Nicosia calls out to next generation

TOMORROW the inter-communal Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) will launch a series of youth educational materials entitled ‘Nicosia is Calling’.

AHDR have prepared the materials in English, Greek and Turkish, and are aiming them at youth, educators and parents, and encourage them to visit restored historical and cultural sites on both sides of the walled city, such as Arabahmet Neighbourhood, the Chrysaliniotissa neighbourhood, Kyrenia , Famagusta and Paphos Gate. They aim to give young explorers the resources needed to conceptualise Nicosia as a place of unity and co-operation.

They books have been written for two age groups, 11-12 and 14-16, and they include activities such as quizzes about the Venetian walls, puzzles and word-searches based on the theme of famous buildings and landmarks.

The launch will coincide with the launch of a UNDP-ACT sponsored research and education project, called Multi-perspectivity and Intercultural Dialogue in Education (MIDE).

Over the next two years, the MIDE project will undertake major research into different perspectives of Cypriot history, create supplementary teaching materials, deliver materials on policy dialogue, and build a library and archive for researchers.

Chara Makriyianni, President of the ADHR, said last week, “We are delighted to announce the launch of Nicosia is Calling, as well as the Association’s new two-year project MIDE. They are great examples of intercultural collaboration and we hope that educators embrace and support our efforts as they have done in recent years.”

The mayors from both sides, Eleni Mavrou and Cemal Bulutogullari, will be present to support tomorrow’s launch.

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