Youth Reasearch

Youth Voices from Pissouri and Beyond: Survey Findings (March–June 2025)

A Local Study within the "Cities for YOUth – Next Generation" Project
Funded by the European Union under the CERV Programme

Between March and June 2025, a large-scale youth research initiative was carried out as part of the "Cities for YOUth – Next Generation" project. Funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the research focused on better understanding the lives, aspirations, needs, and social engagement patterns of young people living in Pissouri, Limassol, Kourion, and nearby communities.

In total, 500 young people participated anonymously in the survey, making it one of the most extensive local consultations with youth in recent years. The findings offer a unique window into the everyday realities of young people in semi-rural and coastal areas of Cyprus.

🎯 Purpose of the Research

The study was designed to:

• Map the social behavior, engagement, and participation levels of local youth.

• Identify needs and gaps related to public spaces, cultural life, and opportunities for growth.

• Inform the development of a Youth Activity Map and policy recommendations for youth-friendly communities.

• Strengthen local and European youth participation, visibility, and inclusion.

📊 Key Findings at a Glance

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Demographics & Background

• The majority of respondents identified as female (55.6%), followed by male (40.8%), and non-binary (3.6%).

• Most participants were aged 16–18 (25.4%) or above 25 years old (29.2%), with strong representation from younger and middle age brackets as well.

• Nearly 68% of participants live permanently or part-time in Pissouri or its nearby areas.

🎓 Education & Employment

• Over 34% are not currently studying, while 30% are in high school. About 18% study at university (in Cyprus or abroad).

• Exactly 50.6% of respondents are employed, and 15% are actively seeking work.

🏀 Participation in Activities

• The most popular activities were sports (160 respondents), followed by volunteering (113) and artistic projects (97).

• Notably, 135 young people said they are not involved in any activities — mostly due to lack of time, interest, or perceived lack of purpose.

🏆 Motivators for Participation

• Top motivators for engaging in social life include:

  • Financial rewards (25%)

  • Additional points in scholarships and university admissions (~48%)

  • Better communication from authorities and flexible schedules

🏡 Perception of Public Space Availability

• Only 31% of respondents rated local spaces and initiatives for youth as "good" or "very good."

• A majority were either neutral (43%) or rated the situation negatively (26%).

🌿 Most Used Spaces

• Parks, recreational areas, beaches, and sports fields top the list.

• Libraries, youth clubs, and indoor spaces are used far less, indicating a preference for informal, outdoor environments.

🛠️ What's Missing?

• Young people want more:

  • Co-working spaces (217)

  • Youth clubs (170)

  • Outdoor gyms (168)

  • Green areas (191)

• Other requests include skateparks, event spaces, libraries, and diverse sports courts (e.g., volleyball, padel).

📣 Visibility & Access to Information

• 43% of youth feel neutral about their access to information.

• Only 25% rate access as good or very good.

• Instagram (304) and Facebook (250) are the main platforms for event info, while municipal websites and schools are the least used.

🚌 Mobility

• 81% rely on private cars for transportation, with public transport used by only 9%.

• 1 in 5 faces challenges getting around due to infrastructure or access.

💼 Entrepreneurial Support

• Only 26% believe local authorities support young entrepreneurs.

• A significant 42% are unaware of any support systems, and 80% have never used any available resources.

🎉 Cultural & Social Engagement

• Youth highly value:

  • Local festivals, music and arts events

  • Volunteer and environmental initiatives

  • Spaces like ACPELIA, Clock Café, and outdoor sports fields

• However, more than 20% said they don't know of any youth initiatives at all — showing a critical awareness gap.

🗳️ Participation in Local Decision-Making

• Only 11.4% feel that young people have real influence on city decisions.

• 55% either feel they have no impact or are unsure — a sign that youth participation structures are not visible or accessible.

💬 Voices for Change

When asked what could encourage greater youth involvement, respondents highlighted:

• More dedicated youth spaces

• Improved promotion of events and initiatives

• Youth-led events and decision-making roles

• Recognition through skills certificates or awards

• Better cooperation with schools, municipalities, and community leaders

These findings align with European youth policy goals that emphasize inclusion, empowerment, and real participation. They also underline the importance of listening to young voices when designing urban and rural spaces, policies, and opportunities for the next generation.

📥 Access the Full Report

You can download the complete dataset and full analysis of the survey findings here:

This research is a first step toward building a more connected, supportive, and youth-oriented community in Pissouri and beyond. The "Cities for YOUth" team will use this data to shape local actions and foster genuine youth engagement across the region.