{"id":120,"date":"2026-01-09T19:33:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T19:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/japavest.com.ng\/blog\/?p=120"},"modified":"2026-04-11T10:04:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T10:04:02","slug":"cyprus-community-of-nsw-launches-cyprus-eu-presidency-scholarship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/japavest.com.ng\/blog\/cyprus-community-of-nsw-launches-cyprus-eu-presidency-scholarship\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyprus Community of NSW launches Cyprus EU Presidency Scholarship"},"content":{"rendered":"

To mark Cyprus\u2019 Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, also known as The Cyprus Club <\/strong>has launched a unique scholarship initiative titled the Cyprus EU Presidency Scholarships<\/strong>. This programme is not only designed to provide financial support for students but also to encourage young people to actively engage with and promote the core values of the European Union.<\/p>\n

Unlike traditional scholarships that focus purely on academic funding, this initiative combines education support with civic responsibility, leadership development, and community engagement.<\/p>\n

A Scholarship Rooted in European Values<\/h2>\n

The scholarship programme was introduced to celebrate Cyprus taking on the EU Presidency at a time of significant global and regional change. According to the Community\u2019s Honorary President, Michael Kyriacou, the Presidency comes during a period where geopolitics, security concerns, and economic challenges are reshaping both Europe and the wider world.<\/p>\n

He emphasized that this moment is an opportunity to reflect on the foundational values of the European Union, especially those outlined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which promotes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • A pluralist and inclusive society<\/li>\n
  • Non-discrimination and equality<\/li>\n
  • Freedom of thought, religion, expression, and assembly<\/li>\n
  • Respect for human dignity and human rights<\/li>\n
  • Rule of law, safety, and fundamental freedoms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    These principles form the ideological foundation of the scholarship, which aims to ensure that young people not only benefit financially but also understand and uphold these shared values.<\/p>\n

    Strengthening Shared Values Between Cyprus and Australia<\/h2>\n

    One of the key messages behind the programme is the shared cultural and democratic values between Europe and Australia. The organisers highlighted that Australia is also built on principles of fairness, justice, and equality, although these values are sometimes taken for granted.<\/p>\n

    The scholarship initiative seeks to reconnect young people with these principles and encourage them to actively defend and promote them in their communities.<\/p>\n

    Honorary Assistant Secretary Andrew Paschali explained that the programme is designed to inspire students to become advocates for values such as:<\/p>\n