The Together project (2019-1-PT01-KA203-060772) has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The Together project (2019-1-PT01-KA203-060772) has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Refugees Initiative

First Step Project

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INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INITIATIVE

European University Cyprus

COUNTRY

Cyprus

CITY

Nicosia

Address

6, Diogenous Str, 2404 Engomi, Nicosia
P.O. Box: 22006, 1516 Nicosia-Cyprus

WEB SITE OF THE INITIATIVE


TYPOLOGY

- Help desk and supporting services for refugee students
- Language and other introductory courses for refugee students
- Tutoring and peer support for refugee students
- University policies on access to higher education

TARGET GROUPS

- Newly arrived refugees
- Refugees of second generation

DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGIES

The First Step Project is designed to train refugees and asylum seekers in soft skills and specific fields of work that the Cyprus economy faces shortages.

The project offers work orientation and VOCATIONAL TRAINING programs aimed at facilitating the entrance of Third Country Nationals into THE LABOUR MARKET in Cyprus. The project assess skills, qualifications, provide training programs and offer tailored advice, in order to create a robust understanding of the labour market and facilitate quick and effective access to employment for Third Country Nationals. The objective is to help TCNs further develop basic social, work and language skills, as well as provide vocational training to facilitate the integration of TCNs into the labour market and participate in economic and social life of Cyprus.

First Step aims to serve as many TCNs – Recognized Refugees, Resettled Refugees, International Protection Beneficiaries, Asylum Seekers, Third Country Nationals (student, work, spouse visa) – as possible from all over Cyprus. However, the courses are held in Nicosia and Limassol, at the premises of the European University of Cyprus. The training courses offered adheres to the residence status of the candidates.

RESULTS AND IMPACT

The program selected over 300 participants based on certain criteria and proceeded with the below trainings in the areas of Hotel Mgmt, Logistics, Accounting and customer service. The program also trained participants on job seeking methods, CV preparation, interview simulations, skills profile building. Furthermore, after the Covid outbreak a number of the participants which accumulated the highest scores will be placed for job internships in the hope that employers may select some of them for full time employment. In addition, European University Cyprus has offered one full time scholarship for a Bachelors degree to the graduate of the program with the highest performance.

With regards to social inclusion the University has always approached any group or need of any category of students on several levels, financial, personal counsellors services, housing, career, intercultural and other activities. European University Cyprus have well developed processes addressing multiple levels and needs.

For more information please contact: [email protected]