The Cyprus Community of NSW has recently launched the Cyprus EU Presidency Essay Award as part of a broader Cyprus EU Presidency Program commemorating Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Community has been celebrating Cyprus’ leadership through a comprehensive program of events highlighting European values and human rights.
The Community’s Honorary President, Michael Kyriacou, said the Community, like the EU, has long been a champion of fundamental human rights – the cornerstone of the EU’s foundation and an essential part of Australian society.
“We often take our freedoms and liberties for granted – the freedom to buy, sell, move around Australia and express opinions with very few limits. These rights are always under scrutiny and in recent times, they are increasingly being questioned and, in some instances, attacked,” Mr Kyriacou said.
He noted that the Cyprus Community has been a staunch advocate for human rights, including the right to safety, life, and freedom of movement. Unfortunately, many Cypriots living in the occupied territories of Cyprus do not enjoy these same rights.
Australia is a tolerant, pluralist society that does not discriminate. Minorities are free to practice their religion, preserve their language, and contribute to the rich fabric of the nation, Mr Kyriacou said.
Honorary Secretary Kyriakos Panayi added that these are values shared with Europe, and they are the values the Community seeks to instil in young people so they may become future leaders who continue the Community’s tradition of advocating for human rights.
“We looked at the most accessible way to reach our younger members while also engaging the wider Australian community, and at the same time highlighting the plight of Cyprus, which remains home to the last divided capital city in the world,” Mr Panayi said.
In recent times, the Cyprus EU Presidency has highlighted the security challenges faced by the EU as it grapples with complex issues on multiple fronts.
The Cyprus EU Presidency Essay Award was launched specifically to engage junior students and encourage greater involvement with the Community.
Honorary Assistant Secretary Andrew Paschali said: “The essay competition is a very accessible way to motivate students to think about the freedoms we all enjoy, while encouraging young people to promote the values of equality, fairness, progress, tolerance, respect, and the protection of human dignity.”
Mr Panayi added that following extensive consultation with educators, stakeholders, and Community members, the Community carefully considered how best to engage young people and mark the Cyprus EU Presidency in a meaningful way.
“We decided on an essay competition because it is something most students can relate to. With the vast amount of information available online, this initiative encourages independent thinking, analysis, and the expression of personal opinions. It is a valuable exercise in civic responsibility and in recognising Cyprus’ work in the field of human rights,” Mr Panayi said.
Mr Kyriacou described the essay competition as a world-first initiative.
“What better way to motivate critical thinking about the freedoms we enjoy, while also raising awareness of the plight of Cyprus and its people, as well as many others around the world who have had these freedoms taken away,” he said.
The Essay Competition is open to NSW-based students aged 10 to 18, whether enrolled in primary school, high school, university, or TAFE. Essays may be submitted in either English or Greek.
First place winner will receive a $2,000 prize, a commemorative medal, and a certificate of achievement. The top five shortlisted essays will received $200 each.
“We have engaged with many educational institutions and encouraged them to invite their students to submit essays describing, in their own words, the importance of these values and the consequences when they are not respected,” Mr Kyriacou said.
Eligibility criteria, application details, and terms and conditions are available online at:
https://thecyprusclub.org.au/scholarships/
