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Description
The project aims to support the funding activities of Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) and to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of the Home for Cooperation, located in the Buffer Zone in Nicosia. The project will contribute to the Home for Cooperation’s mission of fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus and to increase the potential for sustainable peace between the Cypriot communities by encouraging a culture of peace, and by strengthening inter-communal cooperation and inter-cultural dialogue.
The project will be implemented through the following measures:
- Education and research initiatives, including i.e. history workshops for educators, children and youth; production of educational materials and policy proposals; capacity building and awareness raising activities;
- Cultural and community activities, including i.e. language classes, performance arts festivals, concerts, film screenings and campaigns;
- Maintenance and infrastructure upgrades of the Home for Cooperation building.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the longstanding division in Cyprus by fostering bicommunal cooperation and strengthening social cohesion between the communities across the existing divide. Decades of political and physical separation have resulted in limited opportunities for meaningful interaction between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, reinforcing mistrust and segregation. The Home for Cooperation (H4C), strategically located in the UN Buffer Zone, provides an in-between and inclusive space where individuals and organisations from both sides can engage in dialogue, cultural exchange, and joint initiatives.
Political negotiations at the official level often overlook the need for trust building measures within the communities themselves, and this gap is critically addressed by civil-society-led efforts which actively work towards the cultivation of a culture of peaceful coexistence. The project directly responded to this challenge by creating opportunities for cooperation in education, arts, and civil society engagement. By supporting cross-community initiatives, fostering active citizenship, and promoting peace education, the H4C and the Project Promoter, Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR), played and will continue to play a pivotal role in empowering Cypriot society to overcome divisions and prepare for sustainable peace. However, sustaining these efforts required continuous adaptation to evolving societal needs and overcoming barriers such as entrenched perceptions, logistical constraints, and political sensitivities.
This project addressed the need for structured support for intercommunal dialogue and intercultural exchange in Cyprus. The Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) and the Home for Cooperation (H4C)implemented diverse educational and cultural activities that engaged over 270,000 people physically and online, far exceeding the initial target. Through outreach efforts, decentralization, and innovative online engagement, the project fostered dialogue among educators, students, artists, and the public, integrating discussions on reconciliation and peacebuilding into mainstream discourse.
Additionally, the project contributed to policy development through research and the creation of supplementary trilingual educational material addressing multilingualism, gender representation in public spaces, and social-emotional learning. Awareness-raising efforts included 11 campaigns targeting a broad audience, further enhancing public engagement with peace and reconciliation initiatives. Lastly, sustainability improvements at the Home for Cooperation, including energy efficiency upgrades, strengthened its role as a vital space for civil society activities. These efforts collectively enriched reconciliation efforts, advanced cooperation, and mutual understanding across Cyprus.
The project has significantly contributed to strengthening civil society, fostering active citizenship, and empowering vulnerable groups through a wide range of activities. By engaging over 270,000 individuals, both physically and online, the project has promoted intercommunal cooperation and intercultural dialogue. Key achievements include informing national policies through research-based policy papers on education, the establishment of 33 partnerships with academic and cultural institutions, and the organisation of history education laboratories and bi-communal workshops. The project has also supported financial sustainability through income-generating activities such as cultural events, educational programmes, and artistic collaborations.
Furthermore, the project has facilitated critical infrastructure improvements, including the energy upgrade of the Home for Cooperation building, contributing to its long-term sustainability. It has also developed and disseminated educational tools, reaching students, teachers, and stakeholders across divided communities. Through targeted awareness-raising campaigns and innovative digital materials, the project has contributed towards intersectional historical thinking, promoted dialogue, and strengthened grassroots initiatives and collaborations. These efforts collectively contribute to a more inclusive, cooperative, and resilient society, fostering mutual understanding and peacebuilding.