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www.mihub.eu Page | 2 Continued Presence and Multifaceted Action of the co-financed Project “Migrant Information Centers (MIC)” The Migrant Information Centers (MIC) – AMIF/S02/2024/7 continue their dynamic presence from 07/10/2024, providing comprehensive support to migrants and beneficiaries of international protection residing in Cyprus. The project is co-funded by the European Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Republic of Cyprus, and is implemented by the University of Nicosia in collaboration with the research organization CARDET. The activities of the Centers go beyond the provision of personalised services. They include informative seminars and empowerment workshops, partnerships with public and private entities, NGOs and associations of migrant. These initiatives foster social cohesion, promote intercultural understanding and improve service access. MIC recent initiatives are: • Mental health awareness event within a community football tournament in Nicosia, in collaboration with DreamBig Ira, aiming to empower the Cameroonian community and promote mutual support and acceptance. • A weekly radio broadcast with guest speakers who share personal migration stories and on-the-ground experiences. • Participation in the ‘World Refugee Day Festival”, organized by the Cyprus Refugee Council and “Bridges for Tomorrow”, with MIC representatives being directly involved with the community, informing visitors about available services, and contributed to raising awareness around integration processes. • A public lecture on Labour Rights, co-organized with the Cyprus Refugee Council, providing asylum seekers and refugees with crucial information on their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. • Hosting of Social Work professionals from Caritas Germany under the ERASMUS program, as part of an exchange of experiences and best practices. Such activities promote an inclusive society, with equal access to information and opportunities for all, helping to deepen the understanding of the experiences, challenges, and needs of our beneficiaries, while reinforcing our shared commitment to the project’s mission. The presence of MIC Centres in five districts across Cyprus — Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Famagusta — reaffirms the programme’s dedication to providing immediate, holistic, and participatory support, with flexibility and respect toward the people it serves. For more information: National Helpline: 7778 7040 Website: www.mihub.eu Email: info@mihub.eu
www.mihub.eu Page | 3 Building Bridges, Not Walls: Why Social Cohesion with Migrants in Cyprus Is a Shared Responsibility Dr. Stefanos Spaneas miHUB Scientific Coordinator In today’s rapidly changing Cyprus, the increasing presence of non-European migrants with diverse residence and working status has become part of our social fabric. This fact generates a question of how we can live together. It has to be addressed through the lens of diversity, equality, inclusion, participation, and solidarity. In the current fast-evolving Cyprus, where close to 1 in 5 residents now has a foreign origin, the demographic and cultural change has completely altered the neighborhoods, schools, as well as the workplaces. Here lies the central challenge: while diversity is increasing fast, it seems that the society has not always been able to meet that level. Tension and distrust are growing because of ignorance of the other, lack of intercultural interaction and the fear of the unknown in many communities. By the other side, a great number of migrants experience legal insecurity, restricted access to services, and a sense of exclusion, despite their willingness to participate and feel a part of this island. As diversity increases, therefore, our collective effort for the development of social cohesion must also be increased accordingly. we have to create a society in which all of us will feel like we are a part of, in which we all have the possibility to contribute effectively and have the opportunities to succeed no matter where we or our forefathers were born. Social cohesion is not just an aim of migrants' communities; it is the societal need which new immigrants have common with their local partners. It is not how people live together in shared areas, but also how to develop a perception of joint identity taking into consideration diversity, and common sense of responsibilities. It is about creating communities, where people trust each other, where newcomers are not used as a scapegoat during times of crisis, and where every individual has a fair opportunity to thrive, economically, socially, and culturally. The article explores what social cohesion with migrants in Cyprus truly requires, from state policy to neighborhood practice, and from shared economic participation to the power of trust. It unpacks the current realities, examines systemic barriers, and highlights the tools and strategies that can play a role in shifting the local population into social cohesion culture. It attempts to reminds us that social cohesion is not a responsibility for migrants alone; It is a shared endeavour.
