The Youth Board of Cyprus was established by virtue of Law 33(1)/94, unanimously enacted by the House of Representatives in April 1994. Its first Governing Board was appointed in June 1994. The seven-member Governing Board consists of a representative from the youth organisations of each political party with a parliamentary team in the House of Representatives and three members who are appointed directly by the Council of Ministers. The Minister of Education and Culture acts as the liaison between the Youth Board of Cyprus and the Council of Ministers. The Board's budget is covered by State subsidy. The Youth Board of Cyprus is a legal entity of public law (Semi-Governmental organisation) independent of the civil service, with its own structure and staff, mainly composed of officers and associates employed on a contract basis. The Youth Board of Cyprus aims at promoting progress and prosperity for all to the young people of Cyprus, regardless of religion, ethnic and racial origin. It also promotes young people’s active participation in the social, economic and cultural development of our country.

ACTIVITIES
Participation, Volunteerism, Evaluation of youth policy, Youth information, Positive lifestyle, Prevention – addictive substances, Campaigns, Employment –Entrepreneurship, International Cooperation

“YOUTH in ACTION” PROGRAMME
On 15 November 2006, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Decision No 1719/2006 /EC, which establishes the Youth in Action programme for the period 2007 to 2013 and which establishes the legal framework for the support of nonformal learning activities for young people.

The aim of the “Youth in Action” Programme is to respond at European level to the needs of the young people who pass from adolescence to adulthood. It promotes the acquirement of skills and it is the main tool for providing young people with the opportunity for nonformal and informal learning on a European scale. Moreover, it contributes to reaching the goals set by the revised Lisbon strategy and the European Youth Pact.

The “Youth in Action” Programme is based upon the experience acquired by the previous programme “Youth for Europe” (1989-1999), the European Voluntary Service (1996-1999) and the Programme YOUTH (2000-2006). It was approved after extensive negotiations between the concerned parties over issues regarding youth.

For further information please call at 22402620 or visit the website of the programme: www.youth.org.cy

 “Youth Initiatives” PROJECT
The “Youth Initiatives” Project offers young people the chance for mobility and active participation in the cultural, political and social life in Cyprus. It aims at contributing to the creation of Active Citizens. These Activities aim at achieving and maintaining a balance between personal growth and collective activities in every section of the society, particularly those concerning young people.

For further information please call at 22402618, 22402615 & 22402679. All the documentation concerning the Project (Project Guide, Application form, Evaluation Form) can be downloaded from the Youth Board’s website at www.youthboard.org.cy

MULTICENTRES & MULTIFUNCTIONAL YOUTH CENTRES
The Multifunctional Youth Centres in Nicosia and Paphos and the Multicentre in Limassol were created with much love and care. Children, young people (aged 6-35) and individuals with special needs can express their love for the arts, education, fun and entertainment there.

In these centres there are various workshops: music, dance, gymnastics, painting, computers and Greek and Turkish language learning. In addition, the workshops operate in rooms with the necessary infrastructure and equipment.
In these premises events, workshops, exhibitions, press conferences and other activities can be organized by both the Youth Board and other organizations, preferably young groups.

Coffee shops also operate where one can spend his time pleasantly.
All the activities of the Multifunctional Centre are free of charge

YOUTH INFORMATION CENTRES (KEPLI)
The Youth Information Centres operate based on European standards and provide young people with general information and counselling services on issues that interest youngsters. The information is provided in both printed and electronic form by the personnel of these Centres, through activities and by offering free access to the internet. At the same time, in some Centres the «Proposition» programme is housed which consists of counselors who provide support and advice to young people, couples and families on different issues. Other counseling services are offered in accordance with other agencies.

TOY-LIBRARIES
The Toy-library is a facility that includes carefully selected toys and functions like a library. Children aged 4 – 12 years old, as well as children/adolescents with special needs can spend their time creatively by playing either alone or in groups, with the participation of specialists and their parents.

They can also borrow games which they can take home for a specific time period.

PREVENTION CENTRE “MIKRI ARKTOS”
Mikri Arktos” Prevention Centres operate in the districts of Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca. The Centres implement universal (primary) prevention programmes to groups,  including young people, parents, teachers, professionals within the school and community environment. The target of the programmes is the development of psychosocial skills, reinforcing the protective factors and restricting risk factors that may lead the person to substance use, addictive behaviour and the development of harmful behaviours.  These services are offered free of charge.

COMMUNICATION HELP LINE 1410
The Communication Help Line 1410 offers information, counseling, support and motivation for several psychosocial issues.  The aim of the line is to prevent and cope with issues regarding harmful behaviours, as well as the referral of callers to relevant services according to the needs assessed. 1410 is staffed with specialised scientists who maintain secrecy and anonymity. The Communication Help Line 1410 operates daily: 10:00 – 24:00, weekends: 15:00 – 24:00. All calls are free of charge.   

COUNCELING SERVICES “PROPOSITION”
The purpose of these services is to support and counsel young people, couples and families who encounter difficulties in their lives. The programme has been into effect in the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos and its offices are housed in the Youth Information Centres of Nicosia and Larnaca, as well as in the Multifunctional Centers of Limassol and Paphos. The programme is staffed by Counselors / Psychologists who offer their services free of charge. Meetings can be scheduled by calling at the: 99398089 (Nicosia-Larnaca), 97725205 (Limasol - Paphos).