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www.mihub.eu Page | 2 The Role of Social Workers in Reception and Accommodation Centers in Cyprus Social workers at the Reception and Accommodation Centers for Asylum Seekers in Cyprus take on a multitude of responsibilities aimed at providing comprehensive support to asylum seekers. Konstantinos Chrysostomou, Head of Social Services at CODECA's Reception & Accommodation Centers, describes the main duties of social workers at these centers, the most common challenges they face in their daily work, and how they support asylum seekers for their effective integration into society. Additionally, he discusses the importance of collaboration with other agencies and organizations to address the needs of asylum seekers and explains what supportive services mean. Initially, the primary responsibilities of social workers involve providing psychoemotional and counseling support to address the anxiety and trauma caused by their displacement. Specifically, as Mr. Chrysostomou notes, social workers handle individual cases, offering personalized psycho-emotional support as well as explaining the procedures being followed, while monitoring their progress. They also inform asylum seekers about their rights and obligations, asylum procedures, and available resources, helping them adjust to their new host community. They organize educational programs, language classes, and cultural activities for social integration, while advocating for the rights of asylum seekers, promoting fair treatment, and access to essential services. The challenges faced by social workers are multifaceted and include language and cultural barriers that create communication problems, which are exacerbated by a lack of interpreters. Additionally, asylum seekers often carry psychological trauma from wars or violence encountered in their countries of origin, which requires specialized support that is complicated by limited resources. There are also times when overcrowding in existing centers leads to a lack of infrastructure, potentially
www.mihub.eu Page | 3 impacting their health and well-being. The positive aspect of the infrastructure is that the state has acknowledged this need and is successfully responding with qualitative improvements to existing facilities and the creation of supplementary infrastructures. The integration of asylum seekers into society is a central goal for social workers, as highlighted by Mr. Chrysostomou. Specifically, the integration process involves providing education and training through language courses and skill workshops, as well as professional programs to help asylum seekers find employment and adapt. They also organize cultural and social activities to promote intercultural understanding and social interaction and guide asylum seekers in accessing health and social welfare services, while providing information about their rights. At the same time, Mr. Chrysostomou emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other agencies and organizations for comprehensive support of these groups. Social workers collaborate with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that offer legal, psychological, and educational assistance. They also work with international organizations such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which provides protection and material aid. Collaboration with local authorities and public services is considered essential for ensuring access to basic services, while the involvement of volunteers and the local community enhance social integration through various activities and supportive services. Regarding supportive services for Asylum Seekers, Mr. Chrysostomou explains that these cover a broad range of assistance during their stay in the Accommodation Centers and throughout their integration process into society. These include psychological and psychosocial support, legal counseling, information about healthcare rights, as well as educational programs and vocational training for skill development. Additionally, guidance on accessing social services, housing, and other basic needs. Overall, these services are crucial for the social and economic well-being of asylum seekers and their smooth integration into local communities.
www.mihub.eu Page | 4 In conclusion, social workers at Reception and Accommodation Centers for Asylum Seekers play a crucial role in supporting, informing, and integrating asylum seekers into their new host communities. Despite the numerous challenges they face, collaboration with agencies and organizations is an essential lever for enhancing the effectiveness of their services, contributing to the well-being and social integration of these groups. Stories of Migrants / “Roots & Routes” “I Am a Refugee — But Not Broken” Eyad, 17 years old My name is Eyad. I’m 17 years old, a Palestinian born in the Baddawi refugee camp in Tripoli, Lebanon — a place where children grow up faster than they should, where fear walks the streets more freely than hope. I wasn’t born into peace. I was born into the sound of bullets and the weight of survival. While other children played freely, I stayed indoors, not because I wanted to, but because it was dangerous outside. That was the only childhood I knew. But I had a father — a good man, a strong man — who built us a life with nothing. He gave us dignity when the world gave us nothing. He protected us, gave us an education, and taught us to dream. At age 10, I watched everything collapse. Armed men burned down my father’s pharmacy when he refused to give in to them. They threatened our lives. And worse — using power and corruption — they put my father in prison for 16 months. For nothing. That’s when I had to grow up. I became the man of the house while still a child.