www.mihub.eu Page | 4 Understanding the Context in Cyprus In the near past, Cyprus was considered as a transit country, yet the past few years has been transformed to a final destination of people who are in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future. Today, the island is home of a wide range of nationalities, including Third Country Nationals, European Union citizens, and asylum seekers, all with variant legal statuses and lived experiences. Migrants contributing significantly to sectors such as construction, hospitality, domestic care, agriculture, and, increasingly, healthcare and entrepreneurship. However, such contributions often go unrecognised, overshadowed by public anxiety and policy pressure. The most visible pressure point has been the steady increase in asylum applications (though for the last year, the numbers have been significantly low), driven by the geo-political developments of the surrounding area. These high influx rates, coupled with bureaucratic delays and limited reception capacity, have put major pressure on the housing, education, and healthcare services. Local perceptions reflect this tension. Indigenous Cypriots, especially in overburdened urban neighborhoods, express fears about job competition, cultural change, and safety. Cases of discrimination, community backlash, and targeted violence against migrant-owned shops have been documented in recent years2. In parallel, migrants report they are feeling excluded and misrepresented—frequently portrayed as ‘threats’ instead of neighbours, co-workers, or classmates. Cyprus's historical memory complicates this picture. The island's own experience with displacement—more than 200,000 internally displaced persons since 1974—offers both a legacy of empathy and a cautionary lens. Although most of the Cypriots have the experience of knowing how it is like to lose home and belonging, some people are even afraid that current migration patterns could deepen existing divides or the saturation of the national system. Nevertheless, the whole situation is more complicated. Migration has not led to a collapse of social order. It revealed that there are flaws in the system; such as in the Cyprus integration plans, service coordination and even in communicating with people. A recent Eurobarometer mentioned that misinformation, as opposed to actual experience, was the greatest predictor of anti-migrant attitudes among the Cypriot respondents. This observation makes a crucial question: how does the local population respond to migration? Do we manage diversity as a problem to contain or as a reality to shape together? Do we allow fear to dominate the discussion, or do we invest in alternatives that would be beneficial to all inhabitants? The seeds of a more inclusive Cyprus have already shown at different levels in many municipalities, NGOs, and schools. Language classes, cultural mediation efforts, and youth-led initiatives are creating pockets of social harmony. However, in the absence of a coordinated and adequately funded national framework, such initiatives can be fragmented, temporary, and isolated.
www.mihub.eu Page | 5 It is important to realize this background - not to assign blame, but to define the task ahead. Social cohesion cannot emerge where systems are overstretched, and narratives are polarized. It must be built intentionally, with policies that identify migrants not as a homogenous group, but as workers, parents, neighbours, and potential co-creators of Cyprus’s shared future. Shared Responsibility in Practice The construction of social cohesion in Cyprus requires a coordinated, multi-level approach involving every layer of society - from national institutions to ordinary people. It is perceived as a shared responsibility which it is interpreted as the collective action among many stakeholders: State Leadership and National Policy: The Cypriot government has acknowledged the urgency of social inclusion. However, while it announced a National Action Plan on Integration (2024–2026) which included 50 action points across five key pillars, focusing on access to education, employment, health services, housing, and active participation, this plan remains unpublished and awaiting formal government approval. It can be argued that there is a noticed gap between acknowledging the challenge and implementing coordinated solutions. Local Institutions: a question is also raised about the role of local authorities. All the concerned parties recognise their role into integration; however, they lack both resources and long-term strategy. Integrating national policies with local realities requires more than paperwork; it needs sustained investment, capacity-building, and inter-agency coordination. Grassroots Action: miHUB Centres, co-funded by AMIF and operating in Nicosia, Ammochostos, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, offer essential services such as legal counselling, psychosocial support, and job orientation to third-country nationals. The centres also serve as bridges to local institutions, improving coordination and case follow-up. Additional initiatives include NGO-led projects and programs like ‘Geia Xara’ that promote Greek language learning for migrants. While these initiatives may appear modest, they are often more effective in fostering trust than abstract policies. The Role of the Private Sector: Employers and trade unions also carry a critical share of the responsibility. Fair hiring practices, labour rights protections, and inclusive workplace cultures are vital for long-term integration. Migrants are overrepresented in low-paid, precarious sectors, yet with adequate support, they can also be entrepreneurs, managers, and innovators. Several businesses in Cyprus are already leading the way—hotels that pair new migrant employees with experienced local staff, creating mentorship relationships that benefit both productivity and
