This year's operation of the Summer School, founded and operated for the last three years by the "Andreas Sophocleous" Social Services Center, exclusively for the children of Ukrainian refugees, was concluded with a moving event.
The final celebration took place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the event hall of the Ayia Napa Primary School "Antonis Tsokkos", where the children presented a rich artistic program and received warm applause from the audience. At the end of the event, they were awarded diplomas for their participation.
In his greeting, the Director of the Social Services Center, Mr. Theodore Irakleous, speaking on behalf of the Center's Founder, Mr. Andreas Sophocleous, stated that the reason for creating the School was "simple but essential": to enable mothers of children to work and stand on their own feet in Cyprus, knowing that their children are in a safe environment, where they are creatively employed and educated with love. At the same time, as he noted, the School also offers job opportunities to Ukrainian refugee teachers so that they can continue their work, even far from their homeland.
Mr. Irakleous also recalled that "from the first moment of the war until today, KEPAKY has consistently supported 260 families of Ukrainian refugees throughout Cyprus, covering medical expenses, treatments, accommodation costs and other basic needs every month, proving that solidarity is not just words but actions."
"We know very well what it means to be a refugee. We, as Cypriots, experienced war and uprooting in 1974. That is why we stand by you with understanding, respect and love. Our message is clear: you are not alone. Together we continue to fight so that your children have dreams, hope and a future. And together we will keep the hope of peace alive in Ukraine and around the world."
The event was honored with their presence by the President of KEPAKY, Mr. Andreas Sofokleous, the President of the Ayia Napa Municipality School Ephorate, Mr. Sergis Sergis, as well as the President of the Ayia Napa “Aroma” Association – Friends of the Sculpture Park, Mr. Christakis Pittas, and the Director of Ayia Napa “Antonis Tsokkos” Primary School.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, in his statements, congratulated KEPAKY for the initiative and continuous support to the children and families of Ukrainian refugees.
"Ayia Napa," he said, "demonstrates in practice that it is an open, humane and hospitable city. The Summer School operated by the Social Services Center is not only a place of learning and creation for children, but also a place of hope, joy and solidarity. We feel proud that our city hosts and supports these families who were forced to leave their homeland because of the war. We stand by them with all our strength, because solidarity and humanity are values that characterize our place."
Mr. Zannettou concluded by emphasizing that "caring for children is caring for the future. And through such initiatives, we are all sending the message that peace, cooperation and humanity are the values we want to guide our world."