www.mihub.eu Page | 5 When he was released, we fled to Turkey. We started from zero — again. It wasn’t easy. We faced racism, struggle, and rejection. But still, I learned. I grew. I learned English. I made friends. I stood tall. Until one day, we were forced to leave again. Now I live in Cyprus. It’s been over a year and a half. And still, I hold on. I’ve learned many things through pain: That strength doesn’t mean violence. That peace can grow from war. That a refugee is not a threat — but a survivor. Even though I was born in war, I chose to be kind. Even though I’ve been displaced, I choose to rise. Palestine — my homeland — lives in my heart, even if I’ve never touched its soil. And to my fellow refugees: Respect the countries that welcomed you. Be kind, be honest, be grateful. We carry our identity through our behavior. We didn’t choose to be refugees — but we can choose to carry ourselves with dignity. I’m Eyad. A refugee, yes — but I am not broken. I am the dream that refuses to die.
www.mihub.eu Page | 6 Activities Support for Families who lost their homes in the fire from the Migrant Information Centers (miHUB) The staff and beneficiaries of the Migrant Information Centers (miHUB), driven by a sense of solidarity and social responsibility, responded promptly to the urgent need to support those affected by the devastating wildfire that broke out on July 23, 2025, in the Limassol District. In collaboration with various volunteer groups and associations, they took immediate action. All Centers (Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, Famagusta, and Paphos) served as key collection points for essential supplies, gathering food, medicine, hygiene products, water, baby items, and cleaning materials. With the support of volunteers, these were transported to four affected villages, addressing the immediate needs of approximately 200 families. Through the efforts of the miHUB staff team and volunteers—many of whom are beneficiaries of the Centers—we were able to contribute by: -Helping isolated individuals and elderly people unable to move, by delivering packages to their homes. -Accompanying an elderly person with no family support to the hospital.
www.mihub.eu Page | 7 -Arranging temporary accommodation for families in homes voluntarily offered for a period of one month. This collective effort highlights the power of cooperation, immediate action, and the social cohesion fostered by miHUB—as well as by other organizations and institutions—on a daily basis. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this effort. Job Search Workshop for Residents of the First Reception Centre (FRC) Pournara The Nicosia MIC, in collaboration with the Social Service of the First Reception Centre (FRC) Pournara, within the framework of its efforts to support individuals residing at the Centre for an extended period of time and with the primary objective of facilitating their transition towards independent living outside the Centre, will implement a series of information sessions on the premises of the Centre, starting on Thursday, 7 August 2025. These sessions are addressed to individuals who have been staying at the Centre for a prolonged period and will focus on the following thematic areas: Housing information and available options: Provision of information regarding applicants’ rights in relation to housing, as well as guidance on the procedures for securing accommodation outside the Centre. Practical methods for housing search, useful materials, and sources of information will be presented to assist participants in their smooth transition and integration into the community. Information on community-based organizations and services: Presentation of key stakeholders and organizations that provide support in the areas of social integration, employment, education, and general assistance after leaving the Centre, with the aim of connecting participants with the appropriate services.
www.mihub.eu Page | 8 Connection with co-national groups: Encouragement of peer-support networks through contact with individuals from the same country of origin who are already living outside the Centre. The sessions will take place every Monday and Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and will be conducted in an interactive manner, designed to address participants’ needs and to provide them with the necessary guidance and support for the next stage of their lives outside the Centre. This initiative aims to strengthen participants’ autonomy and to facilitate their safe and gradual integration into the community. Hosting German Social Work Students at Nicosia’s MIC as part of their Internship Placement Within the framework of the MiHub program, we had the honor of hosting two Social Work students from the Katholische Stiftungshochschule München – University of Applied Sciences in Germany, Vivien Hörner and Charlie Clees, who carried out their internship in Cyprus from 11/08/2025 to 31/08/2025 at the Nicosia’s MIC. During their placement, the two students actively participated in a wide range of activities, with particular emphasis on their contribution to the implementation of Housing Information Groups for the residents of the First Reception Center (FRC) “Pournara” in Kokkinotrimithia. The Housing Information Groups at Pournara focused on key issues concerning the daily lives of migrants and refugees, such as:
www.mihub.eu Page | 9 -searching for housing through available online platforms, with emphasis on identifying affordable rental opportunities, -providing information about tenancy and employment rights, -strengthening connections with the local community outside the reception center, -presenting the support services offered by miHUB and other organizations to migrants (e.g. provision of food, clothing, etc.). Their contribution was particularly valuable, as their active participation and willingness to collaborate added a meaningful dimension to our activities. Their presence not only enhanced our work but also fostered the exchange of knowledge and experiences within an international context. We sincerely thank both students for their commitment, professionalism, and collaboration, and we wish them every success in their academic and professional careers. A Safe Embrace: Empowerment and Mental Health Support for Women and Families As part of the implementation of the miHUB program and in collaboration with the Synthesis Organization, a special community gathering was held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at HUB Café in Nicosia, dedicated to single mothers and women – victims of trafficking. The event, which had been previously announced with the aim of informing participants about the services provided by the miHUB program, offering psychological support to women and their children,
www.mihub.eu Page | 10 as well as discussing stress and its impact on daily life, was successfully completed and recorded significant participation. Attendees had the opportunity to follow insightful presentations by Ms. Irene Che (Survivor Leader, Chair) and Ms. Panagiota Vetsa (Psychologist), who highlighted key issues related to mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. At the same time, effective coping strategies and support mechanisms were presented, while emphasis was placed on sharing experiences within a safe and supportive environment. The audience consisted of individuals with a migratory background – including asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection – among them mothers with children, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of the entire family. In addition, information was provided on the available support services according to each legal status, enhancing participants’ understanding of their rights and the resources that can improve their daily lives. The event was warmly received with interest and active participation. Attendees expressed not only their willingness to participate in individual psychotherapy sessions with qualified professionals, but also their desire for similar initiatives to continue in the future, underlining the ongoing need for safe spaces that promote mental health, dialogue, and empowerment.
www.mihub.eu Page | 11 The voice of the miHUB Team GO2VET Kicks Off in Germany A European Approach to Vocational Guidance and Refugee Integration Panagiota Vetsa, Clinical Psychologist MIC Nicosia The first transnational meeting of the European project GO2VET was successfully held in Germany (01/09/202503/09/2025), bringing together partners from Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Belgium. The event was hosted by the IHK Institute (Industrie-und Handelskammer), one of Germany’s key institutions in vocational training and industry collaboration. The meeting focused on sharing methods, tools, and national strategies related to vocational guidance for refugees, highlighting how Germany approaches the integration of newcomers into education and employment. At the heart of the discussions was the German dual system of vocational education and the role of IHK in facilitating access to training and the labour market. IHK not only certifies professional training but also provides guidance, connects young people and adults with training companies, and evaluates qualifications obtained abroad making it an essential bridge between education and employment, especially for those with migrant or refugee backgrounds.
www.mihub.eu Page | 12 One of the main topics of the meeting was the BOF programme (Berufliche Orientierung für Zugewanderte), which offers refugees the opportunity to explore different professions through hands-on workshops and short internships. The programme also provides targeted language support, particularly for technical terminology, and includes social-pedagogical services to ease the transition into training or work. Throughout the meeting, several tools and practices were presented, such as skills assessment methods, individual counselling strategies, and best practices for integrating refugees into vocational training. Emphasis was placed on the need for customized, person-centred approaches that consider everyone’s educational background, language skills, and legal status. As part of the visit, participants were invited to a local Multi-Service Centre, a place that offers a wide range of support services for refugees under one roof. These include legal advice, language classes, psychosocial support, job orientation, and assistance with bureaucratic processes. The centre exemplifies how municipalities in Germany are building integrated service models that combine public, social, and educational support structures. The discussions highlighted several common challenges faced across Europe: the importance of professional language acquisition, the complexity of qualification recognition procedures, the limited access to practical training opportunities for refugees, and the need for long-term support structures that go beyond initial arrival.