www.mihub.eu Page | 6 workplace harmony, or construction companies offering apprenticeship programs for newcomers. Individual Actions and Everyday Interactions: individual residents have a role to play. A simple conversation at the market, helping a Neighbor navigate a public office, or correcting a stereotype at a family dinner are small acts that build bridges. Inclusion starts in daily life. Migrants, for their part, also shoulder responsibilities: learning the language, understanding local norms, and engaging with the host society. Shared responsibility does not mean equal burden—it means mutual commitment to a common future. If Cyprus is to thrive as a cohesive and resilient society, its approach to integration must reflect this ethos of shared responsibility. Barriers to Social Cohesion While progress has been made in some areas of migrant integration, many structural, legal, economic, and cultural barriers continue to undermine social cohesion in Cyprus. These challenges are interlinked, and if left unaddressed, they risk deepening divides and fueling mutual resentment. Legal and Policy Obstacles: One of the most pressing barriers is the long and uncertain asylum process. As of 2024, the average waiting time for a decision on asylum applications has risen from 1 to 9 months. This delay leaves thousands of people in legal limbo, unable to work, plan for the future, or access essential services. Even those granted protection often face restricted rights compared to other legal residents, particularly in housing and healthcare. the legal distinction between different migrant categories, some people can work immediately, others must wait months, and some cannot work at all, even when they have valuable skills—creates fragmented entitlements and services. This complexity confuses both service providers and the public, contributing to misunderstandings and exclusion. Economic Inequality and Labor Market Segregation: Migrants in Cyprus are disproportionately represented in low-paid, insecure, and often exploitative jobs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, domestic work, and construction. Many have little opportunity to advance, even when they possess high levels of education or professional experience. Discrimination in hiring, lack of skills recognition, and language barriers further entrench this economic marginalization. This not only limits migrants’ potential but also fuels public perceptions that they “compete unfairly” for resources, creating resentment among low-income Cypriots who face similar hardships. Myth vs. Reality Myth: Migrants take jobs from locals Reality: Most work in sectors with labour shortages (construction, hospitality, care work) Myth: They don't want to integrate Reality: Language class waiting lists are oversubscribed; many barriers are structural, not personal Myth:
www.mihub.eu Page | 7 Housing and Urban Segregation: Access to safe and affordable housing is another major issue. Migrant families—especially asylum seekers and undocumented persons—often live in overcrowded, substandard apartments or segregated neighborhoods with limited infrastructure. This spatial segregation reduces opportunities for intercultural contact and reinforces “us vs. them” narratives. Social housing remains scarce, and integration policies have yet to seriously address residential desegregation. Language Gaps: While language learning is a cornerstone of integration, systematic language training for adults remains underdeveloped in Cyprus. Publicly funded Greek or English classes are limited in availability, timing, and duration, making it difficult for working adults or caregivers to participate. Cultural Gaps: Cultural misunderstandings, religious differences, and unfamiliar social norms can also act as invisible walls. Without structured opportunities for interaction—especially among youth—these gaps persist, often interpreted as a lack of willingness to integrate on either side. Media and Political Rhetoric: Sensationalist headlines, dehumanizing terms, and misleading reports frequently dominate public discourse, painting migrants as a monolithic “problem” or threat. Lack of Coordinated Services: Many integration efforts in Cyprus remain project-based, fragmented, and uncoordinated. While civil society plays a vital role, its initiatives often operate in isolation, without strategic alignment with national policy. Proven Strategies and Tools for Inclusion Despite the numerous challenges, Cyprus is not starting from scratch. Across municipalities, schools, businesses, and community organizations, there