I was born and raised in Nicosia. I spent the first 20 years of my life in a refugee camp in Palouriotissa, from where I could see the southern side of Pentadaktylos and wondered if I would ever be able to see what lay on the northern side of the mountain range. We live in a place that is a geological wonder, but one that we do not appreciate or care for enough. For me, 'Cyprus' is our entire island, whose present and future I am anxious about. This concern for our homeland, and the need for its reunification and for the correction of the distorted conditions that have existed since the 1960s, are the reasons why I support Volt Cyprus.
My academic studies are in Counselling Psychology and I am registered with the Cyprus Psychological Association's Register of Counselling Psychologists. Among the places I have worked in the past are the Social Welfare Services. For years, I have been writing articles in the daily press on issues related to social welfare, political conditions and education in our country.
Since 2007, through my involvement in various European programmes as a youth and adult educator, I have developed a particular passion and interest in experiential learning. I have been actively involved in a number of innovative and recognised educational programmes for the development of social skills for children and adolescents in school settings.
Since October 2019, I have been facilitating a social initiative, Conversation Cafe Cyprus, which brings together people living across our island to meet in a spirit of safety and openness and discuss issues that are important to them.
The issues that I consider important to legislate, through the House of Representatives, concern: 1. Mental health: how the state ensures the mental safety of the public and which individuals are suitable to be registered as psychologists and/or provide psychoeducation to the public 2. Limits on freedom of expression on the internet: how online violence/bullying endangers the lives of children and adults 3. Education: the essential integration of experiential learning into formal education and protection from school bullying 4. Social welfare: protecting and supporting children in the care of the state after they reach adulthood and safeguarding children's interests in parental care proceedings 5. Peace and reconciliation: the establishment of procedures for multi-community dialogue between citizens 6. Active citizenship: the right of citizens to submit legislative initiatives on matters of public interest
Online profiles: my.bio/withcharis
Join us too!
Join us at Volt to take action for a better world.