

What we heard:
Youth reported anxiety, stress, and lack of emotional support – especially post-COVID. Some don't feel safe or confident speaking openly.

Proposed actions:

• Organize group sessions, workshops, and training on mental health, emotional intelligence, and self-care.

• Include mindfulness, yoga, and body awareness in the Youth Center's program.

• Collaborate with local psychologists or youth support services.

Why it matters:
✅ Boosts youth confidence, wellbeing, and resilience
✅ Prevents social withdrawal and mental health deterioration
✅ Promotes a culture of care and empathy in the community

✅ Proposal 5: Communication & Information Channels for Youth

What we heard:
Youth often don't know what activities or opportunities exist in Pissouri. There's a lack of a unified, youth-friendly communication channel.

Proposed actions:

• Create a social media page and monthly newsletter with updates, events, and opportunities

• Promote European youth programs (Erasmus+, ESC) and local events

• Use youth-friendly tools like Instagram, WhatsApp groups, and posters

Why it matters:
✅ Keeps youth informed and engaged
✅ Makes community activities visible and accessible
✅ Increases participation in volunteering and education programs

✅ Proposal 6: Volunteering & Local Action Network

What we heard:
Youth want to contribute, but there is no structured volunteer system in place.

Proposed actions:

• Create a local youth volunteering network coordinated by ACPELIA

• Offer certification of volunteer hours, useful for CVs and job applications

• Partner with local organizations (school, cultural groups, NGOs) for projects (e.g., beach clean-ups, events, gardening)

Why it matters:
✅ Fosters responsibility and belonging
✅ Encourages intergenerational cooperation
✅ Empowers youth as active citizens

✅ Proposal 7: Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship

What we heard:
Many young people are interested in launching creative or green businesses but lack support and training.

Proposed actions:

• Organize entrepreneurship workshops and competitions at the Youth Center

• Invite local entrepreneurs to mentor youth

• Help youth access European funding or startup support schemes

Why it matters:
✅ Empowers youth with tools to stay and work in Pissouri
✅ Stimulates innovation and sustainability
✅ Builds job readiness and initiative

✅ Proposal 8: Support for Creative & Artistic Expression

What we heard:
Youth want to express themselves through music, dance, art, photography, and other forms of creativity.

Proposed actions:

• Provide workshops, events, and open mic nights at the Youth Center

• Allow youth to create murals or graffiti walls in safe, permitted spaces

• Create a "Youth Culture Festival" in collaboration with schools and local groups

Why it matters:
✅ Encourages self-expression and confidence
✅ Builds community pride and youth identity
✅ Promotes social inclusion through art

✅ Proposal 9: Green & Environmental Engagement

What we heard:
Young people care about the environment and want to act locally.

Proposed actions:

• Organize environmental campaigns (cleanups, upcycling workshops, beach walks)

• Involve youth in greening community spaces

• Promote sustainable habits through education and peer-led actions

Why it matters:
✅ Protects the natural beauty of Pissouri
✅ Encourages sustainability and responsibility
✅ Activates youth around global causes

✅ Proposal 10: Intergenerational & Intercultural Dialogue

What we heard:
Youth want to feel more connected to older generations and newcomers in the community.

Proposed actions:

• Organize community events with food, music, and storytelling

• Start dialogue projects between youth and older residents

• Encourage participation of migrants and minority youth in activities

Why it matters:
✅ Reduces discrimination and loneliness
✅ Builds bridges of understanding and empathy
✅ Makes Pissouri a more united, inclusive community

📌 Summary

Together, these 10 proposals form the basis of a Comprehensive Local Youth Strategy for Pissouri. They are grounded in real needs, expressed by real young people.

If implemented step-by-step, starting with:

1. The Youth Center

2. The Youth Council

…then all other actions will follow organically, effectively, and sustainably.

📣 Final Note: Pissouri Can Lead the Way

With the support of the Community Council, Pissouri can become:

"The first community in Cyprus with a Comprehensive Youth Strategy – Pissouri leads the way!"

Together with ACPELIA and the local youth, we can turn this vision into reality.

All the above proposals stem from thorough research and direct discussions with local youth, community members, and public servants. They reflect the real needs, ideas, and priorities expressed by young people in Pissouri. The final set of proposals was compiled and officially submitted to the Pissouri Community Council to support the development of a comprehensive local youth strategy.