are promising initiatives that show social cohesion is possible, when approached intentionally. These strategies not only foster inclusion for migrants but also strengthen the social fabric for everyone. Limassol Intercultural Council: This municipal initiative brings together diverse community representatives to consult on local policies and organize events that celebrate Cyprus's multicultural reality. Buddy Systems and Mentorship Initiatives: In Limassol, the "Welcome Neighbor" program pairs new arrivals with local families for monthly coffee meetings. What starts as helping someone navigate the bus system often evolves into genuine friendships, with children becoming playmates and families sharing holiday celebrations. Joint Community Projects: Environmental cleanups, urban gardening projects, and cultural heritage restorations have emerged as neutral, purpose-driven spaces for cooperation. Intercultural Education and Anti-Racist Pedagogy: Schools are among the most powerful engines of social cohesion. Several schools across Nicosia and Limassol have implemented intercultural
www.mihub.eu Page | 8 curricula and anti-racism training for teachers with the support of the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus. Employability Hub Initiatives: Pilot programs such as the “AMIL” by CODECA co-funded by AMIF, miHUB and local NGOs provide vocational training, career counselling, and digital literacy workshops for migrants and refugees. Entrepreneurship Support: Several NGOs (e.g., Caritas Cyprus, Cyprus Refugee Council) and donor-backed initiatives offer legal advice, and business development mentoring to migrant-led businesses. These efforts create employment, foster dignity, and challenge narratives of dependency. Social media for Intercultural Dialogue: Young people in Cyprus have creatively used Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share intercultural experiences—from recipe swaps to neighborhood tours—building visibility and relatability. These strategies underscore a key insight: integration is not merely about migrants adjusting to the host society. It is about mutual transformation, where institutions become more inclusive, communities become more interconnected, and individuals find shared purpose in diversity. Toward a Shared Future Social cohesion is not a luxury; it is a necessity. In Cyprus today, where demographic shifts intersect with historical memory, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the question is no longer whether we live in a diverse society but, to what extent do we live well in a diverse society? Integration is not just about social acceptance; it’s about equal access to opportunity. Migrants must have the tools and support to enter the job market: vocational training, language support, skill recognition, and entrepreneurship guidance. When migrants are empowered to work and contribute, the local economy also benefits through new skills, innovation, and increased tax contributions. The result of failed integration is a loss of everybody: social tensions rise, economic potential is lost, and democratic values are diminished. But when social cohesion forms a priority, by establishing all-inclusive policies, local participation, responsible communication, and daily solidarity practices, whole communities flourish. This is why social cohesion with migrants is a shared responsibility Being able to fit in cannot be left to be the responsibility of migrants and it cannot be carried out by policy statements only. To build a truly cohesive Cyprus, we must: •Develop inclusive policies that recognize diverse migrant profiles and address long-term integration needs. To join existing programs or start similar initiatives in your area, contact miHUB Centers.
www.mihub.eu Page | 9 •Strengthen collaboration between national and local authorities, civil society, and migrant-led organizations. •Ensure that migrant voices are part of decision-making processes—not just as beneficiaries, but as active citizens. •Address misinformation and fear through awareness campaigns and intercultural dialogue. The opportunities are real. Cyprus has access to European funds, tested models, and growing expertise in integration. The political will has been declared; the tools are available. What’s needed now is sustained, collective action—action that includes the voices of migrants themselves as co-designers of our common future. So, what can you do today? •As an individual: This week, learn to say 'hello' and 'thank you' in Arabic, Urdu, or another language you hear in your neighborhood. Use these words when you meet someone; you'll be surprised how much a simple greeting in someone's native language means to them. •As a community member: Attend an intercultural event this month. Many are organised by municipalities and local organisations—check your local council's website or social media. •As a citizen: The next time you hear someone repeat a stereotype about migrants, politely share a fact instead. Ask your local representatives what specific integration support exists in your area. Each act matters. Each voice counts. Because in the end, the real question is not whether Cyprus can host diversity, but whether it can thrive in it.
