The EU Scholarship Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community for Academic Year 2018/19 is launched!

In the framework of the EU Scholarship Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the British Council recently announced the key dates and information sessions for the 2018-19 academic year applications. 
The application period for the 2018-19 academic year will be 15 January - 15 March and the deadline for the applications will be 15 March 2018 at 23:59 (local time). 

Two information sessions were held at the EU Infopoint on 17 and 24 January and the interested candidates had the opportunity to learn more about the application process in a productive Q&A session. In order to give more details about the process, the British Council will be organising one-to-one and mini group sessions between 29 January - 6 March every Tuesday and Friday between 14:30 - 16:30 at the EU Infopoint. Intetested candidates should reserve their place by calling 0392 228 2577 or send e-mail to [email protected].

For more information about the EU Scholarship Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, please visit http://www.abburs.eu/en/ or call 0392 227 0194/95

The European Commission supported an "Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Marketplace" event on 15 December at Merit Hotel, Nicosia. The event hosted speakers and a marketplace for entrepreneurs to access information and opportunities (both EU and local) for improving their businesses. The information and networking event was open to all entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs.  
The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the EU Technical Assistance to the Private Sector Project (TAPS),  and KOBIGEM were represented at the event in addition to other business experts.

Policy makers in Europe are seeking ways to create jobs and spur economic growth. Entrepreneurship, particularly the creation of innovative young firms, is needed yet many challenges to the creation and growth of firms remain. The local ecosystems are key to step up networks and enhance proximity between stakeholders. The consolidated networks and ecosystems provide the right ground for structured and effective growth of European startups and entrepreneurs.

Under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, many local business have benefited from the Private Sector Development Programme which supports Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs in improving their competitiveness through modernising their products and services, with particular emphasis on the preservation of natural resources and the creation of jobs. The programme offers technical assistance and financial support to Turkish Cypriot limited companies and sole proprietorships.
Since 2009, more than 300 local companies have utilised the services of EU experts and over a hundred have received financial support in the form of co-shared grants for a total of nearly €30 million (Euros).  Out of this, around €13 million (Euros) was allocated through four co-financing grant schemes under the Private Sector Development Programme.

Occupational Health and Safety Trainings at Vocational Schools

As part of the European Vocational Skills Week 2017, the European Commission supported a series of occupational health and safety trainings at all the vocational schools in the Turkish Cypriot community. The trainings, organised by the EU Infopoint in cooperation with the Association of Health and Safety Professionals, started on Monday 11 December 2017 at Karpaz Meslek Lisesi. The trainings continued in December and January with the visits to the following schools:

Sedat Simavi Endüstri Meslek Lisesi, Nicosia
Gazimağusa Meslek Lisesi, Famagusta
Atatürk Meslek Lisesi, Nicosia
Haydarpaşa Ticaret Lisesi, Nicosia
Güzelyurt Meslek Lisesi, Morphou
İskele Ticaret Lisesi, Trikomo
Kıbrıs Türk Esnaf ve Zanaatkarlar Odası (KTEZO), Nicosia
Dr.Fazıl Küçük Endüstri Meslek Lisesi, Famagusta
Haspolat Meslek Lisesi, Nicosia
Gazimağusa Ticaret Lisesi, Famagusta
Cengiz Topel Endüstri Meslek Lisesi, Lefka (to be visitied in February)

More than 600 year-12 students participated in these training sessions and they were presented with various topics on why health and safety is important in workplaces, how health and safety at work could be achieved with specific examples on different workplaces, health and safety rules, and implementation examples from various EU countries, showcasing why the EU is one of the safest places to work in. The training sessions were targeted considering the education and skills of the students and each participating student was given a certificate. At the end of the training series, all the participating students were invited to participate in a quiz. Three lucky students answering all the questions correctly will be awarded personal health and safety kits.

In 2016, a total of 717 final year students took part in the training which was conducted at all 12 Vocational Schools and the Apprenticeship School at the Chamber of Shopkeepers and Artisans. Health and safety at work is one of the areas where the EU has had the biggest impact – with a solid legal framework covering the maximum number of risks with the minimum number of regulations. The Commission also works with the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions to disseminate information, offer guidance and promote healthy working environments.
Vocational training opportunities prepare people for interesting and challenging careers, as well as active engagement in society. Vocational education and training is a desirable option for people of all ages, and prepares people for jobs the world over. Quality training develops the creative and innovative potential of learners. Upskilling and reskilling throughout life is key to improved job opportunities and better integration in society. Lifelong learning enhances social inclusion, diversity, and active citizenship.