www.mihub.eu Page | 13 However, it also became clear that there are numerous inspiring practices being implemented across different countries. Germany’s structured, hands-on vocational orientation system provides a valuable model, especially when combined with strong collaboration between education providers, businesses, and social services. The meeting concluded with a strong sense of commitment from all partners to continue building tools and frameworks that will make vocational guidance for refugees more effective and inclusive. The GO2VET project will move forward with the development of pilot actions, training for professionals, and further exchange of knowledge between the participating countries. Bridges and Challenges: Social Inclusion in Cyprus We are delighted to announce the completion of a series of five podcasts, implemented within the framework of the miHUB program, featuring the participation of representatives of local bodies, beneficiaries, as well as the staff of the Migrant Information Centers. The initiative aims to give a voice primarily to people with a migrant background, as well as to those who work daily for the social inclusion of migrants in Cyprus, to inform the public, and to raise awareness around important social issues. The themes of the episodes focused on key areas affecting the daily lives of migrants, such as: Housing, Access to the labor market, Education, Civic participation, social acceptance and inclusion. Through the discussions, both the challenges faced by migrants and the good practices applied to improve living conditions and integration were highlighted. The episodes featured:
www.mihub.eu Page | 14 Irene Che, Survivor Leader | Expert Advisor and Chair, Step Up Stop Slavery Trafficking Survivors Advisory Council | Project Officer and Cultural Mediator for Synthesis Centre for Research and Education. She is actively involved in advocacy, awareness raising and education initiatives across Europe that support migrants. She leads workshops and training sessions that foster leadership, resilience, and social inclusion, particularly among migrant women and survivors of trafficking. Etinosa Erevbenagie-Johnbull: CoFounder and Managing Director of Generation of Change CY Organization. Was born in Nigeria and migrated to Athens Greece at a young age. He is a Psychology graduate and is currently pursuing his master’s in educational psychology at the University of Nicosia. Etinosa’s early life experiences shaped his views and motivated him to engage in social activities focusing on human rights, justice, and solidarity. With his long experience in human rights, activism and social change, he is committed to advocating and motivating others to become active citizens and becoming the change, they wish to see in society. In June 2023, Etinosa received the “Outstanding Social Contribution Award” from the School of Humanities and Social Science of the University of Nicosia for his work at the Generation for Change CY. Alyas Popalzai is a communications professional, community advocate, and father of three children. His journey from Afghanistan to Cyprus as a refugee has shaped both his personal and professional
www.mihub.eu Page | 15 path, giving him a deep understanding of resilience, hope, and the unseen struggles many people face. Through this podcast, he shares part of that journey — not only as an advocate, but also as a parent who dreams of a safer and brighter future for all children. His goal is to inspire empathy, understanding, and solidarity within our communities. Demetra Nikolaou: A Social Worker, graduate of the University of Nicosia, with significant experience in the field of social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups. She has provided individual and group counseling and has previously participated in the EU co-funded project miHUB – Migrant Information Centers. Since 2019, she has been engaged in programs related to the management of Reception Centers, offering social support and coordinating activities. Today, she serves as Coordinator at the “Limnes” Reception Center, where she manages daily operations, human resources processes, as well as administrative and financial tasks. She is ambitious, dedicated, and continuously seeks opportunities for growth and new knowledge. Nasia Fotiou: Works as a Social Advisor at the Migrant Information Center in the Famagusta district since November 2024. She is proud to contribute to strengthening and promoting the smooth integration of people with a migrant background, as social integration is a decisive factor for the harmonious coexistence of people from different social and cultural environments. At the same time, she believes that this process broadens our
www.mihub.eu Page | 16 horizons and enhances collective well-being. This initiative constitutes yet another meaningful step towards strengthening intercultural understanding, empowering migrants, and promoting a society that embraces and celebrates diversity. The podcasts will soon be available to the public, reinforcing our efforts for information, dialogue, and inclusion.
www.mihub.eu Page | 17 This magazine was published in the framework of the implementation of the project “Migrant Information Centers (MIC)”, which is co-funded by the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus. The content of this document represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains. The European Asylum, Migration and integration Fund, the Republic of Cyprus and the final Beneficiary of the Project, are not responsible for any inaccuracies in the content of the electronic magazine and for any problem may be cause by it. δικαιώματα του ηλεκτρονικού περιοδικού του Έργου ανήκουν στη Διεύθυνση Ευρωπαϊκών Ταμείων του Υπουργείου Εσωτερικών της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας. Οι πληροφορίες αι έχουν συλλεχθεί από την επιστημονική ομάδα του έργου “Migrant Information Center (MIC)’’ AMIF/SO2/2024/7. Ταμείο για το Άσυλο, τη Μετανάστευση και την Ένταξη, η Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία, ο τελικός Δικαιούχος του Έργου (Ανάδοχος n of the Project Migrant Info-Center (MIC) - Project Number: AMIF/SO2/2024/7., is co-funded by the European Commission from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (75%) lic of Cyprus (25%). The content of this document represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any or use that may be made of the information it contains. Asylum, Migration and integration Fund, the Republic of Cyprus and the final Beneficiary of the Project, are not responsible for any inaccuracies in the content of the electronic or any problem may be cause by it.
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