The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Klea Papaellina, during the fifth Annual Dialogue with Volunteer Organizations, noting that the total budget for the Deputy Ministry’s State Aid Programs for 2026 amounts to €27 million to support 142 social care organizations.

According to a press release, Ms. Papaellina stated that the funds will be allocated to support 142 organizations that provide services to the elderly, people with disabilities, children, vulnerable groups, victims of violence, and other citizens in need, emphasizing that the government is making a substantial investment in collaboration with the organized volunteer movement.

In her speech, the Deputy Minister highlighted the Annual Dialogue as a key tool for communication and cooperation between the government and volunteer organizations, while also expressing her gratitude to the PSSE for its contribution to promoting volunteerism and supporting hundreds of organizations and structures throughout Cyprus.

Referring to developments in the field of volunteering, she noted that a comprehensive operational framework has been established for the PSSE, the Community Volunteer Councils, and the Community Volunteer Committees, while making special mention of the signing, in January 2026, of the first Pan-Cypriot Sectoral Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Community Volunteer Councils and Community Volunteer Committees.

Ms. Papaellina also referred to the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, noting that more than 300 events have already been planned throughout Cyprus.

At the same time, she announced the organization of a joint Volunteerism Conference this coming September, with the aim of attracting new retirees to volunteer and harnessing their experience and knowledge for the benefit of society.

In presenting the work of the Deputy Ministry, Ms. Papaellina referred to the reforms being promoted in the areas of social participation, inclusion, and independent living for people with disabilities, the first National Strategy and Action Plan for Early Childhood Education and Care 2025–2030, strengthening child protection, changes to the child allowance, as well as the National Strategies on Autism, Disability, and Active Aging.

In conclusion, Ms. Papaellina reaffirmed that volunteer organizations are strategic partners of the state, emphasizing that the common goal remains the building of an inclusive society, where no one is left behind and all citizens have access to quality services and equal opportunities to participate in social life.

The Annual Dialogue was held in collaboration with the Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinating Council (PSSE), in the presence of, among others, PSSE President Ilias Dimitriou, the Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Yiannis Nikolaidis; the Director of Social Welfare Services, Maria Kyratzi; Ioannis Vassiliadis, Head of the Welfare Benefits Management Service, and Christina Flourent.

Source: CNA