A precious opportunity to meet Turkish Cypriot friends

Sir,

We would like to share with you our experiences after participating in a memorable bi-communal weekend workshop which was part of the 5th International Children’s Film Festival of Cyprus. The workshop took place at the Fulbright Centre, the Goethe Institute and Ledra Palace at the end of November.

One of the aims was to bring together young people of different nationalities from the different communities on the island – particularly Greek and Turkish Cypriots. During the workshop, we had the opportunity to get to know each other by working together to create our own artistic productions. A group of us participated in the ‘Art Miles Mural’ which will be part of a European art exhibition. Other projects included podcasting, documentary, fiction film, animation and a music video clip.

None of us had had the opportunity to meet or work with Turkish Cypriots before the workshop. We felt both excited and a little nervous by the prospect. However, by the end of the weekend, we realised we had more similarities than differences with our Turkish Cypriot friends and have since continued communicating electronically.

Through the workshops we learnt about co-operating through creative activities with people of different nationalities. We believe that if such ideas are initiated and encouraged amongst young people, perhaps we can look forward to a re-united and peaceful Cyprus.

We would like to than all the volunteer leaders and organisers for providing this special opportunity.

George Antoniou, Agustina Demetriou, Zenonas Hadjicostas, Liliana Ioannou, Vasiliki Kelpi, Nicolas Kliriotis, Eleftheria Konstantinou, Maria Lafazani, Nicos Louca, Ioanna Michael, Stavroula Michael, Christia Nicolaou, Magda Pericleous, Enkarnita Petrou, Michaella Thoma.

Year 2 and 3 students, Drosia Gymnasium, Larnaca

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