On the International Day of the Rights of the Child November 20th, “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center (HFC) celebrated its 10th anniversary of successful course on promoting and defending the rights of children in Cyprus. Hellenic Bank was the Partner & Supporter of this great event. During the cocktail reception that took place at Hilton Park Hotel, the Director-General of Hope For Children Mr. Joseph Borghese stated “Ten years ago, I had so many dreams, hopes and immense enthusiasm. Today, celebrating a decade with you all, nothing has changed… except the fact that we have made that dream come true and we are all working towards new ones”. Despite the fact that he faced a lot of challenges, difficulties and obstacles when he founded the organization, today 10 years later he still has the same passion to continue the successful course of Hope For Children together with the governmental authorities, the European and International Partners, and the people who embraced and endorsed his dream. He also took the opportunity to thank all staff members for their loyalty and professionalism and for not giving up on our children regardless the obstacles that come on their way.
His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Cyprus congratulated Mr. Borghese and his team for the great work done so far and spoke about the important programs granted to the Organization by the State. The work implemented from Hope For Children was praised by Ms. Anastasia Papadopoulou, dedicated friend and supporter of the organization, when she referred to the continuous efforts of Mr. Borghese and his team to establish and form new programmes and legislations in order to protect the rights of the child.
The organization was honoured by the presence of the First Lady, Mrs. Andri Anastasiades, Ministers, Commissioners, parliamentarians, representatives from governmental services, municipalities and the corporate sector, as well as representatives from other organizations and institutions. The event was also attended by the HFC’s Senior Advisory Board members, the Head of the Children’s Rights Division of the Council of Europe Ms. Regína Jensdóttir and the Goodwill Ambassador of HFC, the music composer Mr. George Theophanous.
The entire evening was presented by a group of 20 Children’s Right’s Ambassadors from the American International School and The English School, all of whom were trained last year by the Organization through the CRC Campus Clubs, in order to raise awareness for Children’s Rights. Also, students from Mousiko Ergastiri Giorgos Theophanous entertained the guests with songs.
Hope For Children established and introduced the Children’s Rights Defender Award which refers to individuals or entities who through their actions have promoted the Rights of the Child on a National, European and International level. Taking into consideration such valuable and important actions, HFC has chosen to award Mr. Bragi Gudbradsson member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and Former D.G. of the Icelandic Government Agency for Child Protection for his outstanding contribution to the protection of the Rights of the Child. The award was given to Mr. Gudbradsson by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades. Mr. Gudbradsson has been the consultant for the Republic of Cyprus and a close collaborator of Hope For Children prior and during the process of the design and establishment of the Children’s House in Cyprus. He has generously shared his knowledge and expertise whilst supporting all stakeholders throughout the entire process.
Furthermore, on the occasion of their 10th anniversary celebration, “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center expressed their gratitude and their appreciation to the Organization’s perpetual supporters such as CYTA telecommunication infrastructure sponsor, who have been supporting HFC in different ways during this challenging journey. During the evening, a handful of companies were awarded. These were the corporate partners, that through their long term commitment to the Organization, enabled it’s expansion and development in order to reach out to more and more children on a daily basis. The Corporate Partners who have been awarded are Alfamega Hypermarkets, Action Global Communications, Leroy Merlin Cyprus, Little Stars Montessori Nursery School, Microsoft Cyprus, and Mitsides.
Finally, Choose Hope campaign was also introduced when blue noses were handed over to the guests whilst Children’s Right’s Ambassadors of the Organization encouraged them to wear the blue noses in order to support Hope For Children endeavour to keep the hopes of children high and share their blue nose photos on social media using the hashtag #choosehopecy.
