Hope For Children CRC Policy Center, Cyprus’s leading non-profit focused on safeguarding children’s rights, is supported by a team of over 110 dedicated professionals. Through their initiatives, they aim to create a safe and nurturing environment that enables every child to thrive and reach their full potential.
Their mission revolves around prioritizing children’s well-being, education, and protection. Through specialized programs addressing child protection gaps, they are committed to ensuring a brighter future for all children in Cyprus.
Can you introduce your charity and provide an overview of its mission and purpose?
“Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center was founded in 2008 and has since become the largest non-profit organization in Cyprus dedicated to child protection. With offices in all districts of Cyprus and a team of approximately 110 professionals, including social workers, youth workers, psychologists, lawyers, educators, trainers, and administrative staff, we are passionately committed to upholding the rights of children and safeguarding their well-being, education, and protection from violence. Our mission is to implement multifaceted humanitarian programs that prioritize the welfare of children and promote their rights. Through our initiatives, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment that enables every child to thrive and reach their full potential. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including government institutions, international organizations, and local communities, we strive to have a profound positive impact on the lives of the children benefiting from our services, as well as their families. At “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center, we believe that every child deserves a promising future, free from harm and with access to education and essential support. Our efforts focus on empowering children, providing them with opportunities for growth, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected. Through advocacy, knowledge exchange, and effective programs, we work tirelessly to bring about lasting change and a brighter tomorrow for the children we serve.
What inspired the establishment of your charity, and what motivated its founders to address this particular cause?
The establishment of “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center was inspired by a deep commitment to protecting the rights of children and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. The founder, Mr. Joseph Borghese was driven by a strong sense of responsibility and compassion for the well-being and future of children, recognizing the importance of safeguarding their rights and ensuring their voices were heard. From the beginning of his stay in the island he identified an evident gap in child protection structures, laws and policies, to be able to address alarming issues affecting children, including child abuse, exploitation, and violence. Witnessing the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by countless children, he became determined to take action and make a positive impact in their lives, by establishing Hope For Children in Cyprus. Additionally, he recognized the significance of implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an international human rights treaty that outlines the rights of children and the obligations of governments to fulfill these rights. The UNCRC served as a guiding framework for the organization’s mission and activities.
Are there any specific populations or communities that your charity focuses on serving? What led to the decision to prioritize these groups?
“Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center focuses on serving all children residing in Cyprus, irrespective of personal characteristics and backgrounds. Our commitment to inclusivity and equal access ensures that every child receives free-of-charge support, protection, and care. We prioritize the rights and well-being of all children, believing in the universal value and importance of their protection and empowerment. However, after identifying specific gaps in the child protection system and lack of specialized services in the Cypriot context, we have given a special focus in developing and implementing specialized programs for foster families, children victims of sexual abuse, unaccompanied children in need of accommodation and rehabilitation services, and children victims of bullying.
What is the importance of events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon to support your cause?
Events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are crucial in supporting our cause as they raise awareness and funds for “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center. They provide a platform to promote children’s rights and well-being while encouraging community engagement and support for our humanitarian programs. The proceeds from such events directly contribute to empowering children and making a positive impact in their lives.
Is there any specific case or individual your charity supports through this year’s marathon fundraising campaign?
The funds raised from this year’s marathon fundraising campaign will contribute to our wide range of programs and services that directly benefit children in need across Cyprus. Through these initiatives, we continue to provide essential support, protection, shelter, education, and empowerment to vulnerable children, helping them lead more promising and fulfilling lives. The generosity of donors, sponsors, and participants in the marathon enables us to make a significant and positive impact on the well-being of these children and their families.