www.mihub.eu Page | 10 Behind the Fences: The Human Face of Reception Centers Dimitra Nikolaou Coordinator Limnes Reception Center (FRC) Migration, to me, is not just a word repeated in news bulletins and political speeches. It is about people. It is about weary faces, eyes filled with hope, and stories that often cannot be contained within any form or protocol. Living in Cyprus and closely observing the situation, I feel the need to share some thoughts and highlight the work being done both inside and outside the Reception Centers for Asylum Seekers. A Challenge That Cannot Be Ignored Cyprus, as a frontline state receiving migrants in the Eastern Mediterranean, has been under significant pressure in recent years due to the increasing arrival of migrants and refugees. Thousands of people, primarily from countries torn by war, political persecution, or extreme poverty, arrive on the island hoping for a better life. Managing this situation is complex due to the many factors involved. On the one hand, the state must uphold international refugee protection conventions and human rights. On the other, it must respond to the strain placed on the education, healthcare, and welfare systems. The real challenge lies in long-term and effective management—ensuring the smooth integration of those entitled to international protection, while also managing other cases in a humane and efficient way. Behind the Fences: What Really Happens in the Reception Centers? In 2025, Cyprus operates three Reception and Accommodation Centers for migrants. The First Reception Center “Pournara” in Kokkinotrimithia, and the Accommodation Centers in Kofinou and Menogeia, serve as the first point of contact for many individuals seeking safety after a dangerous and often traumatic journey. Although often portrayed in the media as overcrowded or contentious spaces, the truth is different. These centers provide essential care such as shelter, protection, food, medical and psychological support, education, and legal guidance offered by various organizations and services. But this is not just a service delivery system. The most important element is the people working daily in these centers. Social workers, doctors, nurses, interpreters, psychologists, educators, asylum officers, and dozens of volunteers contribute not only their expertise but, above all, their
www.mihub.eu Page | 11 humanity—often under difficult conditions. These people act as bridges of hope in a system that, despite its shortcomings, strives to fulfill its humanitarian mission. It is crucial to recognize the efforts that are made quietly and consistently behind closed gates. Because behind every statistic, there is a human story. And if there is one thing that truly happens in these reception centers, it is the ongoing effort to rebuild hope. Beyond the Walls: Integration, Not Just Hospitality The real challenge begins when asylum seekers leave the centers. Housing in communities, access to education, the job market, and social acceptance are critical steps toward successful integration. There are programs that support this transition with language classes, vocational training, and general support in everyday matters from NGOs and local authorities. Yet, the challenges remain significant. There are institutional, linguistic, and cultural barriers, and unfortunately, prejudice is often encountered. Migration cannot be addressed with fences or isolated actions. It requires cooperation—and above all, it requires humanity. My Personal Perspective: From Ignorance to Awareness I will never forget my first experience as a young social worker when I was called to work with migrants. I remember the first time I had to take an Initial Assessment. That was when I first heard the term "trafficking"—not from a book or a seminar, but from a person who had likely experienced it. I struggled to grasp what I was hearing. It was impossible not to be shocked. It was the first time I realized that what we read as “theory” was now in front of me—as harsh reality. From that day on, I understood that our work is never merely bureaucratic. We don’t just keep files or answer questions. We are called to see the person behind the trauma, to listen to what is not said, and to defend rights that are not always taken for granted. In Conclusion: Hospitality as a Deep Human Value To me, hospitality is not simply offering a meal or temporary shelter. It is a way of life. It is the ability to see the “other” not as a threat, but as a reflection of the human condition. It is opening your space to welcome someone who ended up far from home—often without a choice.
www.mihub.eu Page | 12 Hospitality is looking someone in the eye and silently saying, “I see you, I recognize you, you are safe here.” It’s not just about how you receive someone, but how you accompany them to the next step. In a world that often builds borders, hospitality is, for me, an internal choice. A reminder that behind every “foreigner” lies a story that could have been my own.
