In a climate of emotion and deep emotional charge, the Charity Event of Love and Support for the reopening of this historic children's accommodation facility was held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the premises of the Children's Countryside of the Greek Girls' High School of Famagusta in Ayia Napa. During the event, the benefactors of the Children's Countryside were honored. The event was held under the auspices of the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou.
In her greeting, the President of the Greek Women's Lyceum of Famagusta, Mrs. Maria Niki Thomaidou, after welcoming those present, referred to the great historical and charitable mission of the Greek Women's Lyceum, which was founded in 1930 by Maria P. Ioannou and to the vision of the late philanthropist of Famagusta for the contribution to education and society, a vision, as she said, continued by Claire Angelidou and the next generations of women of the Lyceum.
Mrs. Thomaidou referred to the difficulties of recent years and the state of abandonment that the Children's Countryside had fallen into, especially after the pandemic and other problems. She emphasized that with self-denial, personal effort and the unwavering support of volunteers, sponsors and friends, the new Board of Directors managed to restore and reopen the infrastructure of the Countryside.
Ms. Thomaidou expressed her warm thanks to those who actively supported the effort, and in particular to the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Alexis Vafeiadis, the Pavlakis family and the Nissi Beach Hotel. At the same time, she underlined the need for immediate energy upgrading of the dormitories and the maintenance of the buildings, with a budget of €130.000 - €150.000, addressing an open invitation for new donations and sponsorships.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized the importance of Ayia Napa as a space that hosts not only activities but also the collective memory and cultural identity of the people of Famagusta.
Mr. Zannetou praised the work of the Greek Women's High School, which, as he said, is not a vehicle for political promotion but a carrier of memory, culture and tradition. He also underlined the good and substantial cooperation of the Municipality with the Greek Women's High School, based on trust, respect and a common vision for maintaining the flame of return, not only in Famagusta but throughout occupied Cyprus.
He referred to the newly expanded Municipality of Ayia Napa, which now consists of five municipal districts, and emphasized that it is simultaneously a center of tourism but also of culture, history and tradition.
He expressed his warm thanks to the president, Mrs. Maria Niki Thomaidou, and the members of the Greek Women's Lyceum for their selfless contribution, as well as to all those who support the Foundation's work, whether as sponsors, volunteers, or supporters. He emphasized that the Lyceum is a beacon of values that unites generations, keeps alive the memory of the occupied homeland and inspires the path to the future.
In closing, he assured that the Municipality of Ayia Napa will continue to support the work of the Lyceum in practice and consistently, recognizing as a duty the preservation of the cultural continuity and historical identity of our place. In words imbued with faith and emotion, he declared that Famagusta lives within us and will reopen its doors. Not by chance, but by perseverance, faith and love.
During the event, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, delivered to the Lyceum on behalf of the Municipality two works of art with strong symbolism and deep emotional significance. The first is the sculpture “ABOUT HER 2” by Iranian sculptor Sepideh Razmjoo, which was created within the framework of the 10th International Sculpture Symposium of the Municipality of Ayia Napa and highlights the timeless role of women in history.
The unveiling ceremony of the sculpture was held by the Mayor himself and the President of the Lyceum, Mrs. Maria Niki Thomaidou, flanked by the Deputy Mayors of the five Municipal Districts of the new Municipality – Mr. Antonis Koumis (Sotiras), Mr. Markos Koumis (Liopetriou), Mr. Panayis Michailas (Avgorou), Mr. Nikos Vasilas (Achna) and Mr. Antonis Christou (Agia Napa).
The second work is the "Fountain" by Greek sculptor Alexandros Baibourtidis, which symbolizes the connection of tradition with life and continuity, through the stability of stone and the flow of water, as expressed by the symbol of the fish.
The artistic part of the event included music and songs by Stefani Krassa (singing) and Tasos Papamichael (piano).
