Multicultural Cyprus: Panel Discussion in Latsia: 11 July, 2007

Panel Discussion in Latsia: 11 July, 2007

Panelists: Lina Joseph, Savina Joseph, Klitos Symeonides, Kerstin Wittig

The Panel Discussion was organized by the Cyprus Adult Education Association at the Municipality of Latsia on Wednesday, 11 July at 6.30 pm. Topic of the Discussion was ‘Parenting in a multicultural Society’. In addition to the panellists, the mayor of Latsia was present and welcomed the ethnically diverse audience.

The Panel Discussion was attended by around 30 residents of Latsia, representing various ethnic and cultural groups, and thus allowing for a very interactive and diverse discussion around European guidelines and concepts of cultural diversity, of residents’ rights and minorities’ rights, personal experiences of participants who came to Cyprus as a foreigner, trying to become part of the local community, as well as experiences of those who lived abroad, as part of a diverse and international community.

The specific focus of the discussion was the school environment, the role of parents, and the fact that students nowadays grow up in a mixed and diverse environment – a big change for the young generation to overcome prejudices and to support the integration of residents irrespective of their ethnic or cultural background.

The organizers received very positive feedback and were encouraged to organize further activities aiming at bringing citizens together in a multicultural context