AN ORGANISATION made up of young volunteers has raised £250,000 over the past five years to help those in need.
Young Volunteers Cyprus (YV) yesterday held a news conference in Nicosia to thank everybody involved in helping the organisation since its foundation.
Marlene Philippou, a member of the YV Council, said yesterday: “My daughter is a young volunteer and I feel the organisation teaches children the importance of volunteering. They can take part in activities such as public speaking and other character- and team-building exercises and this helps children with their self-development.”
The Association’s Honorary President is First Lady Fotini Papadopoulou. It has branches across the globe and is supported by the United Nations.
YV brings together children aged between four and 17, who with their parents are involved in voluntary activities, both of a fundraising nature through the organisation of charity events and of community service to those who need help.
Their slogan is: “Small in size but big at heart.”
The association started with a group of 20 children from five different schools in Nicosia and today numbers over 200 children from more than10 schools.
According to their website, they offer “joy and happiness to those who are less fortunate than us”.
YV aims to involve children in volunteering activities from an early age, become sensitive to the problems and misfortunes of others, encourage children to envision a brighter future for all, develop their personal talents and leadership skills, encourage team spirit and self-esteem and strengthen family ties and create lifelong friendships.
Since their inception five years ago, they have offered donations to charitable and other organised associations related to children as well as to individuals and families with sick and poor children.
Charities that have received donations include the Cyprus Anti-Leukaemia Association, Europa Donna, the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Association and the Alzheimer Patients Association.
They are a registered association and have secured the approval of the Ministry of Education to work in schools.
Nicosia Mayor Michalakis Zampelas, who was at yesterday’s news conference, said: “If Young Volunteers disappear from our lives, we are finished. These are the people of tomorrow and we have to encourage, support and make them feel proud of what they’re doing.”