www.mihub.eu Page | 13 Stories of Migrants / “Roots & Routes” From the Mountains of Paktia to the Shores of Cyprus. A Dream in Motion. I'm Eshwa Yasini, 18 years old I’m from Paktia, Afghanistan a place of towering mountains, ancient honor, and hearts that endure. Life was never soft, but it was familiar. It was home. We didn’t choose to leave. Life made us. We came with heavy hearts and silent prayers, hoping for safety, for peace, for a chance to rebuild. Now I walk the streets of Cyprus a country so different from where I began. The ocean here is endless, the air is calm, and the fruits taste like hope. But even in this beauty, the ache of starting over stays with you. Still, I carry something stronger than fear, a dream. I want to become a doctor. So many people told me not to study but I didn't listen because I wanted to achieve my dreams, I’m studying medicine because I want to help Afghan women to be a voice for the silent, a healer for the forgotten, and hope for those who’ve been told to give up. Not for the title. But to heal, to serve, to give back to those who carry pain like I once did. I want to be the one who brings comfort in chaos, who makes a difference where it’s needed most. My journey is far from over. But every day, I get closer. And I know in my heart: Even when life pushes you away from home, it can still lead you to your purpose. Cyprus welcomed me when the world felt uncertain.
www.mihub.eu Page | 14 This island may be small on the map, but it holds a calmness bigger than words. The sea here speaks without noise — it teaches patience. The sunsets burn gold — they remind you that endings can still be beautiful. And the people? Some strangers smile like they’ve known your pain, even if they don’t know your name. Here, I found space to breathe. To reflect. To rise again. Cyprus is not just where I live now. It’s where I started becoming the person I was always meant to be.
www.mihub.eu Page | 15 The Invisible Luggage We Lost on the Way to Safety By: Alyas Rasheed Popalzai Afghanistan When we speak of immigration, we often tell the stories that are easiest to understand: the boats, the borders, the broken homes. But there is another story, rarely told — the story of what we lost inside ourselves on the journey to safety. We came from places where we had names, traditions, principles, and pride. We carried invisible luggage — filled not with clothes or documents, but with values, discipline, cultural codes, dignity, and quiet strength. These weren’t items to be declared at customs, but they were essential to who we were. Somewhere between war zones and reception centers, between survival and silence, that luggage began to go missing. Piece by piece. We traded confidence for compliance. Pride for paperwork. Values for visas. We were told to be grateful, to keep quiet, to assimilate — but no one told us how to carry our past with us without letting it weigh us down. So, we dropped it. Slowly, unintentionally. And with it, we lost part of ourselves. In our new countries, we tried to start over. But something was missing. We couldn’t teach our children the values we once carried so easily — not because we didn’t want to, but because we no longer knew how. How do you explain to a child born in a foreign land what “honor” meant to your grandfather? How do you teach them patience in a world that only rewards speed? Many of us became stuck. Not just in systems, but in identities. We began to imitate what we thought we should become, often leaving behind what we actually were. And then we wondered why we felt empty, unrecognized — or why some of our youth grew angry, lost between cultures that neither fully claimed them nor welcomed them. This is not just about nostalgia. This is about responsibility. If we cannot carry the invisible luggage of our roots, how can we offer anything meaningful to the place that gave us shelter? Giving back to our host countries doesn’t require perfection — it requires presence. Respect, effort, and a sense of shared responsibility. These countries offered us safety, but safety alone is not the end of the story. We must ask ourselves: how do we now add value to the society that accepted us? What do we bring? — not just what do we take.
www.mihub.eu Page | 16 Integration doesn’t mean erasure. It means dialogue — between past and present, between cultures, between generations. The host country doesn’t just need more bodies; it needs people who bring richness, values, strength, and depth. And we once had all that. It’s time to remember. To reclaim. To carry again the invisible luggage, we thought we had lost — not in our hands, but in our hearts. Through the way we raise our children, treat our neighbors, and carry ourselves with quiet dignity. Because only then can we become not just survivors, but contributors. Not just refugees, but rebuilders.
