The unveiling of the "Cyprian Mother" Monument and the inauguration of the renovated kitchen of the "Embrace LIFE" Day Care Center for Adults and People with Dementia of the Liopetri Community Volunteering Council (SKE) took place today, Monday, May 26, 2025, in a ceremony with a strong anthropocentric character and social significance.
The unveiling and inauguration of the renovated kitchen were held by the First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, and the well-known businessman, Mr. Poly Hatzioannou.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa referred to the importance of social contribution and volunteerism, underlining the role of the Social Welfare Organization and local structures in supporting vulnerable groups.
"The Community Volunteering Council (CVC) is a key pillar of social cohesion and solidarity. Through its actions, the concept of collectivity is strengthened, while at the same time respect for the traditional values of giving and mutual assistance is promoted." He expressed his confidence that the First Lady, Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, will support the efforts to secure funding, with the aim of expanding the Kindergarten and the Children's Club.
He emphasized that the Municipal District of Liopetri, the heroic Liopetri, with all its problems and peculiarities, is the only Municipal District that supports and houses structures for people with disabilities, such as the “Apostolos Varnavas” Foundation, “Apostolos Pavlos” and “Angaliazo”. He also noted that the volunteers of Liopetri offer daily care and support, embracing the entire local community. There is – as he said – a network of mutual support and sincere cooperation.
The Mayor underlined that "the Municipality of Ayia Napa does not only pursue business development, but from the very beginning it aimed to strengthen social and charitable services in all Municipal Districts." He stressed that this effort is being implemented collectively, with the cooperation of the Deputy Mayors, the Municipal Council, volunteers and local bodies.
He also mentioned that the sculpture had been granted by the Municipality since April 2024, and that the support to the President, Mr. Vasos Christodoulou, the Board of Directors of the SKE, and the Director of the Day Care Center for Adults and People with Dementia "AgaliaZO", Mr. Andri Nikolaou, is continuous and daily, with efforts to resolve any issues that arise.
Finally, he noted that the Local Reform that is currently underway still requires some time to fully respond to the needs of the Municipal Districts. "The results are already visible through our actions and you can be sure that we will continue to be by your side, in whatever you need us."
In closing, he warmly thanked everyone who contributed to the implementation of the project, making special mention of the wife of the President of the Republic and Mr. Polys Hatzioannou for his generous financial support.
In her greeting, the First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, expressed her joy and emotion for her presence in the free province of Famagusta and her participation in an act of substantial social contribution.
"I am so happy to be in the free province of Famagusta," he said, adding that it is extremely important to encourage companies and organizations to take action that prioritizes the needs of our most vulnerable citizens - children, the elderly and people with disabilities - in every corner of Cyprus.
She assured that both she and her husband are still in the world, so that they have full knowledge and awareness of the real needs of citizens. She emphasized that she supports the President of the Republic in the implementation of the government's work, with the daily life of the citizen as a priority and with the person always at the center.
He congratulated all the volunteers, the Board of Directors of SKE Liopetri, the worthy director, Mrs. Andri Nikolaou, the company Safebulkers and the patriot Mr. Poly Chatzioannou.
He added that such actions remind us that the prosperity and cohesion of a society are based on social solidarity, corporate volunteerism and selfless contribution, while emphasizing that the state will remain supportive of any corresponding initiative, especially when it concerns the care of vulnerable groups.
In closing, he stated, "I will be by your side, supporting every effort that aims for a just and inclusive society, in all areas of our lives, for all generations, to improve the standard of living and the daily lives of all citizens."
The Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Liopetri, Ayia Napa Municipality, Mr. Markos Koumis, expressed his warm thanks to Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, who placed under her auspices the inauguration of the renovated kitchen of the SKE as well as the unveiling of the sculpture that adorns the exterior of the building.
As he mentioned, the renovation of the kitchen was deemed necessary for the smooth operation and smooth conduct of the programs offered to the elderly and people with dementia.
He also thanked Mr. Polys Hatzioannou for his kind sponsorship, fully covering the cost of the renovation, as well as the Mayor Mr. Christos Zannetou for the donation of the sculpture.
The SKE noted that it "carries out a multifaceted and valuable social work and is the only institution in Cyprus that offers specialized services to people with dementia."
For his part, Mr. Polys Hatzioannou referred to the challenges of modern society, emphasizing at the same time that "the needs of society are constantly changing and the goal is to be able to respond to the demands of the weaker sections of society as a whole."
He noted that social cohesion, together with environmental and ethical governance actions, constitute the well-known ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) framework, which - as he said - creates new operating standards for businesses globally.
“We at Safebulkers have developed activities in all these areas and one of them is the sponsorship for the renovation of the kitchen of the “AGKALIAZO” Day Care Center of SKE Liopetri.” He added that the company is actively involved and supports corresponding structures in other communities, such as Pelendri, Kato Polemidia, Sotira, Kyperounta and Mouttagiaka.
In closing, he stressed the importance of volunteering and social contribution, underlining the need for every company operating in Cyprus to contribute systematically to society as a whole.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liopetri SKE, Mr. Vassos Christodoulou, in his greeting, stated that the presence of the First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, as well as the Chairman and CEO of the Safe Bulkers company, Mr. Poly Hadzioannou, the benefactor from Cyprus, whose contribution was catalytic, added value to the event.
The kind donation of 25,000 euros from Safe Bulkers, he added, fully covered the cost of the renovation, which includes state-of-the-art equipment, ergonomics and infrastructure for the preparation and provision of daily meals to the elderly in the community. These actions strengthen the institution of Volunteerism and highlight social responsibility as a lever for positive change.
The present and the future, he noted, require synergies and with such examples, "we are all walking together, strengthening the care of our vulnerable fellow citizens and strengthening social cohesion."
