Chance for young Greek and Turkish Cypriots to work in each other’s communities

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce (Keve) and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) announced on Monday the launch of the second round of an internship programme which sees young unemployed Greek and the Turkish Cypriots work in each other’s communities.

The call, announced by representatives of the two business groups at the Home for Cooperation in the capital’s buffer zone, is part of the ‘Leading by Example’ project, which is co‐funded by the European Union under the “Cypriot Civil Society in Action IV” programme.

In total, 16 young professionals will benefit from the scheme. Eight Greek Cypriot interns will be placed for three months in companies and organisations in the Turkish Cypriot community and eight Turkish Cypriot interns will have the opportunity to learn more about their trade with Greek Cypriot companies.

Eligible to apply are young unemployed university graduates aged between 20 and 35. The placement will take place between January and May 2017. The scheme provides for a monthly allowance of €500 paid directly by Keve and the Ktto to each intern.

The objective of the scheme is to enhance trust as well as the dialogue and reconciliation process between the two communities, while providing young Cypriots an outstanding work experience within the other community.

The Cross-Community Exchange Internship programme, was approved by the two Cypriot leaders last year as part of the confidence building measures.  Last year 12 young Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots had participated in the programme.

For more information: http://www.ccci.org.cy/ and http://www.ktto.net/

 

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