Cyprus is making good use of European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) funding by investing in childcare and skills development for vulnerable people.
Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, had the chance to see first-hand how the ESF+ is impacting daily lives in Cyprus by visiting two projects in Nicosia.
Nurturing future generations at the Rainbow Childcare Centre
The Rainbow Childcare Centre aims to boost provision of quality care and education for children from vulnerable social groups. Here, children aged 2-12 receive comprehensive care and educational support.
The Centre, with its two sections – a nursery for younger children and a protection centre for those aged 5-12 – provides a range of educational and creative activities, from arts and crafts to physical education.
The Rainbow Centre nurtures children and plays a crucial role in the social welfare and educational outcomes for these young lives and facilitates the activation of women.
Cultivating skills and opportunities at the Information and Training Centre
The Commissioner also visited the information and training centre for employment and entrepreneurship for vulnerable groups. This centre is dedicated to tackling unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship opportunities within vulnerable communities.
The centre offers tailored training and support services, helping people integrate into the workforce and develop their entrepreneurial skills. From work integration training programmes to developing business profiles, the centre is a hub for empowering those who need it most.
The role of the ESF+ in fostering social inclusion
These initiatives are more than just projects; they are lifelines to the communities they serve. Through the ESF+, the EU is not only addressing immediate societal challenges but is also laying the groundwork for long-term social inclusion and economic development.
The success of these projects in Cyprus exemplifies the ESF+'s commitment to creating opportunities and opening doors for those in disadvantaged positions, fostering a more inclusive and empowered society.