www.mihub.eu Page | 17 Articles by miHUB Team Empowering Migrants Through Vocational Integration: miHUB’s Role in the GO2VET Initiative Panagiota Vetsa Clinical Psychologist MIC Nicosia Migration continues to shape the demographic and socio-economic landscape of the European Union. One of the key challenges is ensuring equitable access for migrants and refugees to education, training, and employment opportunities (European Commission, 2020). Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a vital role in this process, particularly in sectors where labour shortages are acute. GO2VET (Gateway Opportunity to Vocational Education and Training) responds to these challenges by focusing on the veterinary sector—a field with significant potential for integration and sustainable employment. This paper explores how GO2VET promotes inclusion and how our organization, as part of the miHUB network, contributes to its implementation. The GO2VET Project: Objectives and Structure GO2VET is a transnational project funded under the EU's framework for education and inclusion. Its primary objectives include: • Mapping formal and informal skills of migrants relevant to animal care and veterinary work • Developing training pathways within the national VET framework • Facilitating internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level employment • Supporting recognition of foreign qualifications and informal learning • Encouraging language acquisition and intercultural competencies A key innovation of the project is the intersection of skills validation, tailored training, and direct links with labour market actors in the veterinary and animal health field.
www.mihub.eu Page | 18 The Role of miHUB: miHUB is a national network of Migrant Information Centers designed to support third-country nationals with integration, legal guidance, and vocational orientation. As a core implementation partner, our program provides direct support to migrants interested in GO2VET through the following actions: • Migrants and asylum seekers with relevant backgrounds (e.g., agriculture, animal care, informal veterinary practice) are identified and engaged through casework and local outreach. • Using structured assessment tools, we profile individuals’ prior learning and develop personalized action plans in alignment with GO2VET's training modules. • We connect participants with accredited training centers and local employers, ensuring that opportunities are accessible and adapted to their needs and legal status. • We provide feedback to policymakers and stakeholders on barriers to access, gaps in recognition of skills, and practical recommendations for inclusive VET systems. The main topics that miHUB trains for the program are the following: A. Understanding the Context, Legal Framework and Career Guidance: Pre-Training Online Phase •Understand the role of one-stop-shop services in VET guidance. •Explore migration trends and challenges in accessing VET. •Learn about EU and national legal frameworks governing education, employment, and integration. •Gain insights into competency mapping, career counselling techniques, and simplified communication strategies (i.e. TechCMS). •Familiarize themselves with language-learning resources and digital tools. Onsite Session 1 – Germany (20 Hours) Module 1: Migration Trends & Legal Framework (6 Hours) Module 2: Career Guidance & Employability Support (10 Hours) Module 3: Networking & Institutional Collaboration (4 Hours)
www.mihub.eu Page | 19 B. Intercultural Competence, Language Support & One Stop-Stop Implementation Pre-Training Online Phase •Intercultural competence & inclusive guidance: understanding cultural differences in learning and career choices, overcoming biases, and fostering an inclusive advisory environment. •Language & Communication support strategies: The impact of language barriers on VET participation, strategies for integrating language support into guidance services, and digital tools for language learning (i.e. IntegrAction). •One-Stop-Shop implementation models: Case studies of successful one-stop-shop services in Europe. Onsite Session 2 – Belgium (20 Hours)–Belgium (20 Hours) Module 1: Inclusive Career Guidance & Cultural Awareness (8 Hours) Module 2: Language & Communication Support Strategies (8 Hours) Module 3: One-Stop-Shop Service Design (4 Hours) C. Mental Health, Motivation & Practical One-Stop-Shop Strategies Pre-Training Online Phase •Mental Health & Psychosocial Support in Career Guidance: Recognizing trauma and stressrelated barriers that affect motivation in career pathways. •Motivation Strategies for TCNs: Keeping TCNs engaged in training through mentoring and individualized career pathways. •One-Stop-Shop Service Sustainability Models: Best practices for long-term sustainability and institutional embedding of guidance services. Onsite Session 3 – Italy (20 Hours) Module 1: Trauma-Informed Career Guidance & Psychosocial Support (8 Hours) Module 2: Career Guidance & Employability Support (10 Hours) Module 3: Final Reflection & Action Planning (4 Hours)
