As part of the youth exchange in the Republic of Cyprus, participants attended a training at the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, where the lecture was led by Ms. Maria Christou, Director of the Cyprus Productivity Centre.
The training and discussion focused on topics that concern young people across Europe—employment, skills development, equal access to the labor market, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. During the conversation, Ms. Christou briefly presented the activities of the Productivity Center as an institution that supports government policy regarding employment, professional qualification, and enhancing the competitiveness of the workforce.
The event was carried out with the assistance of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria, whose partnership contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and the successful realization of the visit.
The official Bulgarian delegation supporting the institutional visits includes:
• Rositsa Kirova – Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee for Direct Citizen Participation
– Petar Mladenov – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
• Tanya Mihaylova – Chief of the Cabinet of the Minister of Education and Science
– Monika Yanakieva – Director at the Center for Human Resource Development
– Col. Petar Kindalov – Commander of the National Guard Unit
• Col. Iliya Milushev – Advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
– Mariana Shoteva – Chair of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv
• Giuseppe De Francesco – Honorary Consul of Italy in Plovdiv
• Iliana Andonova – Representative of the Embassy of Cyprus in Bulgaria
She shared that Cyprus is actively investing in training programs and initiatives for acquiring new skills, particularly in the areas of digitalization, the green economy, and innovation. Special attention was given to the role of young people as drivers of social and economic change, as well as the need to combine education with practical experience and internship programs.
The exchange youth actively participated in the discussion, sharing their observations and questions about opportunities for realization after completing education, as well as the challenges faced by young professionals in Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Europe. In response, Ms. Christou emphasized that Cyprus encourages cross-sector collaboration between institutions, businesses, and educational centers to ensure a smooth transition from education to the labor market.
“In today’s world, young people need not only to seek jobs but to create opportunities—for themselves and others,” emphasized Ms. Hristu, encouraging participants to think entrepreneurially, adapt to new technologies, and believe in their own ideas.
The meeting concluded with mutual thanks and a readiness for future collaborative initiatives aimed at sharing best practices in the fields of youth employment, social responsibility, and vocational education.
The participation of the “Youth Guard Units” association in the Republic of Cyprus is part of an international youth exchange dedicated to European values, leadership, and the development of cooperation among young people from the member states of the European Union.
The program includes a series of visits and training sessions with representatives from government institutions, educational and sports organizations, as well as experts in the fields of security, foreign policy, and social integration.
The “Youth Guard Squads Association” holds accreditation No. 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000297794 under the “Erasmus+” program, which ensures the sustainability and long-term development of projects in the areas of youth policies, leadership, and civic education.
The organization actively participates in international initiatives aimed at fostering values, responsibility, and innovative thinking among young people – including meetings and joint training sessions in the Vatican, Montenegro, the Italian Republic, and the Republic of Cyprus.
Photos: Milen Torbev
