The Civil Society Support Team
 in the presence of 
Mr. Alain Bothorel ,Head of the Programme Team, at the EU Programme Support Office
presented the "Certificate of Participation "
to the participants whom attended to atlease one of the trainings that our Team organized.
 The event took place on 2nd of December 2008 in our premises.

Media and CSOs representatives showed great interest in participating the event and enjoyed the interaction with other Civil Society Organizations . The evening was considered as joyful and friendly
which is very much of the reflection of the culture.


These trainings are not only technical information that would assist the EU projects but offers skills
and Information on organizational management, communication, finance etc which could be very helpful tools to have in our day to day community life.

Participants whom could not attend the event always can pick up their certificate from our office.

Launching of a campaign aiming at raising awareness on the role of civil society and the importance of active citizenship

On 21 November 2008, the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission launched the EU campaign to raise awareness of the role of civil society and the importance of active citizenship in the Turkish Cypriot community
. 

In his address, the Commissioner focused on Cypriots representing Civil Society Organisations from both communities. The campaign is actually financed from the 259 million euro EU Aid Package for the Turkish Cypriot community. The campaign will last 24 months and will include a series of information seminars, thematic workshops, training courses and individual and group counselling. 

The Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, outlined the need to support the preservation of common European values starting with the promotion of an inclusive society. This would mean fighting against all forms of discrimination, based on race or ethnicity, disability, age or sexual preference and also fostering equal opportunities between men and women. 
                           
In order to do so, partnerships, he reminded, must be built for change that bring together all those with a stake in social and employment policies, and first and foremost civil society.

The Commissioner insisted that Civil Society Organisations are the best placed organisations to work on some crucial issues because of their key role in engaging with communities at local, regional, national and international level. Engagement in voluntary and community activities is a way for people to contribute to public life as they can give their time or their money to support issues of concern to them.

The Commissioner stated that Civil Society Organisations have increasingly become places where people can debate and affect issues that matter to them, and where they feel they can be advocates for change.

He also emphasized the various reasons why an awareness raising campaign is essential and iter alia its main objective to sensitize Cypriots to the role of civil society and active citizenship in a democracy, especially as a means to ensure vibrant debates on issues that matter for its citizens.

In democracies active citizenship involves voluntary work in organisations and networks, organising activities for the community, participation in interest groups and political parties, participation in forms of peaceful protest and in public debate on issues such as social inclusion, gender equality, human rights, employment, social services, environment…

Finally, it can be reported that the Commissioner stressed the importance of the establishment of partnerships and dialogue between stakeholders, in the Cypriot context in particular, as these partnerships can be established between the two Cypriot communities. He reminded the participants that most issues of public interest know no boundaries and must be debated on an island-wide basis. Diseases, for example, unfortunately affect Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the same way. As in other Member States, cases of discrimination on grounds of sexual preference or disability, still regrettably happen.

Join the Advisory Committee                       
 
“Have Your Say" 
  
Join the Advisory Committee, Have your say!


The first Advisory Committee meeting was held on the 25th of September, where the CSST and a large number of CSOs gathered to brainstorm on the role of the CSST and the function of the advisory committee as a space to develop ideas. As the CSST our aim in steering the advisory committee is ensure your participation and help for the enhancement and efficiency of our services and to receive feedback on how CSST is perceived in civil society.

We are glad to see that the first meeting offered an opportunity for debate and network as well as a space for deepening our acquaintance. A needs assessment questionnaire was distributed to all participants, which you will find online on our website.
Those of you who could not participate but who wish to contribute to the process are very welcome to provide their inputs and we want to thank all of you who were able to attend. 


Our team wishes to guide and implement its assistance to organisations in accordance with YOUR suggestions and ideas. The CSST would like to hear your opinions on:
- the role of civil society and developments in the sector
- what the role of the CSST and of the Advisory Committee should be
- different and innovative mechanisms and strategies needed to strengthen and increase CSST competences 

  
Join this Advisory Committee to have a say and help us better support you!