www.mihub.eu Page | 20 Preliminary Results and Reflections Early implementation of GO2VET has yielded promising results. Migrants participating in the program have demonstrated increased confidence, improved language proficiency, and higher motivation to engage in training. Employers have shown willingness to host apprentices and contribute to the upskilling of a diverse workforce. Furthermore, the program contributes to broader integration efforts by promoting intercultural dialogue, community engagement, and long-term employability in rural and semi-rural areas. In conclusion, GO2VET stands as a model for how targeted VET interventions can simultaneously address labour market needs and support the integration of migrants. Through our partnership with miHUB, we help translate this vision into practice, ensuring that vocational education becomes a meaningful pathway to inclusion, dignity, and professional development. Continued support and cross-sectoral collaboration will be critical in scaling up such efforts across the EU. References: European Commission. (2020). Action plan on integration and inclusion 2021–2027. Publications Office of the European Union. https://ec.europa.eu CEDEFOP. (2019). Migrants and vocational education and training in Europe. European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. https://www.cedefop.europa.eu
www.mihub.eu Page | 21 Activities miHUB actively participated in the lecture titled "Safe and Ethical Social Media Use" The miHUB program – Migrant Information Centers (MIC), as part of its ongoing support to migrant communities in Cyprus, actively participated in the lecture titled "Safe and Ethical Social Media Use", which took place on July 6th, 2025, at Centrum Hotel in Nicosia, aiming to inform and empower the Filipino community on the island. The seminar focused on the risks and ethical guidelines related to the use of social media. Through the presence and contribution of miHUB, participants had the opportunity to learn about the psychological and legal support services offered by the program in relation to this topic and beyond. Special emphasis was placed on the psychological support service, which aims to relieve and help manage social stress caused by internet use, as well as on the legal counselling component that strengthens awareness of the rights of migrants in Cyprus. miHUB’s participation enhanced access to information and support, playing a vital role in promoting online safety and social empowerment.
www.mihub.eu Page | 22 Contribution to Migrant Integration through the AMIL Project miHUB Cyprus plays a key role in supporting migrant integration into the Cypriot labor market through its active participation in the European-funded AMIL project (Alliance Multi-stakeholder for Migrants Integration and Labour). In collaboration with CODECA, miHUB contributes to the delivery of four-month Greek language and professional orientation courses held in locations including Limassol and Kofinou. These courses focus on practical language skills at beginner levels (A1–A2) and equip participants with the necessary tools to succeed in the workplace, regardless of their initial language proficiency. The program targets asylum seekers, recognized refugees, individuals under temporary or subsidiary protection, and unaccompanied minors preparing for independent living. Participants receive training not only in language but also in soft skills, CV preparation, and professional development tailored to their career goals. miHUB provides personalized mentoring and guidance throughout the program and continues to assist participants after employment. Through its centers in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and Famagusta, miHUB facilitates access to internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities, ensuring smooth integration into the labor market and broader society. Upon completing the program, participants receive certification and gain access to a professional network that supports sustainable career development in Cyprus. miHUB’s involvement in the AMIL project strengthens a comprehensive approach to migrant integration by combining language education, professional training, and ongoing support.
www.mihub.eu Page | 23 miHUB: Promoting Mental Health through Sports at the Community Football Tournament As part of the Community Football Tournament, which promotes wellbeing through sports, the Migrant Information Centers of Famagusta and Nicosia, in collaboration with the Dream Big organization, held an informative presentation titled “Mental Health Awareness Presentation” on Sunday, 29 June 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at the Futsal fields in Nicosia. The presentation took place just before the start of the match and was addressed to both the spectators and the football players. This initiative falls within the broader framework of psychoeducation and community empowerment, approaching the topic of mental health through a holistic and participatory perspective. By combining sports with awareness-raising, the event aimed to empower the Cameroonian community in Cyprus, encourage seeking support through their own networks, promote understanding of common mental health challenges, and help eliminate the stigma often associated with these issues. The strong participation, enthusiasm, and engagement of attendees confirm the ongoing need for similar actions that promote mental wellbeing and collective care. We sincerely thank everyone who took part and contributed to the success of the event!
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www.mihub.eu Page | 25 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 on 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%) republic 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 responsibility for 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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