The information event entitled "Communities in Transition: The Social Worker as a Catalyst for Change", co-organized by the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Sotiras Municipal District, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Services, was held with great success on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Social Benefits Center of the Sotiras Municipal District.
The event began with a welcome address by the Deputy Mayor of the Sotiras Municipal District, Mr. Antonis Koumis, who referred to the importance of the program and the role of the Ayia Napa Municipality as a pioneer in the implementation of social policy actions that bring services closer to the citizens. This was followed by the Program Supervisor, Ms. Koulla Erotokritou, who spoke about the role of the Neighborhood Social Worker as a bridge of communication between the citizen and the services, but also as a factor of empowerment and cohesion within the community.
The Director of Social Welfare Services, Ms. Maria Kyratzi, presented the vision behind the creation of the program, highlighting the importance of strategic social policy and the use of European resources for the effective support of local communities. The Neighborhood Social Workers of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, Ms. Andri Nikolaou and Ms. Rafaelia Stavrou, presented statistical data, experiences and good practices from their daily activities, emphasizing human stories and the results that the program has brought to the daily lives of citizens.
Subsequently, Sergeant Pierakis Glykanagos, Community Policing Officer of the Famagusta Police Department, presented the program's cooperation with the Police and analyzed its contribution to enhancing security and trust in local communities. Through the speakers' statements and the discussion that followed, the need for the creation of a stable social care network that will operate with consistency, transparency and humanity was highlighted, so that no fellow citizen feels alone or helpless.
As emphasized, social policy is not a simple institutional responsibility, but is a daily act of humanity and collective responsibility. The “Neighborhood Social Worker” program is proving to be a catalyst for change in practice, contributing to the creation of more just, strong and humane communities. The event concluded in a climate of optimism and collective commitment, with all participants renewing their will to continue and further strengthen the program.
The Municipality of Ayia Napa expresses its warm thanks to all the officials and associates who worked with dedication for the success of the program, as well as to the citizens and representatives of the local bodies who participated with interest and willingness to cooperate. The presence of the public and the active participation of the bodies highlighted the importance of collective effort and cooperation between the Local Government, state services and citizens in promoting social cohesion and solidarity.
The Municipality of Ayia Napa continues to invest in people and society, moving forward with vision, humanity and social sensitivity, aiming to create a community that cares, supports and unites.
The event was held on the occasion of the completion of ten months since the launch of the "Neighborhood Social Worker" program of the Ayia Napa Municipality, an innovative social policy and local cooperation program that aims to empower citizens and strengthen social cohesion at the community level.
The "Neighborhood Social Worker" Program is part of the "Restructuring of Social Welfare Services" Project, which is implemented within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Program "THALEIA 2021-2027" with the co-financing of the European Union. Through its action, it seeks to bring the social worker closer to the citizen, highlighting the value of human presence and timely, personalized social intervention.
