The established Cultural Evening organized by the "AngaliaZO" Day Care Center for the Elderly of the Liopetri SKE was held with great success on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the central square of the Liopetri Municipal District of the Municipality of Ayia Napa.
The event, which was held under the auspices of the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Marilena Evangelou and the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, has become an institution for the local community and successfully combined culture with social contribution, including greetings, awards for students and citizens who distinguished themselves and a rich traditional music and dance program. The audience enjoyed a music and dance program by the musical group “Yaraman” and the Cultural Group “I Paradosi” of Liopetri as well as traditional food and delicacies for the financial support of the “AngaliaZO” Center.
In her speech, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Marilena Evangelou, praised the multifaceted and multidimensional work of the SKE Liopetriou, underlining its timeless contribution from 1978 to the present day. She referred to the importance of the social structures of the SKE, such as the Nursery, the Child Protection and Employment Center, and the Adult Center with the “Embrace LIFE” program, which are supported by the Deputy Ministry.
He made special mention of the contribution of volunteers and the importance of social solidarity, characterizing the Liopetriou Community Volunteering Council as a natural and valuable ally of the state. He informed the public about the modernization of the institution of Community Volunteering Councils, through the submission of new PSSE Regulations to Parliament, ending a wait of almost two decades.
In closing, he referred to the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion, pointing out that 51 years later, the wound of the occupation remains open and the need for a solution to the Cyprus problem more urgent than ever.
He assured that the President of the Republic is working systematically to resume negotiations.
Ms. Evangelou warmly congratulated the organizers and volunteers of the SKE, stating that they are a shining example of social contribution.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, in his greeting, thanked the President of SKE, Mr. Vasos Christodoulou, the Board of Directors and the staff for their tireless voluntary contribution. He emphasized that the social action of SKE is necessary and constitutes a moral obligation of everyone, as – as he said – “we will all go through different stages of life and we have a duty to support them”.
He underlined the strategic commitment of the Municipality of Ayia Napa to strengthening social and charitable actions and congratulated the honored students and citizens for their ethos and successes.
The Deputy Mayor of the Municipal Council of Liopetri, Mr. Markos Koumis, described the Cultural Evening as a combination of cultural cultivation and social recognition. He praised the high-quality artistic program and particularly emphasized the awarding of excellent graduating students and distinguished fellow villagers at a Pancyprian and global level.
He acknowledged the effort, dedication and hard work behind every success, noting that such awards are role models for society to emulate. He thanked and congratulated the SKE for its voluntary work and reiterated the commitment of the Local Government to continue to support it in practice.
The President of the Liopetriou SKE, Mr. Vasos Christodoulou, welcoming the attendees, expressed his satisfaction with the massive participation and the continuous support that the SKE enjoys. He presented the Council's social actions and programs and referred to the financial challenges it faces.
He warmly thanked the Municipality of Ayia Napa, the Mayor Mr. Christos Zannetou and the Deputy Mayor Mr. Markos Koumis for their continued interest and support, as well as the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare for its long-term support to the structures of the Social Welfare Organization.
